A Lil' Less Lost

Book Two

The Kingsmen MC

Tara Oakes

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

First edition. October 1, 2014

Copyright c. 2014 Tara Oakes

Written by Tara Oakes

Published by Smashwords

Book Cover: Image from Tatiana Vila, www.viladesign.net

TO MY LAMBCHOP, MY LOVE

This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to your favorite ebook retailer and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

When I sat down to start writing Jay and Lil's story, I had no idea it would turn into what it has. This has become such a fantastic journey for me. I started it alone, with only my laptop and a daydream.  Along the way, I've met and connected with so many great people, fans, and readers.

This book is a collaborative effort with the great team around me now.  They shared in all the  craziness and hard work it took to publish this book and let Jay and Lil's story continue to unfold.  I hope they are as proud as I am of finished book and look forward to all the craziness we'll share creating Book three in the Kingsmen MC series.

First, I must thank Laura Classi, editor-extrodinaire.  I must say, she probably went through a couple of red pens while working on the first edit.  But, her patience and hard work is immeasurable.  I truly hope she feels the same sense of accomplishment that I do with thie finished product.

Next, a couple of crazy Beta readers were along for this journey.  Leslie... I'm so thankful for all of your input.  You went through quiet a bit during this book and I am very thankful that you still found the time to read for me.  I know you're going to make it through this and I can't wait to send you book after book to keep you busy.  Although she's as big of a spoiler whore as I am, and knows the plan for my characters... I hope to throw a few surprises her way and keep her on her toes.

Alison.  What to say about Alison....  The first thing, I wish you had been around for book one!  I'm so proud of 'A Lil' Less Broken' but can only wonder at the changes I would have made if I had had your input then.  Well, eyes forward!  At least I have you now.  Get ready for book three!

Jen.  She may be busy with four kids of her own, and tons of animals to take care of... but, she managed to carve out a bit of time for me.  Her input has been more than helpful and I love how she thinks out of the box.  The Biker Friendly Reference was all her idea, as she was not an MC reader and had no idea what I was throwing her way.  Not only did it help many of you.... but it helped her when she met a large group of real life hot MC brothers traveling across country this past summer.  Real life bikers!  Tons of them.  I was so jealous!

Next, I need to thank all of my Trollops.  The street team is pretty new, but man are they some busy ladies!  Click, click, click.... keep on clickin' ladies!  I can count on you guys to perk me up with the pics you guys post!  We can always use a few more Trollops, so if you are looking for a place to chat with some other ladies who have an affliction for bad boys with tats and love to post pics of 'em in between pimpin posts, come find us at Tara's Teasing Trollops.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/318946748286324/

Thanks to all of the bloggers that have been so, so supportive to this newbie author.  I've learned so much from working with all of you and  thank you all very much for all of the book love.  One of these bloggers, Jordan Marie, of Not Another Damn Blog cannot be thanked enough.  How she has enough time in her day to deal with us is beyond me.  She has an answer for every question and works tirelessly to help others.  Thanks Jordan.  Thanks for everything.  These voices in my head find their way out onto the keyboard.  I can't wait to hear what the voices in yours turn out as.

Finally... Desire'.  Without knowing what I was getting myself into when I published 'A Lil' Less Broken'ֽin July,  I soon learned just how much was involved. I would never be able to do it on my own, and all of these great girls that I have mentioned so far have helped tremendously.  But none so much as Desiree.  She has been my right hand, someone to bounce things off of, and a terrific personal assistant.  Writers are blessed to have these assistants help manage this crazy book filled world and I am truly blessed to have Desiree.  She doesn't realize just how damn good she is, and she is irreplaceable.  I may have written the books, but she is the one to make sure you know about them.  She's got a talent and can work her way around social media like it's nobody's business!  Often, we end up in Facebook jail... but we have a fun time doing it.  Now... I must find a way to get her a meet and greet with her Collin....

My Husband cannot be thanked enough for willfully giving me up at times to disappear into my writing.  It's been a lot of long nights, and busy days, but he has been so supportive and helpful allowing me to give it my all... even if that means I'm borrowing some of that “all” from other areas.  He's often the one to read your reviews first, and shoot me a text that a new one has come in.  It is absolutely adorable how he looks out for me.  Now... if only I can get him to agree to get a tat on those fantastic biceps of his... oh well, baby steps.

And finally, thank you all raking the time to open this book and take time out of your own lives to share in the Kingsmen's.  As an avid reader myself, I know what it's like to select a book and settle in for a good ride.  I can only hope that I've given you all that.

BIKER FRIENDLY REFERENCE

The life of a biker, although foreign to most of us, is a very intriguing subculture with its own laws, rules, language, and traditions.  Hopefully this reference will help the rest of us get to know a bit more about them before we take a peek into the lives of Lil's and Jay, two people born and raised in the secret world of the M.C., full of passion, loyalty, fierce family bonds and... danger.

TERMS

1%er -

The small population of biker clubs that consider themselves outside the law. They often run operations in gambling, guns, prostitution, smuggling, paid protection, drugs, and more. They are considered to be the baddest of the bad, and the roughest of the rough.

Brother -

Club members within the same club refer to each other as “Brother.” They have made a vow to protect and take care of each other as family.

Cage-

An automobile, usually a van.

Church –

A club meeting to be attended by patched brothers only. Most clubs run as a democracy and important matters are voted on during meetings.

Club Mama –

Women who regularly attend events and interact with the M.C. They may aspire to become an Ol' Lady one day but do not yet have a patch holder. They may spend time with many different bikers within a club but have loyalty to the club first before a man. They are considered to be a little bit more respected than a “Sweet Butt”.

Cut -

Refers to the the leather vest worn by most bikers in a club.

MC-

Acronym for Motorcycle Club.

Ol' Lady –

A term of affection used for the main woman, or wife of a club member. She is given his protection and is considered off limits to any other biker. Women are not considered club members, but rather have associations to the club through their ol' man, or their patch holder.

Nomad –

A member of an MC that is currently without a specific charter. They are still considered a brother but they choose not to offer specific allegiance to a designated charter; instead they are loyal to the club organization on the whole.

Patched in –

When a prospect completes his initiation period and is voted in to become a full-fledged club member, or “Brother”

Patches –

The cloth patches or embroidered designs added to bikers’ vests, or cuts, that identify which club  he belongs to, the location of their specific charter, and their position in it. Other patches can be added to signify milestone events. Example: If the member has ever served prison time for his club, or killed for it.

Piece –

A gun.

Pig -

A law enforcement officer.

Prospect –

Those who desire to become full fledged patched members must complete an initiation period as a prospect before a final vote is taken as to whether or not they can fully join. Prospects usually are given the worst assignments and must prove their loyalty and worth to the club.

Rag –

Another term for a leather vest, or cut, but worn by a woman, given to her by her ol' man to signify that she is his “property” and is off limits. An ol' lady's rag does not usually bear the club name, logo or charter as she is not a club member. It simply states “Property of_____”.

Sweet Butt –

A term used to describe a woman who is “used” by members in a club. They are usually welcome at club parties, or “Brother only” parties, but they are never allowed at family events. It is a derogatory term and there is very little respect for these ladies by club members.

Tat –

A tattoo. Full-fledged club members, or brothers, often have the club patches permanently tattooed on their bodies to signify they are members even if they’re not wearing their cuts. An ol' lady will usually have a tattoo to honor her ol' man to signify that she is his property even if she is not wearing her rag.

CHAPTER ONE

JAY

Thank God.  I've never found myself to be a truly religious person, but at this moment I would thank any god in existence. She was alive... I had known it in my gut. I almost allowed myself to believe that she could have been taken from me; but she is alive. Now I've got to fucking find her before that changes.

The morgue had not been what I expected, too many scary movies and T.V. shows to thank for that. I was prepared for some dark, dreary cement basement with remnants of death scattered around. Instead, it had been a bright, sterile, and organized space filled with office supplies and computers. The faint antiseptic scent couldn't be masked though. Even though I was holding my breath in anticipation of possible heartbreak, the scent broke through.

I had no idea who that girl on the metal platform was, but the only thing I cared about at this point was that it wasn't my baby, it wasn't Lil's. Sure she was about the same size, same deep brown hair color, and looked to be around the same age, but she was definitely not my girl. I couldn't concern myself with the true identity of that poor thing right now. I need to focus on the only thing that matters.

The elevator door opened and immediately the loud sounds of unorganized chaos and mutiny greeted me as I walked out into the lobby area. Leather-clad men and crying women pushed and swarmed their way around the room searching for any tidbit of information and comfort from each other.

There was too much electrified energy in the room for many of the familiar faces to notice that I had arrived. Pulling my two fingers to my lips, I whistled out the loudest cat call I could manage to break the frenzy and draw their attention my way.

“It's not her! It's not her!” I bellowed out to the sea of grief-stricken faces staring blankly toward me. A pack mentality had set in at some point and I could sense that my words were slow to register.

My pop rushed toward me leaving my mom to collect her tissues and dab at her wet cheeks, several of the ol' ladies taking his place in resuming his now absent comfort. His own eyes were red but they were dry. I couldn't have been more than five years old when he told me for the first time that real men don't cry.

He grabbed hold of my neck and pulled me in, clasping hard around my shoulders. “You sure? They all said it was her...”

I nodded blankly, robotically. “It's not her. I saw it with my own eyes... it's not her.”

My pop took in my words, carefully mulling them over. I could see the thoughts running around behind his gaze. This was not my dad right now this was my club President, and he was figuring this shit out. He swallowed hard, moving into action.

Whipping around, he started calling out to the stunned mob in front of us. “Dewey, you call the rounds. I want at least fifteen men from every fucking charter here by tomorrow.” He methodically moved from brother to brother instructing and rallying the troops.

“Tiny... you need to tell your ma what's going on. I want you to stay with her in case Lil's tries to make contact.” The huge man looked dumbfounded by the recent revelation. The poor guy went from mourning his sister to taking orders in barely sixty seconds.

“Everybody else... women and children are locked down at the clubhouse as of now. I want two men staked out at Butch's house, Tiny's house, Jay's and mine.” People started to move about, taking direction and acting on our new sense of purpose. It wasn't often that shit hit the fan, but when it did, this club knew how to close ranks pretty fucking fast.

Butch took my pops and me aside, barely able to hide his emotion. “This ain't fucking right, Vince... you know she got caught up in this shit with Slayers. We need to go find them right fuckin' now and get my daughter!” The man was on the verge of madness. Butch may not have won fucking Father of the Year but I had no doubt that he would sell his soul to the devil himself right now to bring his baby girl back safe.

My pops held the poor man up. “We gotta be smart about this, brother... every step gotta be right on the fucking money. We don't know that they have her, but if they do, I'm not gonna give him any damn reason to do something stupid here.” Butch bit his lip and cursed under his breath at his president before my pop could finish. “We're gonna find her. We're gonna get her back home. I need you to fall in line.. wait for the manpower to show up before we make a move,” my father finished.

Turning back to me, pops added, “Help him back to the clubhouse. Church in one hour... make sure everyone knows” before turning and heading back to my mom.

Butch barely waited for my pop to clear out before he started on me. “You gonna let this happen, boy? I give you my daughter and you gonna let this fuckin' happen?”

I pulled Butch's arm sharply so that we were huddled, voices too low to be detected. “You follow him to clubhouse. Keep him busy, stall him if he starts looking for me.”

Butch's eyes grew, absorbing my hushed words and nodded in silent agreement. “You find her... you bring her back. I swear I'll fucking kill you myself if you don't.”

I squeezed his shoulder in camaraderie. Although I had no reason to doubt his threats were real, I welcomed them. If I couldn't save her, then I had no reason left to live. He was a father, desperate to find his child and keep her safe. Little did he know, so was I.

******

I peeled out onto the main highway, doubling my speed and racing along, pushing my bike past its normal limits.  It was too much to take in. I had shut down the moment I picked up the phone and heard that she took off. The club had provided me with more than enough experience in fucked up shit to know that I needed to block it all out, go on autopilot. Every second fuckin' mattered and I would be of no use to her if my head got too messed up to think straight.

The roaring of my motor edged me along as I willed myself not to feel... picturing the blood pumping in my veins turning to ice. My muscles turned to steel, my anger turned to bullets.

At first I had thought that maybe she bolted again, even though she seemed different this time, stronger. But what else could have explained why she would just take off? Finding the pregnancy test left on the bathroom counter added fuel to my suspicions.  Maybe it was too much for her? Too much too fast and she needed to get away again.

Her voice was all I needed to hear to know that she hadn't left of her own free will.  She answered her cell but hung up before I was able to get any real information from her.  Still, her voice gave enough away... there was panic to it.  Anger and sadness. I set that new hot shit prospect on combing the police scanners and hacking into the traffic cameras to try to track her down. Less than twenty minutes later an anonymous 911 call came in about a shooting at the old plastic factory.

The first responders called in a chopper to airlift a female gunshot wound to the E.R.  That's when I shut down. That's when the inner hunter, the killer in me, took over. I knew that my baby was in some deep shit.

THEN

Lil's had been one of the last of her friends to turn eighteen, with each one of them celebrating and living it up to mark the occasion. When it was Christine’s turn, Lil's tagged along for yet another girls’ night out. With her own birthday about four months away, she played the dutiful best friend and planned something to mark Christine's big day. I had never liked the bitch. Something about the way she looked at me, flirted just a little too much, laughed just a little too loud... no way for a true friend of Lil's to be acting around her friend's man.

I had no doubt that if I wanted to, I could get her to drop her panties for me with no more than a wink and a fuckin' smile. Some best friend. But, Lil's swore she was the closest friend she had and even though I'd been out of town a lot on runs for the club and wanted to spend the night alone with her, Lil's went out with her girls to celebrate.

I knew they would be bar hopping downtown. Lil's wasn't much of a drinker, even with her fake I.D. I laughed when I had found it, opening her wallet to put some cash in. She hated taking money from me, but was never very good at keeping track of exactly how much cash she had on hand. Every couple of days I would slip another few twenties in, and she never seemed to catch on. She managed to get it from some geeky kid at school, and it was probably one of the worst excuses for a fake I.D. I had ever seen. All she had to do was ask me and I would have hooked her up with a pretty legit one. But, Lil's liked her independence and I'm sure it made her feel pretty good to get one on her own, so I never let on that I knew about it.

I knew Lil's was a good girl, but here she was dressed to kill, stepping out on me to hang out with a bunch of girls that tried to act older by making spectacles of themselves. No matter how much shit they piled on their face or how tight they made their clothes, any guy with half a fucking brain could tell that they weren't much older than jailbait.

I had just bought my house a few weeks earlier and boxes and shit were still piled high in all the rooms. The bitch that Tiny was seeing decided to fuck around with her boss, so my newly single best friend was chilling with me tonight, drinking a few beers, ordering a pizza and watching the boxing match on demand.

I loved Lil's. I hadn't gotten around to telling her word for word yet, but she knew. Hell, I bought her a fucking house for Christ's sake. Don't get me wrong... ma had made it pretty comfortable to stay home, with doing all my laundry, making home cooked meals, and giving me plenty of privacy when I needed it. But something about a twenty four year old guy trying to get to third base with his girl in his parents’ fucking basement just reeked of loser to me.

I had saved more money than most middle-aged assholes could ever hope to and decided it was time to get a place of my own. The club kept me busy, but it also kept my pockets full of cash. I didn't think twice about throwing a pile of it down on a house that I knew Lil's had always had her eye on.

Butch was my sworn brother, a fellow club member, but I wasn't in denial about his shortcomings as a father. He loved his kids, but love don't always make up for a two-bit dad who lets his kids bounce around between him and his ex like a fucking ping pong ball. Marie, Lil's mom and Butch's ex, was constantly moving from rental to rental and Butch spent more time behind bars than most Kingsmen. I wanted to give Lil's what she had always wanted, a home of her own. A safe place that she could always come to and always call hers. The added bonus of not having parents and a brother lurking around wasn't lost on us either.

We were getting serious and I was being more patient than I ever thought remotely possible. Hopefully Lil's and I would make good use of the privacy and my new bed soon, before I fucking burst from one more case of blue balls. But, here I was on a fucking Friday night eating pizza and drinking beer with her fucking brother instead of finally burying myself in her and breaking in my new mattress. Tiny was my best friend and I loved him like my own brother, but he wasn't my first choice in companionship this fine evening. Nevertheless, he came through like a goddamned champ when I called him and invited him over because my girl ditched me for the night. He even brought the beer.

I held out my bottle and cheered him, silently thanking my buddy when my phone rang, interrupting our little moment. Lil's number flashed on the screen. I hit the call button while watching the second round of the match on my new flat screen. “Hey babe... miss me already?”

Silence. I checked my phone to make sure that the call was still connected. “Jay?” Sweet voice, but definitely not Lil's. I sat forward, tensing a little bit. Something was off. “Jay, it's Christine...”

I grabbed the remote and muted the T.V. Tiny dropped his pizza onto his plate, with a mouth full of crust and called out “The fuck?” I held out my finger to him, signaling him to hold on.

“Christine, where's Lil's?” Something was definitely wrong and Tiny was catching wind of it from my end of the conversation.

“She's here... she's just a little sick. I... I had to use her phone... mine's dead,” Christine explained. “Shit, Lil's... noooo... not on my new shoes!”

Fucking bitch! I could hear Lil's hacking up in the background and this chick was worried about her fucking shoes?

“What bar are you guys at? I'm coming right now,” I shouted.

There was a long delay. Too long. “Well, we kind of left the bar. I was invited to a party and everything was fine, but then Lil's started feeling sick and now she won't stop puking.”

I saw red. “WHERE ARE YOU, CHRISTINE?”

The girl's voice was shaking now, unsure how to answer me. “The Beta Kai house on campus. We're in the bathroom.”

Fuck. “Do not move. Do not leave that room, do you hear me? I'll be right there. And Christine?”  I tried to hold back my anger, afraid the girl might bolt and leave Lil's alone before I could get there. “You leave her side and you fucking answer to me.”

Tiny was already up and grabbing his keys, waiting for me, and I slammed the door behind us. We took my truck, leaving our bikes parked. With Lil's sick and in no condition to ride and who knows how many of her friends that would need rides home, we needed the extra seats.

The Clearwater campus of South Carolina State University was twenty minutes away, but with the absence of traffic this time of night, we were able to make it in fifteen. The fraternity houses were on the main road heading into campus. I took an educated guess that Beta Kai was the one with all the kids in front.

I pulled my truck onto the main lawn, causing more than one kid to have to jump out of the way. Tiny and I hustled into the large house and pushed our way through the crowd of drunken coeds. Loud music pumped through the space and the stale air stunk of beer, cheap weed, and Cheetos. I pulled the first frat boy looking kid I could find and threw him up against the wall.

“Bathroom! Where's your fucking bathroom?” I screamed out to be heard over the music. Not a bad way to make an entrance. We had already garnered most everyone's attention, obviously out of place. Our leather biker vests didn't exactly fit in with this J.Crew crowd.

The kid couldn't have been more than twenty years old, and was inebriated. He pointed to a small hallway lined with doors. I dropped him, leaving him to collapse on his less-than-sturdy sea legs.

The crowd cleared a path for us, with no one wanting to be the next victim. Tiny opened the first door, which turned out to be a pantry. The blond tramp on her knees nearly bit down on the cock in her mouth from shock at the sudden audience, leaving the guy in front of her to gasp and push her head away. Tiny and I both looked at each other. Fuck. That's gonna leave a mark. He slammed the door shut.

The next door was locked when I tried the handle. I banged on the door. “Christine?! You in there?”

The door knob jolted a little and the door opened inward. Christine looked relieved to see us, and stepped forward. “Oh, thank God...”

I pushed the bitch out of the way and knelt down to Lil's slumped body on the floor resting her head on the tub. Lil's had always had a tanned, sun kissed complexion but now she looked pale. She tried to lift her head at the sound of my voice but was overtaken by a bout of dry heaves. Her hands were shaking and her skin was clammy. She called out to me from under her loose hair.  “Jay?” she whispered hoarsely.

I scooped her up and carried her out, Tiny pushing Christine to follow. Lil's sobbed quietly in my arms, head buried in my shoulder. Making our exit, some asshole with beer muscles stepped out into our path. “You fuckers don't belong here.”

I turned to Tiny and nodded my head in the frat boy's direction. The kid didn't have a chance to finish his sentence before Tiny decked him and knocked him out cold, while barely losing stride. Tiny may not be a physicist but he was one mother fucking strong wingman. The crowd fell back and we made it to the truck without any other incident. Christine was the first to hop into the back, and I placed Lil's across the seat, head in her friend's lap, before we jetted out of there.

******

I had stripped Lil's of the nasty clothes covered in her own vomit and used a cool washcloth to wipe her down. I covered her in one of my t-shirts and settled her into my bed. Tiny had taken Christine home and returned with Pedialyte, ginger ale, and aspirin. Lil's hadn't thrown up in a couple of hours and was able to sip small amounts of cool water every few minutes, but was still looking pretty green. I left her to sleep it off and joined Tiny in the kitchen.

“She alright, brother?” Tiny and Lil's had always been close, and I could see the worry on him.

I nodded, taking the beer he offered me. “She'll be fine in a day or two. Gonna have one helluva headache in the morning.”

Tiny was a man of few words. He didn't have much in this world... his bike, his cut, and his sister. When either one of those things were threatened, let's just say I wouldn't want to be on the other end of it.

“You think she's just hungover, then?” he asked.

I knew what he was getting at. Plenty of bitches came into the clubhouse looking to party and wound up drinking themselves stupid. We had seen it too many times to count, and this just didn't fit the mold. Lil's was a tiny thing, barely a buck twenty if I had to guess, but she hated hard liquor and got tipsy enough after two beers to cut herself off. There was more than a strong possibility that someone had slipped her something.

Lil's was drop dead gorgeous in a girl-next-door, Neutrogena commercial kind of way. A girl like that with a body like hers in a frat house full of douche bags was a prime target. Especially someone as trusting as her. I dropped my bottle in the sink and turned to Tiny. “How's about you and me clean that place out tomorrow night?  Make sure they can't have any more parties with sick girls for a while?”

Tiny nodded, eyes on fire. “Sounds pretty good to me, brother.”

I left him to crash on the sofa, and headed in to Lil's. She was sound asleep with even, steady breathing and her skin was cool and dry. Hopefully the worst was over. I pulled her close and slid in bed next to her, holding her, watching her. She was perfection. Even with her messed up hair and running makeup, she was perfect to me. And I would fucking wreck any person who ever tried to mess with that.

CHAPTER TWO

NOW

I pulled up in front of the rundown apartment building on Vine Street in one of the sketchier parts of town, cut my bike, and headed in while retrieving my piece from my back waistband. It was loaded... it was always loaded. I turned off the safety and engaged the barrel.

I had a prospect across the street for days now, scoping things out and keeping an eye on this place. Something’s felt off for a while and I'm glad I sent him when I did. With all the shit that's been going down the last few weeks with Shade and the rest of the Slayers, you'd think the asshole would put some muscle around to keep his ol' lady safe? There wasn't one Slayer within miles of this dump. It was another piece that didn't fit well in this fucked up puzzle.

I banged on the door to apartment 3B and stood ready... ready for whatever came out of it. The door opened slightly, the safety chain on the opposite side preventing any more space. Worn eyes stared back at me, taking me in. Her cigarette stained voice rasped out, “The fuck do you want? Came to apologize for your ol' lady? Or maybe you’re tired of babysitting little girls and you want to play with a real woman?”

Fuck that. I had hit this one time shortly after Lil's split, and double bagged it back then. No way was I in line for seconds. Vicky was a local stripper, kind of a legend in these parts. But she had lived a hard life and it was starting to catch up with her. Shade seemed to have aged her a bit, too. I knew they were fucking around the last few months but nothing on the radar pointed to him having an ol' lady. Another piece that didn't fit.

I ignored her open invitation.  “You alone? You got Shade in there?” I already knew from the prospect's reports that she was alone, the only visitors being a Chinese food delivery man and a courier from the pharmacy.

Vicky laughed hard, angry. The bandages and bruises covering her face must not have reacted well to the sudden facial movements. She winced. “I haven't seen that motherfucker since they dropped me off in the E.R. Just left me there. You looking for him? I want no part of it.”

Just as I thought. “We gotta talk, Vicky. Open up or I'm busting it down.”

Her blue eyes rolled and closed. We hadn't known each other well but she knew well enough to either open the fucking door or step back. The chain rattled and she let the door swing open fully while holding out an arm in a mock greeting. “Welcome to my shit hole... make yourself at home”

I scanned the room for any surprises. The prospect had been certain of his info, but after Blue and T.J. fucked things up with Lil's, I no longer had any faith in the lot of them.

The place was clear. I sat down at the kitchen table and placed the gun in front of me with my hand resting on it.  No room for error here.  This bitch needed to know the severity of the predicament she was in.  I had no time for bullshit information that would lead me on some wild goose chase.  I needed the real deal... and nothing gets that faster than a little bit of heat.

The place was small, unkept and smelled of cheap ass perfume.. pharmacy store type stuff. Shade was a nasty son of a bitch, but no way he would let his ol' lady hole up in a joint like this.

She was unshowered, wrapped in her robe despite it being three in the fucking afternoon and looked to be sky high on a little medical-induced vacation. She eyed my piece and sat slowly across from me.

I cleared my throat. “Where's your ol' man?”

We were playing a game. She knew it, I knew it. We just needed to make the moves for formality's sake.

Her eyes twitched. “He's on his way here right now.. taking me out tonight.”

Humph. That's unlikely. Vicky wasn't the type of woman you took out in public.

“Really? I have it on good authority that he's not.” I patted the gun for emphasis. “Let's cut the bullshit. I also know that your hospital tab is still unpaid and you're about two months overdue in your rent. Seems to me that Shade's falling short lately.... Maybe it's time to cut the pretense, jump ship while you still can, and maybe make out ahead in this little shit storm?”

Vicky's eyes widened. She was definitely interested. Bitches like this had no loyalty, although Shade definitely didn't warrant any.

“I gave Shade a hundred grand after your little run in with my ol' lady to cover your recovery. Seems to me the bastard doesn't want to share. Maybe we need to make a new deal, let's say... cut out the middleman?”

Vicky was practically salivating. “How do I know you won't fuck me over like he did?”

Well, at least the meds hadn't completely fucked up her sense of reason.

I sat back. “Darlin'... I may be a lot of things, but I'm no fucking liar. You come with me to my clubhouse, we'll offer you protection until you get set up with the cash far away from here. Start over. Hell, maybe go straight and try to salvage this train wreck of a life you got goin' for yourself?” I gestured at the apartment to serve as extra reinforcement.

She adjusted herself, clearly mulling over the options. She was no fool. She had gotten mixed up with enough bad mother fuckers to know this didn't have a happy ending. She had an out and she needed to take it while she could.

“You can keep me safe? Shade thinks for a second that I snitch on him and you swear that he gets nowhere near me?” I nodded. She breathed relief. “What about your ol' lady? She's not exactly a warm person... can't picture her welcoming me with open arms.”

It turned my stomach to even hear this whore mention Lil's. Little did she know that right know she was my girl's best chance. She didn't need that information, though. If she knew I wasn't too sure she'd be that eager to help save the woman who busted her face.

“Not sure how Slayers do things, but Kingsmen don't let their women interfere with shit. You got my word that you won't even see her.”

That seemed to seal the deal. She nodded, left the table to pack some shit, and we cleared out in less than fifteen minutes. I may be offering her a pretty sweet deal, but desperate bitches do desperate things. I kept an eye on her to make sure she didn't try to sneak a call or message, leaking my plans to anyone. The prospect was still out front, some army vet named Leo. Young kid who served time in Afghanistan until they had no more use for him and then shipped his ass home, unemployed and bitter. Not exactly executive material, but he suited the outlaw life just fine. I stuck Vicky's ass on the back of his bike and we sped away to the clubhouse.

No less than three or four miles away did I get the text message from Butch.

BUTCH: STALLED LONG AS  I COULD

YOUR POPS GOT A HARD ON TO

START CHURCH ASAP WITH OR

WITHOUT YOU

No matter. Pops could have his little meeting, plan his carefully thought-out strategy. I know he means well, thinking about protecting the club and everything but I was fully prepared to go rogue on this one if I had to. No way was I risking any shit happening at all to Lil's or my baby while I'm sitting on my ass waiting for orders from my president.

The clubhouse was full of people. Family and close friends had been brought in on lockdown until this shit was clear. We didn't need anymore loved ones getting snatched up or dragged into this. Church must have already begun because their were no brothers to be seen. The only leather floating around was on the five or so prospects sifting around taking orders from the ol' ladies to be useful.

I grabbed Vicky by the elbow and led her over to where my ma was organizing some sort of table of food.

“Oh thank god! Where the fuck have you been? I was worried sick about you.” She stopped short when she noticed the pile of blond haired trash next to me, and shot me a hard gaze.

“Ma... this is Vicky. She's here under our protection. She was Shades ol' lady.” The emphasis on the title was important for my mom to catch onto. I needed her to be on the same page without tipping Vicky off as to what's really going on here. Good ol' ma. She never missed a beat. She reached out for Vicky's bag and drew her closer, nodding while studying the damage to her face.

“Follow me, sweetheart. We'll get you set up in Tiny's old room. Keep you away from curious people.” Vicky appeared to welcome the motherly attention and headed in the direction my ma was pointing, eager to leave the stares and whispering around us.

I leaned in to my ma's ear. “You stick to her like glue. No phone calls, no visitors. She knows nothing yet.” Ma nodded and strode off behind her new assignment.

******

Pops had been pretty pissed at my late arrival to church, but didn't skip a beat. We were expecting over ninety men within hours, support from local charters sent in to help contain this shit. Provisions needed to be made, arrangements set up. No activity at any of the known Slayer locations. Shade had slipped off the radar.

Lil's hadn't shown up anywhere and the hospitals were still empty. Tiny was still with his ma. I had no doubt how that was going and didn't envy the poor bastard. That woman was more bitter than a fucking lemon and this was going to feed into her hatred of anything Kingsmen. She had spewed horrible, vile shit to Lil's for as long as I can remember. No doubt she had more than a little to do with Lil's splitting on me back then. It was a miracle that Lil's turned out as well as she did. She was nothing like her poor excuse of a mom. Lil's was pure hearted, almost to a fault. Some would say naïve but I knew she was just too trusting. She wanted to see the good in people and seemed to just over look the bad shit in order to find it. Thank God for that, too. I had enough shit on me to make most women want to run for the hills, but not my baby. She saw my soul, she saw my heart. I learned early on how to box those up and protect them from the things I did for my club. Lil's found a way to get to them, take care of them without my feeling compromised in the hardness I needed to live. She was one in a million and I needed to stop wasting fucking time and find her before that son of a bitch hurts her.

Pop had finished his checklist. Well, this was as good a time as any I suppose. I spoke up, loud enough for the thirty or so guys crammed into the room to be able to hear. “I picked up Shade's ol' lady... she's in one of the back rooms being sorted out by ma.” Careful. I avoided my pop. I could hear a fucking pin drop.

All eyes turned to my pop at the head of the table.  In this room, lines were rarely blurred. I was not his son at this table. I was his V.P. and here to follow my president's direction. My pop sat up straight. “What part of stand the fuck down did you not understand!?”

“What part of she's my ol' lady and I'm gonna find her did you not understand?” I shot back.

The room tensed. Butch was paying extra attention to the father/son exchange and seemed to be pleased.

“Clear out!! Everyone! Leave us alone.” Pop commanded as the brothers all took their leave, anxious to get the hell out of the hot zone. Vince was rarely questioned but when he was, it was never quiet. He held tight to the reigns of this ship for twenty fucking years now. You don't do that by showing weakness and letting your authority be jeopardized.

Butch filled the lone chair at the far end of the table, firm in his resolve to stay. Butch and my pop had been friends since before I was born but there was a healthy bit of shit between them, festering over time. This was not the time to air this bullshit.

Pop stared at Butch and then spoke aloud to neither one of us directly. “I realize this is some hard shit. But, brothers, we need to keep this thing in check. I love her just as much as either of you. I want to break down his fucking door with guns blazing and end this now but we need to be smart.” Butch bit his lip, but held his tongue as pop finished.

“He's not a fool. He's an evil son of a bitch but he's no fool. He's been after our interests for a long time and this is just his chance to try to take it. He's not gonna touch her unless he feels that he's out of options. We need to give him enough rope to hang himself before we push him off the fucking ledge”

Pop turned to me and put his hand on my shoulder. “Having his bitch here is good, I think... leverage, intel... whatever we can use her for.” He squeezed my shoulder, drawing my eyes to meet him. “But son, you ever disobey me like this and I will personally make sure you can't do it again.”

I nodded. “As long as we have the same goal here, then I'm on board. But the second I feel that there is a missed opportunity... it's a risk I'm willing to take.”

We sat and stared at each other long and hard. President to vice president, father to son, husband to ol' man. He exhaled sharply. “Fair enough. Now let's see what Shades' chick has to tell us.”

CHAPTER THREE

Turns out my suspicions were right on the money. Vicky and Shade were fucking around for a while but she was definitely not his ol' lady. He offered her no protection, no support, no financial help. Simply a fuck on a Friday night. Sounded about right.

She had run into Lil's and her girlfriends while they were out and was admittedly two sheets to the wind by the time she decided to push Lil's around. Lil's was never a fighter but could definitely hold her own if need be. She had always been athletic and was stronger than most girls I'd ever known... even though she was small.

That night, Lil's kicked Vicky's ass pretty good. Unfortunately there was a patched Slayers member in the bar and he felt the need to step in when Vicky's face was smashed into the corner of a bar table. I'm sure he knew his boss wouldn't really like it if his main piece of ass was busted on him. By the time a few more of his brothers showed up, Lil's friends had split with Christine, leaving to search for my help.

Vicky was dropped off at the emergency room and left there, while on our end pop set up the meeting with Shade.  The mother fucker played it off as his ol' lady was beat down just to squeeze a little extra out of us. He also managed to get a cut of the local chop shop action in exchange for Lil's and the promise that whatever new beef the bitch fight might have started was squashed. It was a no brainer. Sure it had cost me a hundred large but I would have paid triple that if necessary, to get her out of that hellhole.

Granted, it did benefit me as much as it did Shade, although in a different way. Lil's had taken off leaving me behind and she just recently walked right back into my life. I'd be damned if I was going to let any opportunity slip by that would keep her here with me.

******

We left Vicky with ma, and I headed to my old room. I needed to shower and wake myself up a bit before heading out again. I haven't had much use of this room in a while. It served as a place to crash and shower in between long club business and was a safe place to bring bitches whenever I needed a fuck. Before Lil's I had a different girl in this bed every goddamned night. Sometimes two. After Lil's left me, I made good use of it again. It felt wrong to bring a chick back to my house, Lils' house, even though it sat empty. It was something I just was not willing to do. So, this room made a good alternative. I had no use of it now. Might as well give it up to one of the younger brothers needing a place.

I turned on the shower and threw myself under the water welcoming the burn on my skin. Instinctively I wanted to lower the heat but I kept myself firm. I needed to feel it. I needed to feel something right now.

******

THEN

The steam escaping under the bathroom door was fading into the bedroom. Lil's had been in there an awful long time. I sat back on the bed and watched the door, waiting to see if she needed anything. The room was slightly messy, with Lil's prom dress and shoes scattered about on the floor. I smiled to myself remembering how easy that dress came off. It fit her like a fucking glove and the entire night I kept worrying about how I was going to get it off her.

I had already managed to strip the sheets shortly after Lil's jumped in the shower. I didn't need her to see the small streaks and drops of crimson on them, girls were weird about that shit. I knew from the beginning that Lil's had been a virgin and she had made me wait pretty damn long for her. Longer than I would have ever waited for any other girl.  Every single fucking minute of me wanting her and needing her had been worth it. She was mine before, but now she is mine in every sense of the word. She would never know another man, just me, and I would damn well make sure she never wanted to. I had fucked my fair share of women and was more than confident in the skills I had honed over the years, but being with Lil's like we were last night scared the shit out of me. I had never felt a loss of control like that. She had a way of making me lose myself in her and it terrified me almost as much as I needed to feel it again.

The water shut off and I looked up toward the door. I had held her in my arms all night and she seemed fine, but then this morning she rushed past me to the shower without so much as a word. She had never been shy around me before. We had spent enough time getting to know each other's bodies and learning what made the other person tick over the last year or so that I wasn't sure why there was a sudden bout of embarrassment on her part.  This shit was different for girls, I knew that. Hell! I can't even remember the first chick I banged. But I was certain Lil's would always remember last night. That was the difference. I was a prick about my first time and she was just being a chick about hers.

The bathroom door opened and Lil's slipped out in nothing but a towel, her hair all wavy from being toweled dry. I locked eyes with her, searching for any sign that she was hurt or in pain. She smiled to me shyly. “Hi..”

I laughed. “Hi.” She looked fine, no signs of trauma. Hell, she looked better than fine. There was still a moist sheen to her skin from the steam and her towel barely covered her upper thighs. My dick was starting to ache. She was breathing heavy with each breath plumping her already delicious tits a little bit. The towel held her girls in tight, squishing them down and together. I remembered how perfect they fit in my hands as I watched them rise and fall, begging me to rip off her towel and take their plumpness in my mouth one at a time.

I stood up and slowly stepped in front of her, tipping her chin in my hand and raising it to meet mine. Lil's was a tiny thing but she was the perfect height to bend down and kiss. I ran my tongue over her bottom lip and tugged gently, waiting for it to part before slipping my mouth onto hers. Damn this girl could kiss. Sometimes I think I could get off on kissing her alone if I did it long enough.  She was loosening up, I could feel the small bit of tension in her body evaporate with every stroke of my tongue.

I kissed her forehead while she rested on me. “You OK, Lil's.... Everything good? You know... nothing's...hurt?” I held my breath. I'll never forget the way she clamped up when I filled her for the first time last night. She was shocked and obviously in pain. I wanted to die at that moment for doing that to her.

She giggled below me. “It's all fine, babe. Just needed to soak for a little bit.” Thank God. I breathed a deep breath of relief and laughed at myself. Since when had I ever given two shits about what the other person felt? Never before Lil's. Now, it's all I worried about. I kissed her again, as tenderly as I could, careful not to push past any limit of not being able to return. She probably needed some time before that.

I held her for a while before she half jokingly complained that her hair was going to get all fucked up unless I let her go dry it. I left her alone to get ready and headed out to the garage to check on the truck. We had planned on driving to the coast and staying at a little bed and breakfast overnight. It was Lil's prom weekend and I wanted to take her someplace special. I had to have her back in time for graduation on Monday, so the choices were somewhat limited to driving distance. Tiny was being taken care of by my ma, Butch was still behind bars for another couple of weeks and Lil's hadn't spoken to her own mom since Tiny was shot. This was a perfect weekend to get away.

I was secretly relieved that Marie, Lil's mom was out of the picture for a while. The woman did nothing but bitch and moan and try to fill her daughter's head with poison. Tiny and I were thirteen when his folks split and let's just say it's been no walk in the park for anybody. It came down hardest on Lil's I think... and after almost everybody else had written Marie off, Lil's kept going back for more where she was concerned. She kept hoping that eventually it would be different and her mom would change.

The truck was packed up, cooler stocked and all gassed to go. I would have much rather have taken the bike but there was no way we would have room for everything.

Lil's opened the garage door and called out, “Do we need anything else before I lock up, baby?”

I yelled out in mock frustration. “Lil's... there's no way we need this much shit... just get your cute ass out here and let's go already.”

Lil's huffed and slammed the door shut behind her carrying another small bag. Damn. She looked smoking hot today. She was wearing the shortest little pair of blue shorts and a white flowing sheer shirt that showed off her bikini top underneath. Her perfect little legs were tanned and every curve and muscle was on display. Fuck. There goes my dick again.

We climbed in the cab and backed out of the garage, hitting the door remote to close after us. Lil's settled in, threw her shades on and immediately reached for the radio. I blocked her jokingly before she could hit a button.

“Not so fast there, baby girl.... What are you putting on?” I asked her accusingly. Lil's and I had very different tastes in music and there was no way in hell was I gonna let her subject me to her girlie crap for the next two hours.

She looked up at me and batted her eyelashes. She knew what she was doing. “Baby... I made this mix special for the trip.... please?” She moistened her lips and pursed them together plumping them up.

I growled. Great. She knows I can't say no to her when she begs. “Fine.. but you owe me.” I let go of her hand and gave up. Within seconds her phone was wired up and her music was blasting through the speakers. God damned. I would lose all respect if someone caught us heading out of town with Lady Antebellum blasting. I had a rep to protect.

The trip was moving along and Lil's had settled back resting her legs propping them on the dashboard. She abandoned her flip flops and her little painted toes were wiggling along to the music. God damn, I loved those legs. They were soft and strong and fit perfectly around my shoulders as I feasted on my girl, stroking her outer thighs as they quivered when I was finished and done making her explode.

I squirmed in my seat. Fuck. I can't keep thinking of this shit. We had about forty-five minutes of driving left and I would have a full-blown hard on in less than two if I didn't snap out of it. Lil's looked up from her reclined seat.

“You OK, baby? You need to get out and stretch? It's not too early, we could get out and have lunch... take a break from driving for a bit?”

Perfect. I needed to walk this shit off. I knew these roads pretty well from making runs for the club and remembered a little setback clearing where we sometimes made camp if it got too late. My memory served me correctly and I was able to find it pretty easily.

Lil's jumped out first and headed back to the truck bed to get the picnic stuff. I needed a minute to collect myself without embarrassing myself in front of my girl. I had enough self control to talk myself out of the beginning stages of a boner.

I opened the window and called out to the rear of the truck. “Lil's, don't you dare try to take that cooler down. Leave it for me.” Alright, I was settled enough to get out.

The cooler wasn't very heavy but it was awkward to grip. I carried it, following Lil's lead to the grassy area, while she selected a patch of shade and set out a blanket. I sure enjoyed the view of her tight little ass as she led the way. It was almost ninety degrees and whatever bit of shade we could find was welcomed. She kicked off her shoes and peeled off her overshirt to cool off in her bikini top.

“FUCK NO!” I stopped dead in my tracks. She turned around to stare at my outburst. I put the cooler down and picked up her shirt handing it back to her. “No way can I just sit here and eat lunch looking at you like that.. uh uh.. you gotta cover up, baby.”

Lil's looked at the shirt, then my crotch registering my growing erection, and then up to my eyes. She took the shirt from me and tossed it aside onto the cooler, and walked into my arms. “Who says you need to just look at me?” She started to unbutton my belt and licked her lips.

“Baby...” I put my hands over hers, pausing her actions. “You don't need to do this. You need some time I think, you know...”

She playfully threw my hands off. “I don't NEED to do anything, Jay. I want to...” She reached up on her tip toes and kissed my neck. “Besides... I owe you remember?” Her fingers went back to work unbuckling and unbuttoning me.

I moaned in defeat. “All right, woman... Have your way with me.”

I could feel Lil's laughs into my stomach as she kissed down my body making her way to where she was needed. God she felt so good right now. She had only started blowing me about six months ago, but, man, she had become a pro at it.

I could feel a bead of sweat forming on my brow, it was fucking hot out. The heat from Lil's mouth on me made it even hotter. But, damn, I would walk over the burning coals in hell for this girl. She was really getting into it, grabbing my ass and stifling small moans into my cock. She loved to blow me, I knew it gets her crazy.

“Baby...” I ran my fingers through her long wavy hair. I knew she was listening but she didn't lose her rhythm.  “Play with yourself, baby... I want to see you touch yourself.”

She froze momentarily, mid-stride up my length. It wasn't a long hesitation, but I could definitely notice it before she carried on. Her hands were still glued to my ass. I reached around and released one, guiding it down to her. “Play with yourself, baby... It would really fuckin' turn me on right now.”

I was already pretty damn turned on, but I knew she would enjoy it much more than me. She just needed a little motivation. I could hear a faint zipping sound and her weight around me shifted as she settled herself in a comfortable position. I closed my eyes and concentrated on what I was feeling. I could tell when she slowed down just the slightest that she was exploring herself and even when she felt a surge of pleasure by how she breathed and gasped around my dick.

This was too much, this was too fucking hot. My baby getting herself off while getting me off at the same time. I needed to feel her, I wanted to be the one making her squirm. I growled at myself when I lifted Lil's up from her knees away from my swollen unfinished member and quickly pulled her shorts off completely. She was stunned, shocked. I'm sure she was in the middle of a pretty fuckin' good time herself when I rudely interrupted her. I grabbed her hand and pulled her to follow me down to the blanket. She tried to inch herself down to my legs to resume her special skills when I grabbed her hips and swung them over me so that she was sitting reverse cowgirl on my face.

We had never tried this, and Lil's was trying to gather her bearings from being tossed around. There were so many things we hadn't tried yet, but after last night the flood gates had been opened. I wanted to teach Lil's everything I knew, wanted her to feel everything that I could do to her.

She was moaning pretty damn loudly and I was grateful we were in a secluded area. She was starting to go a little wild. I smoothed my hand up her back and gently pressed her forward, bending her to meet my aching cock while pinning her to me around her waist. She took my dick immediately and followed the rhythm I set on her own opening. I controlled how fast or slow she assaulted me by how I tended to her.

Her juices were so sweet, I could practically taste the want and need oozing from her. I couldn't last much longer and she still hadn't come, so I reached around her and slid my fingers down the front of her slit until I found the tiny little bunch of nerves, massaging my way to her orgasm. She doubled her efforts on me, ferocious in her need to come. I got her there shortly and followed immediately after, unable to give her any warning of my own.

She held on to me, practically deep throating as she took every bit of what I had given her, before releasing my shrinking dick to spring down to its resting place. I could feel the pulsing from deep within her, as I moved my mouth to her inner thighs and massaged them with my lips. She was spent, completely wiped out and laying limp over me.

We managed to compose ourselves enough to eat a bit of lunch and then pack it up and hit the road. Lil's fell asleep for the remainder of the ride with the biggest shit-eating grin on her face and practically purring like a kitten.

NOW

These were the things I needed to think of now. Happy memories. Good times. How she makes me feel. I needed to hold onto these thoughts because they're what's going to get me through this. I needed to see her, feel her, touch her, even if it could only be when I closed my eyes. If I let myself feel her absence, the void left behind while she's still out there alone, I can't even predict the amount of damage it's going to do to my soul.

CHAPTER FOUR

The clubhouse was overflowing, and way past its maximum occupancy. Almost all of the extra muscle was here, with only a few stragglers left to arrive. It was good to see these guys again, and it felt real damn good to know they had my back.

Ma had set up a cookout in the main lot to feed the ever-growing crowd and several kegs had been brought in. Under normal circumstances a crowd like this would be ready to tear shit up and party, but tonight it was solemn and laid back. We were all on high alert, tense, waiting for the slightest signal to fall out and get this shit going.

Ma was a great cook and the food looked amazing, but I was in no mood to eat. If I tried to force anything I knew it wouldn't stay down long. There would be plenty of time to eat when this nightmare was over. I hope Lil's is given food.  She is a picky eater and not one to remember to eat when she's stressed out. When she was thirteen and Butch was doing some light time for forgery, she and Tiny stayed with us for a month or so. The kid was so worked up about her pop, ma had to practically beg Lil's to eat. I was never a huge fan of spicy food but Mexican food and Tex- mex was the only thing that Lil's would eat without fail. Ma ordered it at least a few times a week for Lil's, so Tiny and I started calling her “Mamacita”.

I swear I will take Lil's out for Mexican food as soon as I get her back. I wonder if it's safe for pregnant women to eat that stuff? God, I hope the baby doesn't inherit her taste in food.

“I'm not gonna ask how you're holding up. Hell... you'd probably just lie to me anyway.” Ma sat next to me and handed me a bottle of water. I had always been closer to her than pop. She understood the life and knew pretty well how to raise a kid in the midst of it. I smiled at her and nodded.

She took that as a sign of encouragement and put her arm around me. “Did I ever tell you about the time you took off from your teacher on a school trip to the zoo in first grade?”

I had heard the story more than once growing up. Something about wanting to see the monkeys and taking off from my group during snack time. Ma and pop found me sleeping under some bench near the monkey habitat a few hours later.

“No... I've never heard it before.” I rolled my eyes to her and smiled slightly, clearly in no mood for stories, although I appreciated the effort.

“Your dad and I tore that zoo apart looking for you. We looked everywhere we could think of and your dad and Chaps were getting ready to climb into the Lion Den to see of you'd fallen over the rail into it.” She spoke softly, but carried on with her recount. “The staff told us they would clear out the animals and search the area themselves but needed some time. Your pop was hearing none of it. He wasn't gonna risk you being down there and needing him, maybe hurt, scared, or worse waiting for some asshole to give him clearance to find out. They were getting ready to lower your dad in, when I found you asleep near the monkeys. You had such a thing for the damned monkeys. Even ate only bananas for a while trying to become a one.”

I laughed. “Curious George.” My mom paused her story and looked confused. “The monkey... I used to watch “Curious George” and wanted to become a monkey,” I explained to her.

She nodded, finally having an explanation for some long, unsolved mystery. “Your dad wasn't about to let anything get in his way to get to you, even if it meant throwing himself, literally, to the lions. I know this is hard for you and I know you're butting heads with your pop. He's older now, wiser maybe.” She sighed. “But, he's lost that edge that comes along with being young and reckless, throwing all caution to the wind.”

I looked at my mom. She surprised me sometimes.

“You do what you need to, when you need to. No parent wants to feel what I felt that day, but we all do at some point. You, son, you just get to feel it before you even get to meet your child.”

I swallowed hard. Ma was the only other person who knew about the baby, finding the pregnancy test first. We agreed to keep it quiet for now. It wasn't our place to tell anyone. This was Lil's news and she was going to get to tell everyone when she wanted to. I was going to make sure of it.

“Thanks, ma...” I kissed her cheek.

She blushed and smiled to me. “That's what parents are for, kiddo.”

******

The night dragged on, with many of my out-of-town brothers offering support or attempting to distract Butch and me. Ma had seen that Vicky was fed and taken care of. The safest place for her to be right now was holed up in the clubhouse away from these guys. This was a family 'party' tonight and not a club one, so the club mamas and sweet butts were making themselves scarce. If Vicky strolled out here, the boys would pounce like dogs in heat and the ol' ladies would finish the job that Lil's had started.

Leo, the young prospect came running out toward Butch and me in our little circle around a fire pit. “Jay!” He was almost breathless. “Jay, you need to come quick. Shade called Vince... he's got demands.”

Fuck... this is it. Butch was in his fifties but managed to keep pace as I raced to the clubhouse, with many heads turning to watch the sudden motion. Pops was in the boardroom sitting at the head of the table in his designated seat. The room was empty, and had a different vibe than the earlier meeting. Pops gestured for Butch and me to sit near him. Butch collapsed, staring at the cell phone on the table as if it were Lil's herself. I stood. Pop nodded to Leo and the double doors  closed behind us. We all shared a look.

“OK.. let's hear it, Shade.” Pop was all business, cold, lethal. The speaker slightly crackled. We had men working on tracing Shade's cell, but it came to a dead end. The number we had used to contact him after Lil's bar fight was disconnected. If they were anything like us, the Slayers would be using pre-paid, throwaway phones, less chance of being traced or recorded.

“So eager to please, Vince... I like it. Pretty big change since the last time we talked about boundaries, hmm?” I was clenching my jaw hard to enough to break glass as I listened to the motherfucker.

Pop was not an extremely patient man. He doesn't play games. “Get on with it.”

Laughter vibrated through the receiver. “I want everything west of, and including, the industrial park. Any businesses you got in that part of town... they're mine. The pawn shop, the check cashing spot, the strip club.... mine.”

Butch leaned forward, “Fine... they're yours. Where the fuck is my daughter, you son of a bitch?”

Vince held up his hand to Butch, “I'll see what I can do on that front. Those are club businesses... we need to take a vote.” Pop paused, “But, before I even bring that to the table I need reassurances, Shade.”

I propped myself forward on the table, bracing my weight on my arms waiting for the man to speak. “Seems my guest isn't much in the mood for talking.”

That was it. I had heard enough. I pushed through the two men flanking me and grabbed the phone. “You piece of shit... I swear if you so much as touch her I'm gonna beat you within an inch of your life before I finally take you out of your fucking misery.”

“Well, well, well... I'm not quite sure threats are conducive to these little negotiations..” He was a dead man.

I inhaled sharply, pushing down hard on my hatred, focussing on the bigger picture.

“I need to know she's okay before we take anything you say seriously.” It pained me to even speak to this animal when all I wanted to do was slowly torture him, break every bone one at a time.

Silence. Butch and Vince stared at the phone in my hand, waiting for it to show some sign of life. “Jay?” We all breathed our relief at the sound of her voice. I took the phone off speaker mode and held it to my ear, collapsing into the chair closest to me and closed my eyes.

“Baby... it's me.. I'm here. Lil's are you OK? Are you hurt in ANY way?” I bit my tongue awaiting her answer. I know that she must be in close proximity to Shade, eavesdropping on our conversation and wouldn't be able to tell me if she was really physically fine, but I needed to ask. I needed her to hear me ask.

“Jay... how's Em? She... they... shot...” Her words were shaky, chopping off of one another. She was messed up, I could tell this was too much for her.

I opened my eyes and carried on, Vince and Butch's eyes boring into me. “Lil's... you need to know that we are all here.. we're working this shit out with Shade. It's going to be fine, baby. I swear to you nothing else is going to happen. It's almost over, Lil's.”

She was sniffling up her tears on the other end. What the hell had she been through? God, I hope she didn't see them take out that girl, whoever she was. “Baby... I need to know that you hear me.”

She was gulping through her suppressed cries. “I'm so sorry. It's all my fault... She... I...”

Fuck. She had seen it. I rubbed my hand down my face. This was not good for her to have on her head, especially now. Shit, stress like this could do a number on the strongest of people. In her condition, it could be catastrophic.

I softened my voice as much as I could, trying to soothe her in whatever small way I could from afar. “Baby, listen, I know you ran to help her. You did everything you could. I.. I saw what a hurry you must've been in when you left..”

I needed to be as indirect as I could about this. The last thing I need right now is for things to get even more escalated by throwing another chip on Shade's pile of leverage. “I saw the package you left open on the counter... the order we placed. Remember?”

My girl was making tiny sounds of confusion. Come on, Lil's, I need you to read between the lines. She quickly breathed sharp. “Oh my God... I forgot. It.. is it... did it get ordered?”

There's my girl. Wait, how could she ask me if it got ordered? Shit. She doesn't know. “Lil's, baby... it's fine. You're fine.. relax. We have plenty of time. It's on back order. Won't arrive till later this year.” She breathed deep, and then again. Ok.. she was settling into this. Now she knows. “I need you to make sure you take care of yourself, OK? Try not to get too worked up, we're gonna get you home the second we can, OK? I love you, Lil's.”

“OK... OK... I... I love you too, Jay. Tell Pops and Tiny I'm OK. It's alright. I can do this.” Click.

That was it. That was all we had of Lil's. I threw the phone as hard as I could against the far wall, shattering the plastic shell into dozens of pieces. Pop slammed his fist down on the worn heavy oak meeting table. “Calm down! We got what we needed. We know she's OK.. we have a direction to work toward now.”

I exploded. “SHE'S OK?! She's not fucking OK. She's being held by a fucking maniac and probably saw some girl have her fucking brains blown out in front of her. Glad you think she's OK, Pop!”

Dad took my words hard, but kept his cool. He and I had only come to blows once before and we both recognized that we were dangerously close to a repeat. “You know what I mean, son. We wait for Tiny and Clink to get back in the morning. Church first thing and we get the vote out of the way. No one's gonna object, you know that. We'll have her back by tomorrow night, the latest.”

Butch glared at his old friend before pushing back hard out of his chair and storming out slamming the door behind him.

Pop turned to me again, “Jay... I know you love her. Hell, I love her like she was my own... but we gotta do this right, son, can't make this worse than it already is.”

“She's pregnant.” I spat at him, my eyes unrelenting on his. He inhaled and sat back. I could see him start to say something more than once but stop himself before he did. Instead, he nodded to me and stood putting his hand on my shoulder. When he saw that I didn't reject it, he pulled me in fast, holding onto me, letting me hold onto him.

Neither one of us spoke. There was nothing to say. What could he say to me at this moment? And anything I wanted to say to him would just turn this from bad to worse.

“Get some sleep, son, you're gonna need it.” He gripped my arm one last time before he left me alone in the boardroom.

******

The clubhouse was dark and quiet, almost completely foreign to me as I navigated my way through the sleeping bodies and beer bottles. This building had a life of its own, witnessing the evolution of the club through the years. I've known every nook and cranny, every alcove, but found no peace within these walls tonight. I needed to get out, get fresh air before I suffocated, lying in my old bed staring at the fucking clock waiting for the minutes to change.

Today was going to be a turning point, I could feel it in my bones. The full weight of things started to bear down on me. Lil's was going to need me to be on top of my game, too much depended on it. The rooftop beckoned me... a safe place to be alone, to sit and prepare. This was where I go to clear my head, to put myself in the mental space I needed to be in to do the things I've had to do in my life, for my club. This is where I've come after those things were done to find the solitude that was necessary to process my actions, what I was capable of and then burying them away before they crept out.

Lil's had rarely seen the side of me that I came here to deal with. That part of me was hardened, cruel, unforgiving and ruthless. She knew the deal, she knew in very broad terms the things I must be able to do. She had grown up around those things, seen the consequences for them every time her pop got jammed up and sent away, or the brothers we had to bury and mourn. She had loved me regardless once. I was hoping she could still love me now, after all this time, after all that I had done. I wasn't concerned for myself, my own soul... that had been condemned long ago. There had been a time shortly after Lil's had left when I was reckless, not caring if I lived or died. Now I had a reason to live again, two reasons, and I couldn't fail either one of them today.

Deep breath after deep breath escaped my lungs. I once had read about breathing techniques and meditation styles the Samurai had once used before battle. These things calmed me, helped me to think in a way that connected my mind and my instincts. Both of them needed to serve me well in what was about to go down.

Pops was foolishly optimistic if he believed we would simply be able to hand over deeds and ownership to Shade in return for Lil's. I had known since I heard her voice on the phone yesterday that there was no way he was going to let her go. She had seen too much, been too affected by it. She would be a liability to him, and no man in a position like Shade would jeopardize himself by letting a loose end like that simply walk away.

I knew that she would be safe until the transfer was finalized, Shade's personal little insurance policy. But once everything was handed over all bets were off, and I would need to get to her first.

The orange casting in the sky was spreading and deepening as the early sun slowly lifted itself. I had seen the morning dawn dozens of times from this rooftop. When Lil's left me I had come up here, facing the darkest moments of my life, seething anger at myself and certain I had somehow let those deep secrets, the horrible things I had done, leak out to make her finally see the part of me that I kept hidden, the part of me that didn't deserve her love.

I had never felt pain like that before. I've been shot, stabbed, had bones broken, but nothing compared to the damage done when Lil's left and took that love away from me. By some miracle, she was given back to me and I will do whatever I need to do to protect it and keep it safe. I will gladly give my life for her... for them both if needed. I watched as the sun filled the low lying horizon, taking in its beauty and the breathtaking hope it brought for the new day. If this was my last morning, my last sunrise, then I would die a happy man knowing my Lil's would get to see it again.

CHAPTER FIVE

Clink and Tiny had made it back shortly before breakfast. The ol' ladies had set out doughnuts, coffee and bagels on the bar. Every charter in riding distance was well represented and more than a handful of nomads had shown up. There were only a few times that I've been around for when we rallied together like this, most of them being happy occasions.

With so many brothers here, the boardroom would not be able to handle church today. We packed into the main garage area, standing room only, and pops climbed onto the hood of a black Durango, one of the cars that was here for repair. Some of the brothers were great mechanics and the club brought in a small but steady legitimate income through this shop.

The murmurs were dying down and quiet was settling over the crowd, waiting for pops to begin. These men had come here willingly, offering their muscle, their heat, and even their lives if needed. Every man had an equal interest in what was about to go down. When one of us was threatened, we all were threatened.

“I want to thank all of you brothers for getting here so quickly. I don't get to see you all together like this that often, but when I do, it warms my fucking heart to see the core, the foundation of this club with my own eyes. Loyalty... brotherhood. Many men can claim that they have these things.  We know we have these things. We live by our word, we kill by our word, and we die by our word. Something has been taken from us. Something precious and something that we can't afford to lose.”

“We chose this life... our families and loved ones don't often get that choice but they live it just as much as we do. Each one of them deserves our protection just as much as the brother they love. Today we do what we do best... we show those who fuck with us that we don't tolerate it. I'm not looking for war here, I'm willing to try to handle this clean. Demands were made, and we are prepared to meet those. Businesses can be replaced, money can be recouped. Daughters can't.”

All eyes turned to Butch as pops spoke, each slowly returning to the standing speaker as pops continued, “Lil's is our brother's daughter but there is no man here that can claim he doesn't love her as his own. We have an opportunity to trade some meaningless things for her safety and any brother here who objects needs to speak up now.” Not a sound. “All right then... the lawyers have drawn up the contracts. Ownership of the businesses in the industrial park will be forfeited. For now. Once Lil's is back safe and sound, we deal with Shade for that. Clink sent out word to every Slayers chapter on the east coast that as of now we are considering Shade and the Chisolm chapter separate from them. We deal with only them. If any of their brothers steps foot in this town to get involved with this shit then we will consider ourselves at war with them also. We're cutting the snake off at the head. We've got enough muscle here to make any other of their presidents think twice before getting involved in a turf war.”

Brothers nodded and agreed, voicing their support.

“But... our first priority is Lil's. I am waiting on word from Shade for a rendezvous location to hand over what we each want. We sit tight, ready to ride out at a moment's notice if need be.”

Pop jumped down from the car and made his way through the crowd, nodding to each brother he passed before they set out to follow his lead. Clink caught up behind me and held me back while the room cleared around us.

He was tired. Pop's sent him out yesterday after Shade's call to handle the rest of the Slayers' charters and I'm sure he hasn't slept since. Clink was about six years older than me but was more worn. I nodded to him, curious as to what he had for me. “Jay... Vince wanted me to let you in on what went down with the Slayers.”

We walked over to a random bench in the tool area.

“Seems Shade's been busy... he's been hitting up every nearby charter for support and muscle for a local takeover.”

This was nothing new... Shade's made no secret of his desire to run us out of town. We were larger, more financially stable than any other Slayer charter. The only way he would be able to even hope to push us out would be to get the support of every other brother of his. I looked over to Clink, “Yeah, I got that brother, but what's new about it?”

Clink pulled a pack of cigs from his pocket and set one out, offering me one. I shook my head, declining. Lighting his smoke and taking a drag, he finished his report.

“He's been trying to get their support for months. That shit that went down on Virginia's run? That was him trying to show he had enough man power to start fucking with us, trying to entice other charters it was the right time to join in.”

I knew it. We had been hired to run protection and distraction if needed for a few eighteen wheeler trucks making a delivery. We kept an eye out for local law enforcement, ran detours when necessary to ensure the trucks were able to drive through without incident. Somewhere along the road shit started inconveniently happening. First, two bikes were disabled during a meal stop, leaving us no choice but to leave them and the two riders behind, thinning out our ranks. Then a random road check popped up, causing us to re-route to some old abandoned highways where we were ambushed and one of the trucks was stolen. The driver was shot and thrown from the truck in the process. We found the truck abandoned and cleaned out some ten miles away, all three hundred assault rifles on board stolen.

Some fast tracking on pops part led us to an old schoolhouse where we surprised about ten guys with no patches or other identifying colors keeping watch over the guns waiting for a pickup. Tiny has a way to encourage people to talk, but the only info we were able to get from the assholes was that they were hired anonymously to grab the guns and wait at the schoolhouse for their contact, to sell the merchandise to their buyer. They had no idea who they were stealing the shipment from or selling it to. They were simply hired hands ready to try to get some quick action.

We left one of their men conscious to deliver a message to their contact when he arrived and the rest of his men tied up in the basement of the schoolhouse. No doubt the intended buyer was none too happy with his hired hands because it was was all over the news that night that the schoolhouse had mysteriously caught fire and burned to the ground while a group of campers were squatting in it for the night. Something about camp fire safety had managed to make its way into the report. These were some desperate, hardcore motherfuckers we were dealing with.

Clink took long drags of his cig, eying me as I processed the information. "Whatever few chapters were willing to jump on his bandwagon have reconsidered, with this new shit going down. Seems he's getting reckless, careless. They're afraid the heat he's bringing down is going to spread to them. The feds are already looking into that schoolhouse fire. They're not looking for any more pressure right now."

I looked my brother in the eye. We had known each other my whole life, his own pop serving as V.P. when we were young. Dusty was a loyal brother and served some hard time for the club before getting beat down and shanked in some racial shit behind bars. I had seen Clink deal with his pop's death and some pretty cruel times in his life. It made him tougher, stronger. He had mad skills when it came to handling fucked-up situations... had a way to see backdoor options and has gotten us out of a fair deal of crap. I could see him sizing me up.

One last drag on his smoke, Clink casually tossed the used butt on the ground before stomping it out. "How far you willing to go today, Jay?"

He already knew the answer. He just needed to hear me say it, say the words. I clenched my jaw. "As far as I have to, brother."

Clink was satisfied. In our world, there were pretty set rules. Not that everyone always followed them, but they knew the consequences for when they chose not to. He nodded to me, letting the full severity of our talk settle around us. "I told all this to your pop. He's pretty set about handling this as low key as he can. He's got a backup plan ready in case things go to shit, but..... not so sure you want to take the gamble...."

I swallowed hard. This was the line. He was about to give me the information I needed to cross it. I just needed to wait for it.

Exhaling deeply, fully aware that he was about to hand me a fucking loaded weapon, he continued, "The Slayers East view chapter is pretty fuckin' done with Shade and his ways. They're ready to impeach him and merge with what's left of his chapter after all this goes down, they just need Shade's men to not put up a fight. Seems this might be a good opportunity to thin their numbers a bit, make them a bit more willing to play nice when the vote comes up to patch them over. With their word, of course, that we have an alliance. Whatever beef we have with Slayers, ends with Shade and doesn't carry over to the new management."

I drank in his words.

"I got an address for where they're stashing Lil's. They're outside of Chisolm, sitting tight," Clink confided to me.

That was all I needed. I had felt lost the last couple of days, not sure how I was going to be able to get to my baby, get her safe. Now I knew.

CHAPTER SIX

Later that afternoon we got word that the meeting was going down at Hyde Park at ten o'clock. We were to bring three guys of our own to match their three. The deeds and titles were to be transferred over and in return Lil's would be given back. This all looked great on paper but we knew better. Something just didn't sit right. Pops was busy convincing himself, feeding his denial.

He had lived through a war before, and I couldn't blame him for trying to avoid another. But, it was a price I was willing to pay if it meant it would keep my girl safe. No amount of bloodshed, grief or risk could change my course. It was set, predestined. Life had given me Lil's once, and then given her back to me again. She was meant to be mine. She was all that mattered.

THEN

My whole life I had wanted nothing more than that cut, that patch. I knew very few things for sure but I knew I was meant to ride and meant to wear that patch. I had just barely gotten through school, too preoccupied with my bike and waiting to start my real life. Pop knew full well I intended to join the minute I was through with that joke of a high school. The only thing that kept me going, waiting for graduation day, was Tiny bearing it with me and the endless supply of chicks.

I had worked my way through the girls in my own year by the time I finished the tenth grade. Nothing like a bad boy to turn even the prudest Little Miss Perfect or daddy's little girl into a vixen. For most of them it was a phase, some right of passage that they quickly grew out of, and I could drop them easily without much drama leaving them with a whole lot of bragging rights for their friends. Some became clingers, but most went away quietly. By the time graduation rolled around I could proudly say I had fucked every girl worth fucking in the building. I didn't discriminate against faculty either. Some of the best learning I had during those years was during private tutoring. Can't say I would have graduated without it, though. My skills had earned me some MILF notches on my belt and passing grades in return. It was no coincidence that my highest marks were always given by the most grateful of those instructors.

The day after graduation I had walked into the clubhouse and right up to the bar where pops and the guys were sitting. In order to prospect for the Kingsmen, you had to meet certain requirements. You had to be out of school, have a Harley (engine size at least 1000cc) and to be nominated by a patched member.

I had been working odd jobs around the clubhouse for years, saving every penny that came my way to buy my first bike. It may have been used but it was all mine. Tiny and I had spent countless hours in the garage repairing and restoring it until it was gorgeous enough to make me get hard just looking at it.

Having now met every prerequisite for entry, I was fully prepared to state my intent walking into the clubhouse and right up him. Pops had his back turned to me, sipping on his beer while his brothers nodded my way. "Somethin' on your mind son?"

Dewey was drinking with my pop and smirked at me. Tiny had been nominated yesterday by his own pop Butch; he was given the brand new stiff plain leather cut as a graduation present. I waited all day for my pop to offer me the same gift, his legacy. All I got was a card with a few grand in it. The cash meant nothing to me, I could earn for myself. I wanted what was mine.

"You know why I'm here." I spoke to his back. His shoulders rose and fell with each breath but he didn't turn around to look at me, the situation had quickly turned awkward. Clink, one of the newer brothers was leaning up against the bar playing with the empty shot glass in front of him, eyeing me as I confronted his president.

Pop emptied his glass and wiped the back of his hand across his mouth to rid himself of the foam collected in his stubble. He turned his stool to face me.

"I suppose I do...." He squinted his eyes at me, taking me in. "Seems you need a sponsor, son. But, it's not gonna be me.”

I heard the words. They hung in the air between us refusing to fade away. My pop had raised me in this world, his world. I was primed since I was shitting in my own diapers to ride with this club. But pop never just gave me things, handing them up on a silver platter. He made me earn them.  I never knew how far he would go with it though, if it would carry over to my claiming my rightful place here.

The room fell silent around us, with these men serving audience to our fucked-up father/son power play. Clink cleared his throat, setting his shoulders back and tall. “I'll vouch for the kid.”

We all directed ourselves in his direction, except pop who kept his focus on me.

“I nominate him. I take responsibility for him,” Clink finished.

And that was it. Clink had stepped up for me, spread his wing and took me under it. I knew the kind of man my pop was. Nothing was given to him in life, he took it, everything he had. It didn't mean he wanted me to fail, it just meant he wanted me to know I had done it on my own. That was my first lesson in how to deal with Vince, the president. Not to be confused with Vince, my pop.

That night Tiny and I were treated like kings with a huge party thrown at the clubhouse to celebrate the incoming prospects. There were four of us then. Tiny, Chris P. (later known as 'Trojan'), some kid named Pete who barely made it a month, and me.

We partied hard that night, drinking ourselves to toxic levels. Each brother bought us rounds and shots, testing our resolve. The music was blaring, heavy rock beats giving us our own soundtrack to the first night of our new lives. The pussy was in endless supply tonight, crawling around making themselves useful and offering themselves up to whomever felt the urge. These women were skilled, experienced in how to handle the groping hands and hungry dicks.

Clink had bought the latest round and was comfortable in the chair across the table from me with some bar slut sprawled across his lap, giggling as he whispered into her ear and tickled his fingers into the crotch of her very visible pink lace panties beneath her microscopic skirt. I eyed them, sipping my warming beer and felt the blood draining down into my dick. This bitch had made her way through the club over the past few weeks, showing up and serving the brothers well. She was given a pretty decent rating by the brothers, a solid four out of five stars. Very few of these sluts earned the full five stars, it took some real talent to reach that level of self depreciation.

Her bottle blonde hair was all teased out and her “fuck me” red lips were licking over themselves as Clink played her with his hand and teased her with his words. The show was worth watching, and I was more than willing to take it in.

The sweet butt shot her eyes over to me and Clink chuckled to himself while withdrawing his once missing fingers and patted her drench-stained mound approvingly. She scuttled herself up from Clink's cushion and made her way over to me, leaning over to me spilling her artificial cleavage in my face, jiggling those double D, overly-tanned melons above my mouth. She smelled like several men's colognes mixed together, but damn those tits looked delicious. They probably cost some sucker a pretty penny but, mmm, were they a good investment.

My dick was now struggling against the denim, tenting it. The chick reached down and grabbed my hand, her brightly painted claws pressing around my fingers. “Follow me, darlin'. I don't usually do prospects but consider it a graduation present.”

I practically jumped up taking one last swig of my beer and followed the pretty thing to the back of the room, behind the bar and into the delivery hallway hidden with a set of double doors. She pushed me up against the wall and licked my lips, spreading the red sticky stuff over them. Her hands were busy undoing me, pushing my jeans past my hips and freeing my now fully stiff limb. She dropped to her knees on the hard concrete and took all of me in, slurping and guzzling every inch down into her open throat. She sucked hard, pulling me into her. She was rough and feral in her performance, posing and displaying her well-honed art for an invisible camera. This wasn't about me, wasn't about her... it was simply two animals satisfying themselves.

The doors opened and swung closed behind Clink as he entered and made his way behind her, nodding to me as he raised her ass high. She never stopped sucking, never looked back at the newest member to our group. Clink threw her skirt up over her ass and pulled her panties out, stretching them toward him and away from her skin with one hand while he unsheathed his hunting knife from its holster and sliced through the fabric with the other.

Unzipping his fly and shoving the denim open, his cock escaped through the opening and bounced against her ass. He expertly covered it in a rubber and threw himself deep into her as she moaned into me, balls deep at the impact. I closed my eyes and threw my head back and my hips forward, grabbing her hair and fucking her mouth. The grunting and moaning was sporadic, each of us caught up in our own pleasure. Clink was brutal, pounding into her, sending her crashing into me. I felt myself getting ready and held onto her head tight as I sent a trail of myself deep into her, coating down past her gag reflex and into her belly. I jerked slightly at the release, but then held myself still as she cleaned me off.

Clink followed my lead and called out “FUCK!” as he spilled himself into her with one last hard thrust. I was barely done rebuckling my pants before she stood up, wiped her bottom lip while flapping her skirt down over her cut thong, and stalked out through the doors pausing briefly to blow Clink a kiss.

He barely acknowledged her, instead laughed and nodded to me while pulling up his fly.

“Welcome to the club, kid.”

We slapped each other on the back and headed back to the party, where I dutifully bought him a beer.

NOW

We each had our assignments, with Clink heading off to the bar in the main building to gather the men we'd chosen. I found my way through the back hallways and into the crash rooms to prepare Vicky. The door was closed but the sounds crept through the seams. Dumb bitch! She can't keep her legs closed for one goddamned day.

I knocked loudly on the door, not wanting to barge in on one of my brothers getting his kicks. “Finish up! You've got two minutes, bro.”

I leaned back against the wall and pulled out my phone, scrolling through the pictures. I settled on one of the newest images, Lil's sleeping next to me, spilled out over the sheets with her tangled hair. I had secretly taken the snapshot a few nights ago after I had rocked her hard over and over until she passed out cold. Although fucking Lil's always calmed my body, my mind had been racing since the shit on our Virginia run. I sat up that whole night unwilling to move and wake up my baby. Instead, I just stared at her, running my fingers up and over her velvety soft skin and taking the sight of her in deep. She was something special, my baby... pure, kind, genuine. Those were some rare qualities in this type of life. Sure, the ol' ladies were all loyal, fierce, and protective. But none of them, not even my ma held the same kind of pull that Lil's had. I had never planned on settling down with a woman. I plowed through every broad I could in my early days in the club, never imagining it would lose its appeal. After some years, though, the nights became lonely and cold after the sluts left my bed and the homecomings nothing special after a long run.

The bedroom door swung in and I jammed my phone deep back into my pocket. Blue shuffled out on high alert, more than aware of the error in his judgement. He paused his step in front of me, unsure of what to say to dig himself out of this hole. I lifted my eyes to him and stared down, this fucker was really batting a thousand these last couple days. I cleared my throat deep, intentionally rattling his cage. He blanched. “Go find Clink. NOW.”

He was off before I could even finish my sentence. I rolled my eyes behind him. Sure, I could sympathize with the call of available pussy while we were stuck in here with nothing better to do, but the guy needs to learn how to keep it in check. Especially while he's still on my shit list.

I rolled myself around the doorjamb and faced into exposed room. The raunchy stench was hanging in the air, thick and stale. Vicky was cleaning herself up, straightening her hair and hiding her makeup smudged face from me.  I strolled in casually, scanning the room. The ashtray was full of butts and her pill bottles opened and empty on the dresser top. These chicks were all the same... filling themselves with booze, smokes, drugs, and dick to fill the void in their empty souls.

Finally finished primping herself, she turned. “Help you with something, sailor?” Her eyes were bloodshot, pupils pinned.

I grunted. Twenty years ago she must have been something, before turning herself into a full-blown gutter whore.

“Pack your shit up. You're heading out tonight.”

Her drugged up eyes lit up. “The cash is ready, and a oneway ticket to Toledo.”

“Toledo?! What the fuck am I gonna do in Toledo?”

Bitch. She was about to see more cash than she had ever dreamed of in that roach motel of an apartment of hers, and she had the audacity to complain about the damn city?

“I don't know... do whatever the fuck you want to there. It's far enough from any Slayer chapter where you can actually have a shot at a clean start. So long as you can keep yourself away from the pole.”

She threw a pillow at me/ I blocked it sending it to the floor. “Asshole.”

I laughed at the crack whore. “Just get your shit ready. I'm taking you to the bus terminal myself. But, we're gonna make a little pit stop first...”

She squinted at me, curious at the sudden change of plan. This bitch didn't need to know any more. These plans were delicate. Everything had to go exactly the way I needed it to. A jumpy bitch would be just the thing that could fuck it up.

“Where are we going?” she wondered.

“Don't worry about it, it's nothing that concerns you. Just be ready to leave when I tell you to. And pack light. You can buy all new shit when you get there.”

I left her to soak in my instructions, heading to meet up with my team.

CHAPTER SEVEN

The small group of men had broken off from the main body of brothers and clung around themselves by the old soda machine in the corner of the garage. Clink had managed to gather them all since I had left him earlier. I hoped he had enough time to fill them all in on the details. Butch, Tiny, and Blue each nodded to me as I joined them, settling against a steel beam.

Butch spoke out first, “We all set brother? What time do we ride?” Clink had obviously brought them all up to speed.

“We're all good. We leave at six sharp. I need to talk to pops first.”

Butch nodded, visible relief spreading across his dark eyes. “Blue, think you can put your dick away long enough to get the cage gassed up?”

The prospect stood tall. “Anything you need, boss.”

“Well?” I spoke to him. “Get your ass moving and don't make anymore pussy detours.”

He bolted away from us, eager to redeem himself.

With the prospect gone on his assignment, the four of us were left to hammer out the details. Vicky would be riding with Blue in the cage, following the rest of us as we “escorted” her to the bus terminal. That was the official plan, the one pops would know and have no reason to squash. Unofficially, we would be on a recon mission, out to take back what was ours.

Clink and Butch stalked off to prep their bikes and arm themselves. We would definitely be outnumbered, and outgunned but we had the element of surprise on our side. Tiny hung back, the two of us finally having a chance to talk since I he left the hospital lobby yesterday morning. He looked beat, worn, raw. This was weighing heavily on all of us, and the sooner we could put an end to it, the better... for all of us.

“How's Marie handling this?” I asked my brother half-heartedly, while slipping my hands uncomfortably into my pockets. Tiny's mom was always a critic of mine. Everything about me, my life, my family... was everything she despised. Still, the woman must be torn to shreds by this. Lil's was the only person to stand by Marie and put up with her dysfunctional shit.

Tiny shrugged, inhaling deeply to recoup himself from the wear. “Just about how you would expect, bro.... I had to practically restrain her from calling the cops. I left Leo to keep an eye on her. Man, if we don't find her soon, there's no telling what my ma will do.”

Hmmm... our plan was a bit shaky and there might actually be a way for Marie to inadvertently help this out. I ran my thumb over my chin, trying to piece it together. It could work, it could help.   It killed me to have to rely on outsiders for help, but Lil's safety was more important than my pride at this point.

“I say we let your ma have at it then. When I give the word, we have Leo let her call in a tip. Let's see if the pigs can muck things up a little bit and give us a diversion when we need it.”  Tiny nodded, following my train of thought. “You alright; bro? You good with what we're doing here?”

He had always been a wingman, a follower, trusting my judgment. But it had never had to do with matters so personal and close to him before. “I'm good, Jay... we do this, then we do it together.”

I grabbed the big guy and pulled him in. He was my brother, in every sense of the word. We may not have the same DNA, but he and Lil's did, and that was close enough for me. We patted each other hard. “We're gonna get her back, Tiny, I swear it.”

A loud voice called in our direction, interrupting our bro moment. “What the fuck is this? You two need a room?” My pops was walking up fast, barely giving us enough time to step back from each other awkwardly and throw in some macho coughing and grunting.

Tiny nodded over to Vince and then me, “I'll get my shit straightened out and check in with Sunny.” His girl was busy with ma taking care of some of the small kids, and had been asking for Tiny for hours. We all thought it best that she stay here and not go to Marie's with her man. Marie wasn't a fan of Sunny's. Some of the names she had called her would make even Butch cringe, and he was the most used to her hateful venom.

Pops pulled up a seat near me and sat wide, dragging from his smoke. “You ready for tonight, son? I'm taking you and Dewey with me. I want to be there before them, scout the place... make sure it's not an ambush, you know?”

I reached out for the cigarette and he handed it to me casually. I took a deep drag. I hadn't smoked a cig in years. Lil's had hated it, so I gave it up for her and never really picked it back up again after. But today, I needed anything that would help calm my nerves. I handed the shrinking smoke back to pops and blew out the airy vapors slowly, imagining some of the stress escaping with it.

“Yeah... I'm ready.  I'm gonna take a ride first and drop off the stripper at the bus. Send her on her way before Lil's gets back here. I don't need another beat down on my hands, you know?”

Pops nodded, breathing in his nicotine and squinting his eyes at me. “Good thinking. Your ma's been bitching at me ever since you brought that chick back here yesterday. Doesn't like the idea of a whore mixing in with the ol' ladies and kids.” He blew rings of smoke in front of him. “She'll be happy the bitch is gone. Take a ride out to the main factory and make sure all the inventory's been cleared out on your way back since you're gonna pass it. These fuckers may be getting our businesses in name only but they sure as hell don't need them fully stocked.”

He threw the butt on the ground and let it burn itself out before standing and placing his outstretched hand on my shoulder. “You get that shit done fast and then meet me at the park at nine.” I nodded showing my obedience. He squeezed my shoulder before releasing it and leaving me to myself.

“INCOMING!!” A loud deep baritone voice called out into the yard. I instinctively pulled my piece from its holster around my back and held it firm, disengaging the safety. A yellow cab slowly pulled into the main drive and crept up, stopping in front of the office door. The driver looked spooked, wary of the situation he had just driven into, eyes delving around at the many men approaching.

The rear passenger door opened and a pretty little thing in nurse's scrubs climbed out, briefly leaning over to the driver window. He barely cracked the glass enough to take the folded green bills the chick handed him before throwing his car into reverse and spinning the tires, hightailing it out of there.

The girl looked around at several of the men closing in on her. A hot little thing like this has no business around these bikers, or in a place like this. She spots me eying her, sizing her up and heads toward me, her light brown hair flapping around her shoulders. I place my arm behind me, concealing my gun behind my thigh until I'm sure it's not needed.

“Something I can help you with? You lost?” I call out to her. Her blue eyes have a sparkle to them, a shine not usually seen around these parts. Most women who wander into these buildings looking for a good time have an emptiness to their eyes, as if accepting the way of things. But, I recognize the gleam somehow. My baby has that same vitality to her own gaze. It's a look of innocence. I tuck my gun back into its home and meet her halfway.

She's about 5'6, taller than Lil's and looks to be older, too. “Um... hi. My car is here for repairs. I was told it would be ready to pick up today...” She eyes the men hovering in the background.

Fuck. With all the commotion around here these last few days, the boys haven't been able to turn around the repairs as fast as we needed to.

I run my hand through my hair. Where the hell is ma when I need her? I don't have the time to deal with customers. “Sorry, darlin'... shop's been closed down for some family stuff. Let me have someone check on your car. What's the name?”

The girl exhales deeply, unhappy with the news. “It's Charlotte, people call me Charlie, though. My Jeep was having some tranny issues. I dropped it off last week.”

We had more than ten cars in the garage right now, but I knew the one she was talking about. It needed an overhaul. I don't even need to pull the paperwork on it, I knew it was still on the lift with the undercarriage half taken apart.

“Yeah... I know it. Sorry, but it's not going anywhere for at least another two days.”

Disappointment shrouded her. She took out her phone and checked the screen. “Oh crap... I've got to be at the hospital in thirty minutes. My shift starts at five and my cab just left...”

A sturdy hand falls on my back. “Anything I can help you with, boss?” Clink was edging himself into the space in front of the girl. I roll my eyes. Can these guys just fuckin' cool it for one goddamned day? First Blue, and now Clink. He was practically drooling, eye fucking his way over this chick.

Clink had always been a favorite with the ladies. He had tried to settle down a little bit some years back. He knocked up some club mama and tried to do right by her, making her his ol 'lady. It didn't last long, though. Beth grew tired of the man whoring, packed her shit up and took their little boy to live in Myrtle Beach. Since then, Clink has been like a perpetual dog in heat.

He held out his hand to Charlie. “Hi there, gorgeous. They call me Clink. Been working on your ride, personally. It's almost done but I can't have it done in time to get you to work.” His exaggerated southern drawl spread over his lies. Clink hasn't handled a repair in over a year.

Charlie batted her eyes at him, falling for it hook, line, and sinker. “Ohh. Maybe you could give me a ride then, you know, to make up for the inconvenience?”

Clink took the invitation, placing his hand on her elbow and leading her over toward the long row of bikes lined up in the lot. “Well, sweetheart... I think we can work somethin' out.” His hand sunk lower onto her back as she turned and followed his lead.

“Don't worry Jay. I'll be back in plenty of time to handle that shit later,” he called out over his shoulder.

Clink's bike was one of the biggest, a beast of a machine. I watched as the girl paused when they approached it, probably rethinking her solution. Clink took his helmet and placed it on her head, strapping it over her with his hands lingering longer than they needed to. No way has this chick ever ridden on the back of a bike.... she didn't have the look. Clink pulled her arms around himself and she settled behind him. I'm pretty sure the only nurses he's ever been with were wearing stripper costumes, he was clearly looking to score with the real thing. Fucker better make it quick.. I don't have time for this shit.

******

THEN

“I'm not getting on that thing.”

Crap. Here we go again. I stalk over to Lil's, pouting at me with her arms crossed over her barely covered tits. “Baby... it's not a big deal. Think of it like my bike. Just get on behind me and hold tight.”

She shakes her head at me defiantly. “Nope. I'll stay on the beach. You go and I'll watch from here.”

She looks so fucking hot right now, her skimpy little bikini barely able to hold in her curves. I pull her arms out and gently slide them into the holes in the life preserver. “Lil's. Trust me. It'll be fun, I promise. If you don't like it, I swear I'll turn around and we'll come back to shore.” I snap the buckles closed tight and pull on the straps making them snug. She looks unsure.

I pull her in close and rest my hands over her ass. “Baby... this whole weekend is about trying new things. Why stop now?” She blushes and widens her gorgeous eyes at me. I move my thumb, gently tracing over the fabric of her swimsuit, coaxing her. “I haven't steered you wrong yet. I've got plenty more things to show you later, too.”

Her eyes soften, and I know I've won. I take her hands in mine and tug lightly willing her to follow me as we wade into the salty water toward the jet ski. We've spent the whole day on the beach, laying out, swimming, napping under the sun. My girl's body is perfection and I've gotten to spread lotion over her fine skin more than once today, imagining myself peeling her suit off and rubbing the rest of her body.

She holds on tight as we race off into the waves, screaming her excitement into the splashes. I make a couple of sharp turns and large circles forcing her to hang on tighter, balancing herself to the changing directions. These last few weeks have been crazy stressful for her, for me. Tiny almost snuffing out has been a lot to deal with, and it's taken a toll on Lil's. She's always been a fighter, having to muddle through some tough shit with her parents growing up. But, Lil's has me now. She can lean on me, let me carry her through the tough times. This weekend is a perfect opportunity for me to do that, keep her mind off Tiny's shooting, her pop's prison stint and the bullshit with her ma.

We speed around enjoying ourselves in the water, finally returning to the beach after we explored the stretch of coastline around us.

Lil's jumps off and squeals “That was so much fun!!! Ahhh! Let's do it again!” I take the key out of the ignition and waded over to her, scooping her up in my arms.

“So you liked that, huh baby?” I run my nose over her cheek, the coconut aroma wafting around us. She nods furiously. I pick her up, guiding her legs to close around my waist. Several of the nearby swimmers and sunbathers gasp at our PDA. It doesn't bother me. I had gotten stares and whispers the second I took off my shirt and bared my tats. Lil's had gotten her own endless supply of attention, due to the barely there skimpy bikini highlighting her bangin' body. We block it out, these people and their ignorance. The least we could do is put on a show, make the most out of it. I grab her ass tight, pawing at it as she balances herself enough to release her hands from my neck and undo her lifejacket, pressing her tits into my face, arching her back while pulling out of it.

Mmmm. I want to suck on each one, making her squirm and pant as I toy with her. Damn. I need to get her back to the hotel room, now. The beach boy comes up to us and I drop the key to the rental in his hand while my baby drapes her lifejacket over him as we pass by. I don't stop, I can't. Our room is a walk out on the main floor thirty yards from beach. I fumble around behind her for the handle and slide the glass open, the cool, conditioned air hits us like a wall and her skin prickles at the sudden rush.

The moment I step us over the threshold, she plays with the bikini string and pulls, freeing her girls to spill out of the little white triangles. I mouth at them hungrily, licking and flicking at them, tasting their sweetness, taking turns between their fullness. I throw us up against the nearest wall and push into her raising her higher against the sheetrock. She calls out as I push the sounds from her. “Baby... yes. Umm.”

Her fingernails scratch across my back scorching their way as she latches onto me. I kiss her neck deep, her muscles straining against me, holding herself upright against my assault. “You ready to try something new, baby girl?” I ask into the crook of her neck, her pulse pounding beneath my lips, quickening with each kiss.

She pants loudly sucking on my earlobe. “Yes! Now... show me now, Jay!” She is such a needy little thing, I fucking love it. I use my hips to pin her against the wall as I tear the side strings to her bottom and pull it away from her, throwing it behind me. Lil's catches on to my plan and pushes down on my swim trunks freeing my dick to push against us. She grabs onto me and strokes slowly, teasing my hardness.

I release my lips from hers and stare down at the sight between us. Fucking beautiful... My girl working me over. The tip is purplish with my need for her, glistening as it weeps a bit of me out of the opening. She rubs her thumb in the slickness, covering over the rim back and forth. I growl at the sensation, the cool air torturing the moist sensitive skin. I look up in to her eyes, holding her focus. She licks her lips. That's it. I can't wait another second.

I slam myself into her, throwing my weight into her, her tits jumping from the force. Over and over I push, deeper and harder as she inches higher up in front of me attempting to escape the pounding. I hold her tight, pushing her down into my thrusts, bottoming out repeatedly while she screams out my name.

She moans into my mouth, needing, wanting me. My tongue entices hers out of her lips and I circled it over and over before sucking on it tight. I balance her so I can free my hand from her ass, shoving it down between us using my fingers to thumb her own tip voraciously.

She throws her head back in ecstasy, her gratification taking hold as she cries out, her body spasming in my hold. I offer her no relief. She is mine. I toy with her clit as she begs me to stop, needing to recover from her last orgasm. It is time my baby feels the rush only I can give her. I latch onto her mouth and double the pressure on my dripping hand, round and around. She bites my lip hard, her animalistic nature seeping out from its cave. She stops breathing as her next explosion takes over, as she stiffens and her legs quiver, jerking themselves in outbursts.

I kiss her forehead as her head falls forward against mine, limp from exertion. She turns into dead weight in my arms, and I push several times into her until my own detonation. My baby musters up enough strength to grab onto my kiss as I spill myself deep into her.

NOW

The rumble of Clink's bike faded, with small clouds of dust settling on the pavement. With their absence, the men calmed and returned to their places... all the commotion dying down. I pulled out my phone and checked the time. We have a bit of wiggle room in the next couple of hours but Clink better not derail our plan.

Tiny and Sunny appeared behind me, his hands groping her. Damn, these two were jumping each other every chance they got. I mean, one night away from each other and they were practically feral right now. I hadn't realized that they were behind me. “ 'Sup, bro?”

Tiny inclined his head in the direction of the departed bike and it's riders. “This a good idea, Jay? We got time for these games right now?”

I let out some pent up frustration with my deep breath, rubbing my temple hard trying to release a bit more. “I don't know, man... Clink's dick rarely thinks rationally.”

Sunny perked up suddenly, either from the topic at hand or Tiny's groping palms. “She's a nice girl, you two.” We both eyed her. “What? She comes into the shop a lot. I've gotten to know her. I'm the one who told her to bring her car here.”

Hmmm. I turn my attention from the two of them toward the front gates. Something just seemed off.

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHARLOTTE

The deep vibrations between my thighs felt exactly as I imagined they would. I had pictured this moment, built myself up for it. It was easier than I could have dreamed, driving right into their compound, but I had never thought things would progress this quickly. I had driven past the metal gates countless times before, wondering how to make my way inside. I mean, I'd be stupid to say I wasn't intimidated by these guys. But I was determined. I had a plan. This guy in front of me wasn't exactly part of it, but maybe this could work. It might be time to adjust accordingly. He could offer me an in that I could only hope for.

I pushed my chest up against this hard barricade in front of me and splayed my hands wide over his stomach, kneading the fabric with my fingers. Hmm. This was impressive. Tight, strong... warm. I could feel his body tighten under my palms. Good. This may be easier than I would have thought.

I knew who this guy was. I had studied them, observed them. I knew each player in the tight knit inner circle of Kingsmen. Originally, I had thought the younger one, T.J., would have been an easy mark. He was a little wet behind the ears for my taste but he seemed like he was eager for a go round when I dropped off my Jeep for repairs.

I hadn't seen this guy, Clink, around that day... but he would do just fine. He was more my type anyway... older, ruggedly handsome with a hard edge to him. It would be easier to do what I needed to if I was genuinely attracted to the guy, anyway. I was still damp from my first interaction with him. He was cocky and just a little bit too secure for my tastes, but he has a magnetism that just caused my body to do things against its will. Too bad he had to ruin it by opening his mouth. His cheesy come-on line burst my little eye candy bubble. As long as he could keep his trap shut, I might actually enjoy myself a little bit. I would just have to make sure that his mouth was occupied with other things, keeping him too busy to spoil anything more with his words.

We pulled into the main entrance for the hospital, the tires hugging the curve of the road as we swayed our weight collectively to compensate. I tugged gently on his shirt catching his attention before releasing it and pointing to the far side of the building, the service entrance for deliveries. “Over there,” I directed.

His bike reached the semi-seclusion of the hidden loading dock. I hadn't been working here long, but I knew enough about the daily routine and schedule to know that no deliveries would be made this time of afternoon. I usually walked through the main doors for my shifts, but I thought my new boy toy would appreciate the privacy that this alternate route could offer.

The engine ceased and Clink let go of the handle bars, straightening up, leaning back into me. He didn't smell at all like I had expected a biker to smell. I somehow expected body odor, gasoline, cigarettes... you name it. The fouler it was, the more likely I expected it to encompass his aroma. But this guy smelled like a mixture of body wash and after shave with a hint of weed. Not the cheap stinky kind but the deep husky pricy kind.

I held onto his arms as I steadied my dismount from the large piece of machinery. He cocked his head slightly to the side and smirked at me as I fumbled with the helmet trying to free myself. There was no way to look sexy while doing this, but I was trying to. That probably made it look all the more amusing to him. He laughed, deep and deliciously, as he threw his leg over the seat and stood in front of me, pushing my own hands out of the way so his could work the straps.

His hazel eyes sparkled down at me, tiny wear lines and creases around them. You couldn't see them from afar. This man wore his age well, but up this close I could see all of the fine leather like texture to his skin. He's probably not handled a bottle of sunscreen in his entire life. But, it suited him somehow.

“Uhhh. Thanks. I've never had to wear one of these before.” I tried to explain my ineptness. Once my hair was freed, I shook it loose around me, my own herbal shampoo tones mixing with his scent. He crooked his finger and used the back of it to pass down my cheek, smoothing away some loose ends and tucking them behind my ear. His touch was soft but deliberate. The deep rhythm of my pulse vibrated in my ears. “Yeah... I didn't peg a girl like you for a biker chick.”

What was this... was he actually capable of being funny?

“Well, thanks for getting me here on time. I... I just put my life in your hands and I don't even know you.”

He cleared his throat. “People call me Clink, that's all there is too know... but you can call me anything you want, sugar.”

Ugh. Here he goes again pissing away a perfectly good moment of chemistry by spewing his clichéd vernacular. I mean, SUGAR? Do women actually like being called that?

My inner bitchiness laughed. Little did this douche know I was anything but sweet. I was more like a dose of hot sauce. I could burn him. I put on my best innocent damsel in distress smile and fluttered my eyelashes at him. Not only was it a typical “Oh, thank you for being a big strong man and saving me” move but it also afforded me some cover while my eyes searched over him. His cut was worn, weathered, aged. It hung loose with the buttons open and exposing his tight muscle t-shirt beneath. His dark rinse jeans perfectly conformed to his chiseled physique. The fly of his pants bulged slightly and took on the elongated shape of its contents. Things were going according to plan.

I licked my lips, exaggerating my movements. “How can I ever repay you?” Ugh. It actually pains me to act like one of those saccharine sweet, brain-dead bimbos that guys like this ate up like a starving dog.

His lips twitched wickedly. I set out a bit more bait, angling my chin up perfectly for my mouth to be seized. He growled from deep in his chest. His rock hard, perfect chest. I screamed at myself silently for getting distracted and set that fire out right quick. Three, two, one.... jackpot! He slammed his lips down onto mine parting them instantly and finding his way inside. He kissed deep, massaging the inside of my lips with his strong tongue. I don't know why I was surprised that he'd be such an intense kisser. It looked like everything he did was intense.

He slid his hand behind my neck and pulled me into him, deeper than even before. My knees quivered. Holy Shit! Is that where the saying 'weak in the knees' comes from? I can't overthink this.   It was simply a knee jerk, natural reaction. I mean, I am attracted to him. I got my mind back on track. I meet his kiss with just as much ferocity. I take his lower lip between my teeth and tug, sucking it hard before releasing it. His eyes widen.

I slowly move away from his lips. “I've got to get in there before I'm late. Thanks again. Feel free to give me a ride anytime.” Ohhh. That was a good one. Hopefully he appreciated the innuendo. I winked at him and turned toward the steel door, leaving him standing there, staring at me. I could feel his eyes on me, working me over, sizing me up.

“Ohh...and Clink?” I called over my shoulder. “Pick me up in twelve hours after my shift is over.”

And that was it. The seed had been planted. I walked away from him, almost reaching the door handle before the powerful roar of his engine passed through me, causing a surge of heat to plummet down my length. I needed to learn how to keep myself focused. He was my mark. Nothing more. And little did he know, but I was about to rock his world and rattle the Kingsmen to the core.

******

CLINK

That was a fucking let down. That girl was definitely giving off some hot vibes on my bike, I was sure I was gonna get a piece. And when she pointed for me to bring her around back at the hospital, I thought it was a solid. Her tight little thighs had been playing games behind me the whole ride and I could feel the size and weight of her tits on my back. A kiss. All I get is a fucking kiss...cock tease. But what a kiss... It was damn good and stirred shit up but left me dry when she walked away. I sat back and released my overly tight grip on the handles, shifting the weight in my seat, off of the now aching spot as I head back to the clubhouse.

Some serious shit was about to take place. I was just looking for one little last bit of action to settle my nerves before we ride into a fucking firestorm. I haven't had regular pussy since Beth left. Instead, I just take what I need when the opportunity arises. That pretty little thing coming into the compound today, all clean and crisp in her uniform, eyes fresh and clear, was just the sort of opportunity a guy like me would pounce on. Hell, too much temptation not to.

She was different from the normal pieces of ass that came hanging around the clubhouse, ass that I had my fill of. I mean, don't get me wrong. It did the job and kept me satisfied enough where I didn't have to wander out looking for anything else... but it was getting old. Those bitches were nothing like this girl, like Charlie. My lips turned up a little bit as I thought of her name. Charlie. It was cute. It had something about it. As long as it wasn't another Brandi, or Candy, or Princess it worked for me.

I left the main highway behind and turn on to the side streets. The small houses were well-kept, nice looking. Even mine was pretty decent, although I rarely came home to it anymore. Kept the prospects busy and out of trouble to send them over here every few days to mow the lawn, take out the trash, air the place out. My place wasn't big, wasn't fancy, just a nice little house that would have been a great place for a kid to call home. That's why I bought it. Dylan deserved a place like that to come home to after school, throw a ball in the yard.

Pain. My chest starts to constrict as I think about the empty yard, the school bus just driving past without having a reason to stop anymore. I shake it off. I'm just going to run in, grab my stash, and get out. The ghosts that roam this place are not exactly what I need to deal with right now.

I park my bike in the driveway and throw down the kick stand with my boot. Beth used to hate it when I parked right up close to the house. Said it rumbles right through the windows and through the house when I started the bike up or pulled in before cutting the engine.  It used to wake the baby when he was sleeping and, damn it was hard as hell to get him back down after that. But now, I could park as close as I wanted to. The only thing that would wake up was that foofy mutt that does nothing but sleepin the yard next door.

The door opens and the stagnant air hits me. This place needs to be opened up. If Beth hadn't promised me that the kid could stay and visit when he got older I would probably have just sold it. No need for guy like me to have a place of my own anymore. The clubhouse suited just fine to lie my head on a bed or fuck a chick behind closed doors. What else could I ask for? Sure would save me a ton of money every month not having to worry about the house anymore. Ehhh. Whatever. I ain't got time to think about this shit right now.

I enter the main hallway and open the linen closet. It smells like a damn dryer sheet in there. I push through the pile of folded towels and reach blindly feeling for the uneven ledge. Pulling the section of wall out, I expose the tiny hidden compartment within, a brown paper bag crumples in my hand as I grasp at it. Looking inside I see the pistol, hibernating, dormant from its lack of use. I hadn't had to use this in a long time. My handgun was good enough to carry everyday just in case. But this baby, I take her out on special occasions. And this definitely qualified. I moved the pistol aside to spot the silencer beneath it. Good. I had what I needed. Now, I gotta get the fuck outta here before this place starts to get to me.

I pass the fireplace mantel on my way out, picking up the small metal picture frame centered on the ledge. Quickly I remove the picture inside and look at the big brown eyes staring into the camera lens. It was his birthday, and he had just turned one. Beth had gotten the bright idea to get him his own little cake and let him have at it. It took days to get all of the blue stain from the icing off of his skin. But we were able to get a really good picture of him gobbling it up, licking his fingers.

I put the picture in my inside pocket and tuck it away before walking out and locking the door behind me. As if anyone in this town dared try to break into a Kingsmen's house. Pity the motherfucker who tried.

I need to head back to the clubhouse and closer to the death wish we were about to barrel into.  I really regret not getting a piece of that sweet ass when I had the chance, before all this goes down tonight. Wait... did I have a chance back there? I mean, I've never had a girl refuse me before. But she hadn't exactly refused me... she did tell me to come get her later and I was pretty fucking sure it was a full blown invitation to 'all' of her. This was new. I've never been told when and where I could take a chick. And I don't like it one bit. NO pretty little bitch is gonna tell me when to come get her, and when to fuck her senseless. I do as I please. That shit never flew with me. Not with Beth, and certainly not with Charlie. My blood pressure was rising, my pulse beating faster and faster the more I thought of this chick ordering me around. I check my phone. It's not much time... but It might be just enough. I double my speed and race back to the hospital. If today is gonna be my last day, I'm gonna make it count.

******

CHARLOTTE

The med cart was all messed up and out of order. Ugh... how do they let this shit happen around here? We would never get away with this kind of thing back at Mercy. That place was run like a tight ship, every person pulling their own weight. It was nothing like this joke of a hospital. I was sorry to have to leave my old job behind, but it definitely made my resume stand out when I applied for this position. Chisholm General Hospital was a clear step down for a nurse with my qualifications and more than one person here had asked repeatedly why I was willing to make the move along with the drastic pay cut. I gave them all the same well-rehearsed speech. Needing a new place, new scenery, new beginnings. It sounded good and did the trick.... no one needed to know the real reason I was here. But when I have to deal with half assed stuff like an unorganized and unstocked med cart, I question just how much I have to put up with in this hell hole.

I start to separate the syringes by size when the intercom buzzes me. The supply closet is small compared to most, especially back at Mercy, and the loud electronic noise startles me as it fills the tiny space. “Charlie? You there?”

I throw down the package on the tray and step over to the archaic button on the wall. Goddamn! Can't I be left in peace for one fucking minute?

I press on the round plastic circle. “Yeah, Sam... what do you need now?” I didn't dislike him, but I don't understand how a person could need as much help on a daily basis as that tool did.

The wall buzzed again. “Umm.. There's a visitor for you, here at the desk.” What? Surely the man has stepped up his mild pill popping game to full-blown smoking crack in the afternoon. How could I have a visitor? Other than my coworkers and the sweet little old lady who rented next door to me, nobody knew me in this town. And that was just how I fucking liked it.

I was about to press the intercom button again to ask Sam exactly this question, when my better judgment prevailed and I decided to just walk the forty seconds to the desk and straighten this out myself.

I rounded the last corner and stopped dead in my tracks, ten feet from the desk. Sam is standing, facing my visitor. They both look at me. Sam is eying me quizzically, searching for some sort of explanation for an intrusion like this. My visitor taps his palm on the chest height counter top that separates the two men. “Thanks, man, I got it from here.”

Clink strode over to me and took my elbow in his hand turning me to walk with him back around the corner I had just seconds before made my entrance from. His grip is firm but not tight enough to hurt much. He lowers his voice, “Where can we go to talk?”

SHIT!!! He wanted to talk. He knows! How the hell could he know, could he have figured it out? I hadn't given anything away to him. I was sure of it. I looked at him over my shoulder. He looked angry, mean almost. Fuck. He must know. He was the club's enforcer. He was here on business. I'm sure of it now, judging from the cold exterior he was showing.

“Umm... I don't know.. I don't think I have time right now..” Stall. I needed to stall him, figure a way to talk myself out of this shit. Surely if I told him everything, he would understand. I mean I'm pretty sure there are rules in place for this sort of thing, right? He needed Vince to give the OK for any kind of nasty business and no way was there enough time for him to have worked everything out and then go find Vince to get the order.

He stopped short abruptly holding my arm close to him as I jerked myself from the sudden stop. “Don't play with me...”

He looked around, peeks his head into a hospital room near us. It was vacant.. I knew that because housekeeping had just turned it over yesterday and it sat empty waiting for an influx of admissions to fill the vacant beds inside. One more look through the door and Clink now knew it was empty, too. He guided us inside and closed the door, locking the metal mechanism above the handle. Shit...

“Wait...Clink.. You need to talk about this.”

“NO!” He walked over to me as I cowered away from his large brooding form. His eyes were smoldering over, set on me like a hawk. “We don't talk. You don't TELL me to stop and talk, you don't TELL me to come and pick your ass up later...”

Huh? He pulled at my shoulders, bringing me into him. “I do what I want, when I want.”

He slams his mouth down to mine and kissed me deep, forcefully, catching me off guard as I let out a surprised moan into his mouth. His tongue fills me, offering no answers to my confusion, instead leaving me with more questions. Clink's arms surround me and pull me in tight, hands grabbing onto me and feeling their way around my form. His kiss is strong, powerful, and he asserts his control over me but manages to convince my lips to play along on their own. He tastes like fire, steam rising from deep within him and into me as we explore each other. I'm having trouble breathing, not enough air reaching my lungs as we practically climb into each other. My eyes roll back from the intensity, unwilling to break my lock on his lips to breathe.

I was taken off guard, by surprise. Surely that's the reason why my body responds to him so easily.    He was playing dirty, for no way would I have lost all thought and gone blank the way I just had under normal circumstances. He did not have this control over me, it was just the shock of it that had gotten to me. His lips were rough, unrelenting as they commanded my own to act in tune with them, follow their lead.

My senses were starting to return, the air around me settling, losing their electric charge. I was back in charge of my own body and my mind was now functioning, controlling my movements. I moan as I throw my hands into his short hair, feeling the softness pass between my fingertips. This man was no match for me and he would learn it one way or another.

Clink releases my lips and pulls my top off haphazardly throwing it further into the room behind us. His eyes are deep, searching into me, silently asking for my consent. “No time to be gentle about this, sugar... it's gonna be quick.”

Swallowing is somehow now hard to, but I manage a way to get it done. I nod my head. Almost immediately, he pulls the drawstring to my uniform pants and gravity helps to pull them down the rest of the way past my knees. My bare skin starts to prickle from the cool air in the room and my lace covered nipples peak hard. He eyes them hungrily, and I want his warmth on them. He thumbs over the flowered pattern, teasing them and I suck in deeply. His lips twitch. Damn him.

I grab at his waist and paw at his belt, tugging hard trying to free him, crashing his body into mine with each pull. Oh god... the anticipation is almost too much. I've seen its outline, I've felt the pressure of it but I needed to touch it, to see it. He was a big man, bigger than most and I'll bet his dick was just as big I needed it to be. I throw my hand deep into his pants the second I have enough room to do so, and I groan my pleasure loudly as he's sucking on my neck. It's exactly what I thought it would be. Thick enough to really hold onto and surprisingly longer than I guessed. Mmm. Despite that fact that this was just part of the job, I was really enjoying it.

He bites my neck beneath his kiss. “You like that, sugar?...”

Hell, yeah, I like it..

I hold onto him tight and work my fingers, giving him his answer. “It'll do... and don't call me sugar, sugar.”

He turns me around quickly and pulls my back hard against his chest, wrapping his arms around me pulling the delicate lace of my bra down hard, my tits jumping out. He massages them roughly, his callouses offering just the right amount of friction.

“Don't tell me what to call you, sugar. I'll bet you taste real sweet, don't you baby?”

He pushes me forward over the footboard of the closest bed. The mattress meets me hard. “I'm gonna to have to taste that one day, sugar. But now... I need to fuck you.  Hard”

I hear the crinkling of a wrapper and the tell-tale rip of foil. I press my cheek into the bedding and struggle to see behind me. His hands, now finished with their assignment roam behind me. One grabs my hip firm, fingers spreading wide covering my ass cheek. His form is strong and asserting behind me, trying to dominate me. This isn't usually my style.. I'm always the one in control. But somehow it was working. If this bad boy needed to call the shots, then I could feed into his ego a little, for now anyway.

I groan, and use my hands to grab fist fulls of the blanket beneath me. His husky, breathless voice behind me calls to me. “Tell me you want this, baby... tell me you need it just as bad as I do.”

I spread my knees as far as the bundled fabric around them will allow. “Give it to me.. I need it now.”

He growls his approval of his little conquest, pressing his huge latex covered dick against me, circling my slit, playing with my need. The roughness of the denim and the small bite of the zipper trails over my skin. He had freed himself just enough to get the job done. “That's right, sugar..”

My slickness offers more than enough guidance as he pushed hard into me holding firmly as he entered to the hilt. I gasped out. Not in pain... there are truly no words for how he felt inside me, claiming my body. He held himself still, muscles taught. “Christ, sugar, you are so fucking tight!”

I smile wickedly. One of the benefits of sitting at a desk while entering charts for hours at an end was being able to do kegel exercises.

“I'm glad you approve.” I answered back to him with just a hint of bitchiness. What was he expecting? I mean..I know I'm no young kid, I was almost twenty seven, but did he think I'd be some kind of loosy Lucy?

I push my ass into him hard, spurring him to start moving. He reaches up and takes hold of a fistful of my cascading hair, turning it in his fingers and holding it rigidly. “Hell, yeah, I approve.”

The next ten minutes were mind blowing. Each thrust of his was met with an equally impressive one of my own. Our sounds filled the room, turning each other on and the sterile scent of the room was now replaced by the muskiness of sex. He was riding me hard, plowing over and over, filling me deeper and wider than I think I've ever had before. It felt glorious, relieving all tension and stress as we poured into each other. I was starting to climb higher and higher, whimpering my need to cross over the invisible edge.

I slip my hand under my chest and pull at my taught nipple, offering whatever help I can to get me there.

“God. Sugar... you feel so fucking good...” He breathed out, low enough that I wasn't even sure it was meant for my ears. I begin to pant, liquid dribbling down the inside of my thigh. He hand slides around my hip and into the heat searching for my center. He finds it quickly and presses into it, twirling it between his fingers and massaging it with his rugged finger tips. It's throbbing beneath his prodding and the flames shoot into me as I call out.

“Yes... oooh, baby, I can't...” And that was it. Ringing in my ears sounded off and bright white light filled my eyes as they rolled back and pressed hard against my closed eyelids. My shoulders shuddered and legs wobbled from the unending exertion. I was spasming around his shaft, gripping it and releasing involuntarily as I panted like a wild animal in heat.

Clink doubled his efforts behind me and pushed himself into his own outburst, slumping over me as he recovered. Our bodies were breathing in time with each other's, deep and fast as we brought ourselves back down.

He numbly kisses my skin as he gulps in air between each one. He began to quiet, settle and then delicately pulled himself from within me. I felt the absence of his warm breath on my back as he stood. There was a snapping sound before Clink walked over to the trash can. His foot pressed on the pedal and the lid obligingly lifted itself allowing him to throw the filled condom into it before shutting closed.

I mustered up enough strength to raise myself and pick my scrubs back up, working the drawstring tight as he pulled his zipper and buckled himself in. We stared, each sizing the other one up. I stood tall, throwing my shoulders back and cocked my eyebrow.

He laughed, closing the space between us and wrapped his arms around my bare waist. His nose circled mine and his lips planted onto mine lightly, sweetly, coercing mine to dance with his. This was nothing like the kisses we'd shared before. There was little eagerness behind it. It was calm, slow, passionate.   I sighed surprisingly into him. He withdrew his kiss and groped my ass with his long fingers.

“Sweet as sugar.”

I scowled and opened my mouth to speak, to reprimand him for calling me sugar, but he placed his finger over my lips, shushing me. He smirked and winked at me before turning toward the exit, leaving me topless behind him. I was speechless. I had been fucked senseless before, but I had never been fucked senseless AND speechless before.

He gripped the door handle and turned it while calling out back to me.

“And sugar... be ready out back after your shift.”   And he leaves.

CHAPTER NINE

JAY

It was almost time. Leave it to Clink to come strolling in just minutes before we need to take off. I didn't want to tempt fate, but seriously, could anything else get thrown into the fucking mix today? Surprisingly, the only person who followed directions and didn't add to my pile of worries, was Vicky. She had her shit packed and ready to go in record time, with Blue packing it up in the cage. She sat at the bar tossing back a few beers waiting for her departure and making eyes at any brother that would give her the time of day. Ma sat close by, a buffer, between her and the pack of ol' ladies ready to gouge her fucking eyes out. The sooner I get this chick outta here, the better. At least when my boys fight, it's quick and clean. These women, though, they knew how to fight dirty. Fingernails sharp like claws, hair... you name it. They know how to do the most damage in the least amount of time. And they always went for the face. Why the fuck do they always go for the face?

Tiny had disappeared with Sunny for a while, holing up in the boardroom. I came upon them by chance when I snuck in there to empty the safe of the cash I needed to make good on my end of the bargain with Vicki. I would never be able to sit through another round of church without picturing the mental image of Tiny, balls deep in his girl spread over that table. I'm convinced that if someone searched this place with a black light, no surface would pass the test. Finishing their business, they finally came out of the boardroom, Sunny shifting her clothes around and Tiny high fiving Dewey as he passed by. Sunny was Tiny's ol' lady, just as good as if she were his wife. She hadn't been around as long as most of the women but she was accepted. She had proven her loyalty more than once to both the club and Tiny. Her little salon came in handy, too, when we needed to shift some cash around.

She avoided my direction, embarrassed at the state I had just seen her in moments earlier. Tiny had bragged about her skills in the sack since forever. Based on what I was able to see... he wasn't exaggerating. I would need to teach Lil's to do what I had just seen Sunny in the middle of. Lil's is as flexible as a fucking rubber band.. I'm sure she can pull it off, no problem. My cock twitched slightly in anticipation, in need.

I nodded over to Tiny and tapped at my wrist and then thumbed over my shoulder, making the universal sign for It's time to get the fuck outta here.” I don't wear a watch, but he got the message just fine.

I filed into the boardroom and threw the small empty black duffel on the ground next to the large safe. Only a handful of brothers had the combo to this baby, and we always kept enough cash on hand to bail out a small fucking country. The bookkeepers and accountants worked overtime giving us a paper trail to make the money look legit in the off-chance that we were raided. The chances of that were slim enough... a big portion of this stockpile made its way into the pockets of the local P.D. bigwigs and some even found its way to the local beat cops. Just enough to keep everyone satisfied and willing to look the other way. It was a win-win situation. Every once in a while the cops needed to make a public show of harassing us a little, but it never passed a certain point, possibly jeopardizing their steady cash flow.

I worked the knob slowly, steady. It was one of the old-fashioned dial safes as Pops didn't trust the new high tech kind. When it came to Pop and technology he preferred to stay on the far end of the curve. It was always a battle getting him to modernize, try new things, things that could make club business easier and bring in a bigger cash flow with less risk. But, he was set in his ways. “If it aint broke don't fix it.” That motto could be tattooed across his fucking forehead and stamped on his tombstone, for no one lived truer to his convictions than Vince Cauley.

The cash was piled neatly in small stacks within the canvas walls of the bag. Any reasonable person with half a brain for investing could do well with this amount. That bitch out there though, I didn't have half a doubt that she'd blow it on shopping sprees, a tricked out car and even a new set of boobs. It's a shame. You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make a whore change her ways. I had the bag zipped and thrown over my shoulder as I kicked the heavy steel door to the safe closed. Never one to miss an opportunity to catch me with my pants down, Pop strode in at that exact moment.

He eyed the obviously full bag in my possession and then shifted his gaze to the safe. “Payday already, son?”

I plopped the bag down on the wooden table, not too far from where Sunny's bare ass had been. “Just taking my cut from the Virginia run.” We squared off to each other.

Pops nodded, eyeing the bag. “That's a lot of dough to be walking around with.” I could see the wheels turning, his trying to piece together the little bit of info he had.

“I got a debt to pay off. Sending that stripper off with the cash Shade held back from her, get her out of here free and clear.”

It was true. Mostly. The money would be going to Vicki, but she had one last thing to do to earn it before she could claim it as hers and set off on her jolly little way.

Pop cracked a half smile. “Seems like a foolish way to throw away money, on that one. But, who am I to tell a brother how to spend his pay?”

The mood lightened. We were both being passive to one another, with Pop seemingly aware that something wasn't exactly on the up and up. I picked up the handles and swung the bag.

“What can I say? I was always a sucker for a damsel in distress.”

I stopped in front of Pop as I headed out the door. “I'll take care of this shit and meet you later. At the rendezvous point.”

Pops nodded and clapped his hand down hard on my shoulder. “You be careful with that one, son... she's a slippery little snake. Your momma called it clear as day. Get her outta town.” He looked me straight in the eye, “And you be careful, boy. You hear me? I don't need to be explainin' to your ma or worse, to Lil's, anything about you getting hurt.”

I understood. That was as close to him admitting he was personally concerned for me as I was ever gonna get from him. We were very similar but yet couldn't be more different from each other, coming from a long line of take no shit kinda men. The lessons this man taught me were woven into my upbringing. You don't worry like a bitch, you don't act like one either.

I cocked my chin at him, silent acknowledgement of the unspoken undertones floating between us.

The boys had had enough wits to toss Vicky in the van, Blue waiting at the wheel to follow us. I guess it was better that the two of them got their little fuck out of the way earlier, this way Blue wouldn't get distracted by his passenger. I knew first hand that Vicki was the kind of girl you fucked once just for the experience to know that you'd done it and not missed an opportunity that every other fucking guy in this town had taken her up on. I didn't need to worry about Blue looking for another round on that merry-go-round.

Tiny, Clink, and Butch were huddled around their bikes shootin' the shit over Tiny's new piece. Butch was on probation. Hell! Butch was always on probation for one thing or another, but I knew he was carrying, too. Getting caught with a concealed illegal firearm was not a concern for him today. I threw the bag of cash over to Tiny to store on his bike. Mine was full. I had Sunny pack some clothes for Lil's in my saddlebags. Between that and my own stash I didn't have the room.

Once close enough in range of my brothers to talk low, I addressed them as a group.

“We stay tight. It shouldn't take more than forty minutes or so to get there. We stash the bikes about a quarter mile away.”

They all nodded, silently agreeing with the orders before saddling up. With Vince not riding with us, I carried the lead as V.P. and the others falling in line. Clink, as the club enforcer was my right-hand man.

It was a small group compared to when all of the brothers rode out, but out of respect, every single man, woman, and child in this compound lined up to see us off. Ma was right up front next to Pop. I could tell she was worried, her frame rigid and tense. Pops was holding her, offering his woman his strength. She blew me a kiss and leaned back into her ol' man. She was a strong woman, stubborn, fierce, but she and Pop had a dynamic between them. She let him be the man he needed to be, with the club and with her.

The roaring of the bikes was building, echoing within the walls of the surrounding buildings. I tied a bandana tight around my mouth and lowered my shades, the sun was starting to set and I didn't need them for glare. When we rode out for shit like this, we did it covered. People can't ID a fully-concealed biker... to them we all look the same.

We rode out, the crowd closing in the space behind us as we left. I glanced back in my mirror. Almost every single person that mattered to me was back there, in that mass of faces watching us or riding alongside me now. The only person missing was my baby, my Lil's. But I was going to go get her.

******

LIL'S

I don't know what day it is. The sun is setting lower in the sky hinting at early evening. The room is bare, other than a metal-framed bed with some nasty blankets on it and a window with billowing curtains. The breeze feels good, fresh, rejuvenating as I sit on the floor and rest my head on the sill, watching. There's nothing to watch really. We are out in the middle of nowhere, in some old neglected house far from the safety of neighbors. There are bikes parked on the lawn... not many, but at least ten scattered around the property below me. I've always felt safe around bikers, having grown up surrounded by them. But these men had changed my outlook on that. Other than when Tiny had been shot back when I was in high school, I had always had a detached view of the danger that came with every single stich of the patches sewn onto the cuts of men like this. Now, whenever I closed my eyes, whenever I let my mind wander back to Emily and the terror she had on her face, the foreboding of what was coming her way, I feel the true weight of these patches falling down on me.

I had picked a focal point a while ago and just stared. As long as I could just focus on something hard, I was able to keep those memories at bay. The backyard had an old tree set back in the corner, before the wild grass of abandoned land took over. There was a rickety old swing hanging from one of the main branches, but it looked like it hadn't been used in a decade, easy. I'm sure if one of these fat sons of bitches even tried to sit on it, it would snap. But, at one time it must have been new, giving some small kid a great place to hang out, waiting to be called into the house for supper or just passing time pumping their legs back and forth trying to swing higher and higher to reach the sky.

That kid was long gone now, that imaginary family moved on with these bikers taking their place. I rubbed my stomach protectively while looking at the swing. At least I wasn't alone locked up here. I had something with me, something secret and special and something to focus on to keep my mind from the terrible places it seemed hell bent on going to. I cannot think of it again, the sound of the gun firing its deadly aim, the pooling darkness on the floor, the metallic tinge of the scent of blood filling the space. I squint my eyes harder, focusing on the swing, commanding my mind to follow.

The heavy thud of boots outside my door, coupled with the deep vibrations of the old floor boards beneath me alerted me to my visitor before the knock on the door even sounded. The same kid was sent time and time again to check on me. Unless they expected me to jump from a two story window and try to make a run for it through a field of long-forgotten crops, with countless pairs of eyes on me while I made my escape, I don't know why they keep sending him up here. I had thought about making the jump, taking my chances out there. If it were just me, I would have made the leap in a heartbeat. But it wasn't just me anymore. I had something much more important than myself to consider in any half-assed, hair-brained, prison-break plans.

“You done with your plate?”

He couldn't be any more than twenty years old. God knows why he picked this club to hitch his wagon to. Slayers and Kingsmen were the only two MC's left in this part of the state. While I didn't know too much about club business, I knew enough to know that Slayers were into some really bad shit. While the Kingsmen had thrived and built up tons of businesses, bringing in legitimate cash, the Slayers hung around and waited for the scraps. Mainly thanks to Jay, the club was able to support its own pretty comfortably. The ranks swelled and the brothers were kept happy. They were earning well, lived in nice homes, led pretty decent lives, and were all extremely close to one another. The main foundation of the club charter never waivered and the brothers never lost sight of the real purpose for the MC... It offered a home, a life to those guys.... not just bragging rights.

This kid, and I use the term loosely because he's not much younger than me, has no business getting mixed up with assholes like this. I wonder how many people looked at Jay or Tiny and wondered the same thing over the years. He seemed nice enough, bringing me food and water every few hours and checking to see if I needed to use the bathroom.

“I can't eat anymore right now, thanks.” I had only managed to eat about half of the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. He looked unsure before picking up the unfinished meal. “Say... what's your name? I'm Lil's...”

He squinted at me, trying to catch my angle. Who knows what they told this kid about me? I mean, I didn't exactly look like a crazy lunatic bitch, but they must have fed him some kind of bullshit story about me. The kid was on pins and needles every time he stepped foot in here.

“Chris... they call me Pretty Boy.”

Good name. Sometimes a road name just didn't seem to fit. In this case though, it was spot on. He had short, blackish hair with some kind of gel in it, making the tips spike up a little. Dark brown eyes settled on me, judging me...

“Good to meet you, Chris. You seem too nice to be caught up in this shit.” I didn't have anything to lose here, not like I'm gunning for Miss Congeniality or anything.

He stood tall, I could tell he was getting a little defensive. “Yeah, well... things have been hard around here for a while now. Fallen on tough times you know...”

I nodded. I could tell by the way these guys dressed, their run-down bikes... they didn't exactly have a whole lot of pocket cash.

“Do you know what they did to my friend?” My once friendly tone turned cold. I hadn't seen his face among the few at the warehouse.

He shakes his head. “Yeah... Shade gets a little... unhinged sometimes.”

I bit my lip. UNHINGED?! The guy was completely mental! A maniac! He could see the anger swelling in me.

“I'm sorry about your friend...” He looked sincere. “We didn't know he was going to take it this far, you know?”

I turned myself back toward the window, spotting my tree. I exhaled deep. “You should think about getting out now, you know. Before things really start to go to shit.”

There were very few ways out of it for this kid. He'd taken an oath, pledged his loyalty to these men, his brothers. There was a long silence before Chris spoke again.

“I'll check on you in an hour, I guess.”

And he is gone. The sun is setting behind the trees, a deep purple and orange painted the sky. I close my eyes tight. Soon it will be too dark to see my tree, my swing. There would only be emptiness, a void, and the memories would find their way back in again.

I pray Jay finds me soon.

CHAPTER TEN

The coolness of the night was setting in, forcing me to close the window. With the daylight long gone I had no reason to stare out the window... my tree was hidden. I made my way to the bed and pulled the scrappy blankets off, throwing them into a pile on the floor and sat up against the wall on the thin mattress. With my legs hugged into my chest, I dropped my head down to rest on my knees.

The room was dark, but darkness suited me just fine right now. It would require too much effort on my part to get up and hit the switch. I had never been a fan of the quiet. I was the type of person that always needed the hustle and bustle. Plenty of background noise and lots of distraction suited me just fine.

I could hear faint signs of life coming from the ground floor. I strained to hear them, inviting them to fill my ears and give me something other than my mind-numbing isolation to pass the time. The knock at the door startled me. I didn't answer. Exactly what was the proper etiquette for answering the door to one's captor, anyway?

Chris opened the door carefully stepping into the darkness. My eyes had adjusted pretty well by now and I could see the outline of his hand reaching for the light switch.

“Don't,” I mindlessly called out to him. “I'm fine in the dark... please.”

His shape didn't move right away. I think he was contemplating my request. It must have sounded absurd to him. But, he didn't turn on the light.

He cleared his throat. “I brought you some pizza. I wasn't sure what kind you liked so I just brought you plain.”

I could smell the cheesy slice from across the room.

“Thanks. I'll try to eat some.” I scooted to the edge of the bed, extending my hand toward him. He closed the space between us and placed the edge of the plate into my fingers.

“So, sounds like a good time downstairs...”

I was angry at these assholes for carrying on and having a good time after they had just murdered an innocent young woman. It was as if it had never happened, to them.

“Yeah, well, this shit's almost over. The guys are relieved and kicking back a little. It's been... tense all around, you know?”

Tense. I'll give him fucking tense. Let's have him watch as his good friend gets shot in the goddamned head right in front of you simply because they know you, and see if it's tense enough for him. I took a bite of the luke-warm pizza and chewed slowly, not tasting the food in my mouth.

“Sure...” I managed in between mouthfuls.

“I really am sorry about your friend. I hope you know that.” This kid didn't quite fit the typical biker mold. I haven't met too many of them that felt remorse. “But Shade worked something out with your club... their gonna make a trade tonight. You'll get to go home.”

I swallowed my food down hard, and grunted. “Do you really think he's going to let a murder witness just run along home to his own rivals?”

I seamed to have caught Chris off guard. “We... we took a vote. I promise you that you ARE going home, Lil's.”

“Did you take a vote on killing Emily? That was her name you know. She had a name and now she's dead. Your club killed her. I hope you all can live with that vote.”

Chris hung his head and slowly turned back toward the door. “That was never voted on, Lil's, I swear on it. After all this is over my club will deal with that, you can count on it.”

I sighed slowly. I believed him. I know he didn't vote on it, make the call, or pull the trigger.

“I'm sorry about Emily.”

He closed the door behind him, leaving me in the dark to finish my dinner. I wasn't a huge fan of pizza. But, it was nutrition and at this point I needed to make sure I was eating. I hadn't had a fruit or vegetable since I had been taken (and, my prenatal vitamins were right where I left them, in the bathroom at Jay's house.) I would need to make up for this past couple of days when I get home. We would need to make some healthy changes. WE. Jay and I together. God, I needed him right now. This should be the happiest time of our lives and we should be spending it together. The few days leading up to when I took the test I had run over all scenarios in my head. I had planned out so many little ways that I would break the news to Jay if the test was positive. I knew he'd be happy... he had always made it pretty clear that he wanted kids. He had been an only child and was always envious of those who had siblings. He had Tiny, of course. But it wasn't exactly the same. I never got to tell Jay about the baby, share that moment with him. It was one more thing that Shade took from me.

******

THEN

“Lil's and Jay, sittin' in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

I ran around the couch trying to catch on to the four-year-old scurrying away from me.

“AVA!” I called, nearly out of breath. This little girl was quick! She had managed to sneak out of her room and downstairs to the den where she walked in on Jay and me making out. Thank God for small miracles and she hadn't come down any later, or she would have seen a hell of a lot more than just kissing.

Jay was laughing his ass off watching me try to track Ava down. She had disappeared somewhere through the kitchen. All that was left of her was her singing voice echoing through the house. She was repeating the verse over and over again. I turned to Jay with a scowl on my lipstick-smudged face.

“A little help here might be nice! I mean, this is your fault, you know.” I scolded him. Ava was tucked away in bed when Jay had stopped by. If she hadn't heard the noises we were making she would never have come down here. Hell, she'd probably be asleep by now.

I was babysitting for Trojan and Sarah tonight. They had some anniversary party to go to for her sister. Ava was usually a pretty easy assignment. But, I had been stupid enough to leave her unattended for like, two seconds, and she managed to get into Sarah's hidden candy stash. The pre-schooler was riding one hell of a sugar high tonight and was in rare form.

“First comes love, then comes marriage...” The tiny voice was now becoming louder. She was close. My eyebrows shot up and I snapped my fingers at Jay, pointing over to the side door near the pantry. We could double team her and cut her off before she could make it back to the kitchen. Jay quickly caught on to my plan and headed toward the singing nursery rhyme.

“Then comes the baby in the baby carriage! Ahh! Uncle JAAAY!” Jay made it to her and scooped her up just as I made my way around the corner. He playfully threw her over his shoulder and began tickling her.

Her laughter was contagious and I found myself joining in. Jay was beaming up at the little girl in his arms. “You see what happens to sneaky little girls that climb out of bed? The tickle monster comes after them!”

“Ahhhh! No... no uncle JAAAAY!” Her squeals were pitchy and full of giddy hysterics. “Not the tickle monster!”

I followed Jay as he carried Ava upstairs, and back toward her fairy princess themed bedroom. Her laughter had settled slightly as he walked over to her canopy bed and set her down. I stood in the doorway and watched as my big badass biker melted into putty for this little girl. He pulled the blanket back up over her and tucked the sides in tight.

“Snug as a bug in a rug.” She laughed as he recited the bedtime rhyme while smoothing the blanket around her. “Auntie Lil's must not have tucked you in tight enough before,” he looked over his shoulder to me and winked.

I squinted my eyes in mock anger at him. He knew damn well I would have gotten her to sleep perfectly fine without his interruption.

“Now, Ava...” the little girl hung on every word Jay spoke, “if you stay in bed and go to sleep, I know for a fact that Auntie Lil's will give you twenty dollars.” The little girl's eyes widened. She looked over at me to confirm the deal.

I nodded. “Sure thing sweetie. Twenty dollars all for you. You can buy a whole lot of stickers with that money, baby girl...” I thought I needed to sweeten the pot. The kid LOOOVED stickers. We nearly laughed out asses off when Trojan came riding into the garage with his bike covered in rainbow and sparkly stickers. Ava had wanted to make it pretty for her daddy. It cost Trojan, or 'T' as we called him, a new paint job. The boys played around with the idea of changing T's road name to Sparkles. They quickly changed their minds when he punched the first guy who tried it out cold. Since then, stickers have been pretty rare around this house.

The little girl nodded first at me and then to Jay. “You promise, Ava? You'll go to sleep? Otherwise... no twenty bucks. No stickers.” He was setting the terms for his little negotiation.

As if on cue, the little girl yawned, and nodded. “I promise uncle Jaaay.” He bent down and kissed her forehead, before walking toward me and the door.

“Night night, baby girl” I called to her while flipping the light switch and closing the door quietly. I paused at the seam of the door, listening for any tell-tale signs of movement inside. Nothing. I turned quickly and planted a pretty hard playful punch into Jay's bicep. It probably hurt me more than it did him, considering how hard his muscle was, but he pretended to be mortally wounded. I rolled my eyes.

“Asshole,” I whispered.

“Oh yeah? Is that what I am?” He pinned me up against the opposite wall, breathing in my ear. “I seem to recall you calling me something else downstairs...” He was toying with me. “What was it again...” His palm smoothed up under my dress and over my skin, all the way up my body leaving gooseflesh in its wake.    “Oh yeah... I think it was... 'God'...”

His hand found my bra and pushed it aside aiming for my nipple, fiddling with it between his rough fingertips. I moaned, pushing myself hard against the wall. My hands reached around his waist and held him to me. He lowered his mouth onto my ear and twirled his overly warm tongue around the lobe, pulsing quickly began to migrate down my spine. He knew every button to push, every weak spot to take advantage of, in the most wickedly wonderful way possible.

A sudden noise jolted us both to turn our heads and stare at Ava's door. We waited... waited... nothing. We exhaled together as if on cue. I wasn't aware that I was holding my breath, but I really wasn't in the mood for an encore of chasing Little Miss Ava around the house. We stared at each other, the unsatisfied heat stiffening between us. Things were getting pretty hot and heavy downstairs before we were interrupted.

Jay grabbed my hand quickly and tugged, pulling me behind as he led us into the master bedroom. T and Sarah weren't due home for another couple of hours or so, but I felt kind of funny being in their bedroom. Jay pounced on me the second the door was closed behind us. His eager kisses were deep, intoxicating. His need was practically spilling out like a geyser, as his cock throbbed between us. I could actually feel the twitching through the denim.

I had pretty much just left him hanging downstairs. It was a wonder he hadn't popped a vein by now. I worked quickly, undoing his pants and dropping them in record time. I bit his bottom lip playfully and swirled the tip of my tongue over it, enticing it. When he reached to grab hold again, I used all of the restraint I could fathom and pulled back shaking my head. “Uh uh uh...”

I dropped to my knees in front of him and took him into my mouth in one long stroke. I could hear his sounds as he struggled with himself. It had been a long time since I had teased him and made him wait. He had little recourse back then but to scurry off and take care of himself. That was before I gave myself fully to him. Now, he had no barriers, limits, no restraints, to control himself within. I was his. He was mine. If he had a need, I was here to satisfy it.

Jay was very well endowed and loved to fit every inch of himself within me. It had taken a long time to get used to it, but it was now like second nature to me. I took everyone of those inches in deep and used my hands to add icing to the cake. He was ravenous, hungrier than he had been in a while. It had been days since I had seen him. He had been busy with the books over at the club, straightening some nonsense out with the accountants, and I was in the middle of my first-semester finals. We had never gone this long between doing it.

Jay grabbed my hair and held tight, keeping my head immobile as his hips slowly started to buck. He was pumping himself in and out of me, fucking himself with my willing mouth. The small gurgling and gasping sounds I was making seemed to egg him on, adding fuel to his fire and his thrusting sped up. I moaned my own need aloud, all hot and bothered by the control he was exerting over me. It turned me on something fierce when he took charge like this. He was the expert, I was the novice absorbing everything he had to share.

“Baby...” he whimpered. The funny thing about control is that even when he has it, wills it over me, I still can manage to bring him to his knees without even intending to. “Baby, it's been too long, I need to fuck you...”

I swallowed hard as his tip tickled the back of my throat. Jay was a gentleman, treating me like a lady in every way that mattered. He was old fashioned and controlling in just the right dose when dealing with my innate feminist streak. But when he talked to me like this, it just threw me over the edge every time. It was his need talking, his need for me. And it always made me feel damn sexy, willing to serve him in any way possible.

I slurped myself off of his dick and stood just in time for Jay to grab me and turn me around hard, bracing me to lean forward and hold onto the post of the bed. It was late fall and I was wearing a long-sleeve sweater dress that hugged my form pretty well and covered down to my thighs. Thick patterned tights and knee-high boots topped off the outfit. It wouldn't be easy to shimmy out of this getup.

Jay reached under my dress and bunched it up around my waist. In one swift motion he grabbed onto the crotch of my tights and pulled hard. The ripping sound vibrated through me as the fabric tore at his command. I nearly came right then and there. This was hot, this was raw. This was primal need. The heat was now palpable in the air. He ran a finger down the cleft and inserted it in me, swirling it around. I tightened myself around his digit, wanting to feel it. It wasn't the part of him that I truly needed inside me right now, but I would take anything at this point. I hadn't realized how much my own need for him had built up these past few days.

He withdrew his finger and I could feel his hand working itself up and over his dick behind me, spreading my lubrication over himself. He pulled my ass closer to him causing me to hold on tight to the wooden post in my hands for support. My boots were high and the sudden movement nearly sent me toppling. Thank God I had gripped the post like I did, because he thrust himself so hard into me that I needed every bit of bracing that I could find. He knocked the wind out of me and I called out in surprise.

He tensed inside me,  at my reaction. I held on tighter to the bedpost. “Don't stop, baby.”

His fingers dug into my flesh as he anchored himself to me, pounding over and over again. I was biting my lip hard, exerting myself in every way I could manage. There was too much need building in me, it needed to escape every which way it could or I was fully sure it would kill me. I tasted the faint tinge of blood in my mouth. I swallowed hard and released my sore lip.

“Yes... baby... just like that. Please, Jay,” I begged. “Fuck me.”

He was on fire. Every place his skin touched mine burned. Every place his dick filled, throbbed. I could smell his sweat, hear his labored breathing. I sobbed exquisitely in frustration. Jay angled himself so he was thrusting on an incline, rubbing against the sweet spot hidden in my depths. Moment after moment passed, each second an eternity as I inched closer to where I needed to be, but still too far away. My breath hitched and I called out to him. “Oh God baby...”

Jay slid his hand from my underside, beneath my dress and into the exposed flesh between my fabric-covered thighs. He honed in on my nub and eagerly worked it over and over. His voice was raspy.

“Baby, I'm gonna come so hard.”

I was so close myself, throwing my head back and pushing myself deep into his hand, urging him on.

He moaned at my neediness. “Ladies first.”

And with that, I crumpled around him, nearly collapsing to the floor as the shockwaves assaulted me. Jay had to pick me up by my hips, holding me firm as he plowed three more times, hard and deep into me before releasing his orgasm. It was a hard one. I could feel the pressure behind it shoot out like a bullet planting itself into my flesh. I winced at the unfamiliar sensation deep within. It had never felt exactly like that before. It was intense, raw. It was fucking mind blowing.

Jay stayed inside me, sheathed in my warmth as he held me tight. Neither of us spoke. There was no need for words. Our bodies had said everything there was to say, conveyed every message, every word to each other. Jay massaged my breasts slowly, tenderly, as my heart rate returned to normal. He finally withdrew himself from inside me, slowly. I could feel a slight trickle run down my flesh from his exit. I looked down in confusion. Jays overflowing essence was starting to escape from its target. I quickly glanced up in shock at Jay. He was gloating like a fucking lion king, staring, admiring his handiwork as his deposit oozed down and soaked into my tights. He locked eyes with mine and cocked his eyebrow in playful defiance, “Just marking my territory, baby.”

Oh really? My eyes hooded themselves, as I slowly lowered my hand down. I swiped my finger at the stream of liquid and raised it. Jay's eyes were wild, watching me intently as I pressed my finger to my lips and slid it in every so calmly. I closed my eyes and moaned, “Mmmmm...”

I sucked hard on my finger as I pulled it out painfully slow, deliberately. I raised my eyelashes languidly and watched as my man dropped his jaw and gasped. I turned and walked out, heading to the bathroom quickly and triumphantly to clean myself up. Funny thing about control. Just when you're sure you have it, turns out the other person had it all along.

I cleaned myself up as best I could with warm soapy water and a washcloth. My tights were now open at the seam of my seat and exposing my private areas to the elements. I shimmied the fitted skirt of my dress down to cover over my thighs, and the evidence of my mauling. I inspected myself in the mirror and decided that as long as I didn't bend over, I wasn't at risk of flashing my goodies.

Jay had helped himself to a beer from the fridge and was waiting for me on the couch watching football on the giant TV downstairs. I sat down next to him, snuggling in close and crossed my legs to keep my delicate flesh warm. Jay was engrossed in the manly display of athleticism on the screen, but mindlessly slipped his hand over my knee, resting on my thigh. He was relaxed, sated, completely satisfied and grinning.

The game had taken a much needed commercial break. I was by no means a football fan, but had learned to tolerate it in small increments in part due to Pop, Tiny and Jay's need to watch every single, long, drawn out game. With the action paused momentarily, Jay turned his attention to me.

“She still asleep?”

I nodded. “Out like a light.”

He took one last long swig from his bottle before setting it down on the coffee table. “What can I say? I've got a way with kids. Just call me the toddler whisperer.” He winked.

Sarah was a classic type A, OCD neat freak. I leaned over Jay reaching for a coaster, not missing an opportunity to throw my tits in his face, and placed the wooden square under the base of Jay's nearly empty beer. I felt guilty enough about desecrating her bedroom, I didn't need drink rings on her coffee table hanging over my head as well.

I laughed. “I don't think bribery counts.” He shrugged his shoulders innocently at me. “Is that how you plan on raising your kids? Spoiling them rotten?”

Jay drifted into my area of the couch. “No, I don't plan on spoiling our kids. I'll raise them just like ma and pop raised me. I mean, look how good I turned out.” His eyes were like deep pools of blue water. I could drown in them if I let myself.

I swallowed hard. We had never talked much about kids other than as a vague reference.

He kissed under my jaw, moving his sweet lips, tracing an imaginary line over my neck. “I do, however, plan on spoiling their momma.” I angled my neck so he had more access to my flesh.

This was my sweet spot. I could feel my pulse quicken as his lips compressed against themselves, sending flurried little shivers down to my collarbone. “Their? As in plural?”

He kept his lips busy on my skin while using his weight to press on me, leaning me back into the plush pillows of the sofa. His hand dawdled up my thigh and into the slash left from the torn material that was once my tights. He raised his chin, his eyes following until they found mine and rested themselves on me. “Plural.”

His mouth gripped mine in ownership, claiming it. I moaned low, not sure what was turning me on more... his hands or his words.

The front door to the house opened with Sarah and T quietly trying to make their entrance. I pushed Jay away and slithered out from beneath him, rising to meet the couple as they set their things down and walked into the room.

Sarah slipped out of her high heels and collapsed into the nearest chair, making semi-serious mock sounds of exhaustion. T smiled at her and rolled his eyes, he was used to his wife's dramatics. He chinned his greeting over to Jay. “Sup, bro? You taking up babysitting now?”

These two had a very healthy rivalry going on. Jay stood, stretching his arms wide over his head. Clearly these long past couple of days were catching up with him. “Nah... just hot little babysitters.”

T smirked, Sarah shook her head in pretend shock. This was tame talk coming from these two, and we all knew it. T squinted at the two of us, hard.

“Please tell me you did not have sex in my bed.”

Now, it was my turn to blush.  I think I even stopped breathing just a bit. Jay stepped forward and grabbed my loose hand in his, weaving his fingers through mine before answering.

“Brother... I can promise you we did not have sex in your bed.”

Well, technically we didn't have sex on their bed, so he wasn't lying. The two men were half-heartedly sizing each other up, T obviously not buying what Jay was selling. Jay gently squeezed my hand and started to lead me out of the room.

I said my goodbyes and gave Sarah a peck on the cheek. Jay held out his closed fist to T, who obligingly bumped knuckles with him while squinting, trying to read him. Jay had a kick ass poker face. He wasn't going to give anything away. Now me on the other hand, I would make no promises. I tried to hide my face, searching for some imaginary object in my backpack as I swooped it up in passing.

The boys nodded their salutations and we cleared out. As we passed the kitchen counter, cutting through the kitchen, Jay withdrew a crisp twenty dollar bill from the wad of cash in his pocket and dropped it on the tiled surface.

“This is for Ava... she'll be asking for it when she wakes up, i'm sure.” Jay's voice trailed loud enough behind us to the parents we left in the den. “Right before she asks you to take her to buy some stickers.”

Sarah's laughter rang out, incredibly similar to her daughter's. T growled at the mention. Jay held the door open for me, following as I stepped over the threshold into the night.

“G'night, Sparkles,” he blurted, out while pulling the door shut behind himself, shielding us from T's cursing.

CHAPTER ELEVEN

JAY

The turn off led us to a dirt road reaching further into the back country, further isolated from the nearby neighborhoods. The sun had set not long ago, giving us no choice but to put the headlights on. If we went any further the lights would pretty much fucking announce our arrival. I pulled off into a little alcove of willow trees and cut the engine with the boys following suit.

I dismounted and retrieved my Glock 19 from the side bag.  I kept my Colt Mustang in my waistband at all times, It was easier to conceal and much lighter to carry around full time. But my Glock, she was my baby... well broken in and loyal as hell. My KA-BUR was sharpened and was already in the knife holster on my belt. I was ready. The boys were busy suiting up their own weapons of choice. I peeled off my cut as I made my way to the van.

Whenever we ran through shit like this, we never wore our patches. Instead, covered head to toe in Black. We didn't need to advertise any club affiliation tonight. Blue turned the ignition off and hopped out, slamming the door shut behind him, rattling the steel cage and jolting Vicky in the front passenger seat. She was wide eyed and wary, watching the action through the glass.

The pile of leather was thrown into a heap in the back of the van, each cut landing on the one before it. Clink was going all out, lowering his ski mask so that only his eyes would be visible, while I opted for my riding bandana tied around my mouth instead. It was easier to move around in, less constricting.

The door handle had a stick to it, but opened with just the right amount of force.

“Wha... what are we doing here?” Vicky was terrified. And rightly so, I mean there were only a few plausible explanations for why a bunch of outlaws would take a woman to the middle of fucking nowhere, packing more heat than a S.W.A.T. team.

I grabbed hold of her arm and drew her out from the safety of the vehicle. She offered what resistance she could but it didn't slow me down much. “Let's go, darlin'. Time get the show on the road.”

She looked like a deer caught in headlights, fumbling around with her words, trying to form a sentence. I held my hand up, eager to shut her up. There was no room for negotiation, this wasn't a fucking democracy.

“Shut it!” I barked. Her mouth quickly sealed tight. I pulled her over to the area where Tiny had thrown the duffel onto the ground.  “Pick it up and open it.”

She followed the instruction and bent down to collect the canvas sack. The zip moved slowly as she balanced the bumpy contents that were shifting within the walls of the luggage. The smell of cold hard cash, and lots of it, greeted us. Her eyes feasted selfishly on the bills.

“One hundred large, just as we agreed. All yours, free and clear.” She eyed me suspiciously, waiting for the hook. There was obviously a hook. “But.....” I grabbed the bag, zipping it closed as I threw it into Blue's unexpecting arms. “First you're gonna do us a little favor.”

Vicky set back on her heels and crossed her arms in defiance. No matter. I didn't need for her to like the assignment. I just needed her to do it. She was biting her lip, anxiously awaiting the details. I didn't keep her hanging long. “You're gonna go knock on the door of the house down the road and ask to see Shade.”

Fear filled her eyes, her pupils engorging as her head shook back forth involuntarily. “The hell I am!  He'll KILL me!”

I pulled my piece out and engaged the barrel, with a loud 'click', her eyes blinking hard at the sound. “The hell you ARE! He's not going to kill you. He has no idea you flipped on him, we made sure of it. You're gonna ask to see him and keep him busy.  Distract him while we get something he stole from us. We'll come get you out of there when it's time.” Her head was still shaking itself back and forth, as if it fucking mattered any. “You don't do it, and I will kill you... are those really odds you feel comfortable betting on?”

She had her sights pinned on me, moving between my eyes and my gun. “You son of a bitch!”

I smirked, lowering my gun down and walked past her. “Yeah... I'll tell ma you said hi.”

It took us some time to make our way through the brush, toward the house. The lights shining through the old windows were like beacons helping us to hone in on our target. Clink and I took up the helm with Vicky in the middle of the group. I may hold her life in my hands until she earns her pardon, but I sure as hell didn't want her to be taken out needlessly if we were ambushed.

Tiny and Butch brought up the rear, with Blue waiting in the van. As soon as he got the call, he would come speeding down the road to pick us up when we had collected what we came for. We were no more than a hundred yards from the house, hiding behind a small mound of earth.

I nodded at Tiny and whispered, “Send the text to Leo.” He whipped out his phone and hit the send button on the screen. The text had already been prepared and Leo was given his instructions.

I motioned to Vicki and pointed the gun at her. “Time to make a house call, darlin'.” I could see the dread in her. “And don't think of pulling any shit. Tiny and Butch here are going to have the night scopes set on you the whole time. If it even looks like you're trying to cross me, their assault rifles are going to do a hell of a lot of damage.” I lowered my tone. “Just do as we told you, and I promise you'll walk away from this unharmed and one rich woman.”

As soon as the message was received on Leo's end, he would let Marie call the cops with a tip that Lil's had been abducted and was being held against her will over at Hyde Park. The police would have the whole place on lock down discouraging Pop from going through with the meeting. Word would get back to Shade eventually and he would abort the meeting from his end, too... if he was still alive by then. I had plans for that motherfucker.

******

LIL'S

My eyes flew open at the sudden creaking noises. I didn't intend to fall asleep, I had just wanted to rest my eyes a bit. It had been quiet and dark... too much temptation not to close my heavy eyelids. But now the emptiness was filled with shuffling, heavy steps, and loud voices.

The door to my room flew open hard enough to rebound against the sheetrock behind it. Shade stomped his way through, the anger palpable on him. I hadn't laid eyes on him since Emily was killed, however long ago that was. I could feel my blood boiling, the pressure in my veins increasing as I looked at this evil man, this killer.

“You bitch!” he spat. “I don't know how your ol' man did it, but he's gone and fucked around in my business one too many times.” He pulled an old looking gun from inside his leather cut and aimed at me. The light from the hall flooded most of the darkness around me. His aim didn't even need to be spot on to reach me, with him being so close. I instinctively held my arms around my midsection offering whatever bit of protection and barrier I could to the baby.

Chris came running behind Shade. “No!” He called out deeply as he stepped in between us. “There's no time for this Prez. We don't know how much the cops know.” I swallowed hard and thanked God right there and then. I was certain I was staring at death, the same death that Em had looked into, seeing no escape.

Shade barely moved. Chris was standing directly in front of me, shielding me with his body but Shade didn't even waiver his grip on the gun. Would he really shoot his own man just to have a clear shot at me next?

A voice cleared itself. I struggled to see over Chris's shoulder at the newest member of our group. The disgusting man who had backhanded me several weeks ago had entered the room. He looked exactly, and I mean exactly the same. I doubt he bathed once since I saw him last.

“Shade.... that stripper you fuck is downstairs. She said she heard from Tom that we were here and she needs to see you. Something about the cops breaking down her door and searching her place for you.”

Shades lip curled in a scowl. He lowered his gun. “That fucking whore just won't disappear, will she?” He looked at Chris. “You stay here and keep an eye on her. I'll take care of this and then I'm coming back to take care of her. And you, too, you little dipshit if you get in my way again.” He angled himself toward the door frame. “Stay with them both until I get back,” he ordered Crotch.

He left the three of us. I relaxed ever so slightly. I was out of immediate danger, for now at least. Chris took the protection of his body away as he stepped toward Crotch. “Brother... you know this is getting out of hand....”

Crotch moved his hand to his belt, no doubt reaching for his gun. The old fuck was out of shape and out of practice though, because no sooner had he moved the leather aside to access the cold hard steel had Chris unsheathed a horrible looking hunting knife and used the heavy handle to hit the top of Crotch’s head, hard.  He fought off his brother's advances for a bit before the effort was too great and he collapsed down to the floor slowly as Chris guided his way.

I began to hyperventilate. My lungs constricting and spasming, searching for air.  I was not sorry to see that man put down but I had seen too much death and violence first hand.

Chris looked up furiously at me, “Go! Get out of here. I'll be right behind you.”

I somehow found enough oxygen to get my muscles moving, running through the door and down the hallway. I took the stairs two at a time, rushing down closer to my freedom... or my end.  I reached the bottom landing and heard a loud gunshot fill the house.  I instinctively crouched down and covered my head, crawling through the first door I could find.  My ears were ringing loudly and I had lost all sense of hearing. My balance was shifting and I began to feel woozy.  The room I found myself in was empty, but for the couch on the far side of the wall and the dead body in the middle of the room. Another body.  Another puddle of blood spreading its way toward me. There was a gun lying in the growing pool of crimson liquid on the wooden planks not far from me. No doubt dropped in haste after its fatal shot.

The house erupted in gunfire, shots ringing from all directions it seemed. I crouched low and grabbed the gun, making my way to the corner near the sofa, wedging myself tightly in the small space.    I had never held a gun before. I had seen it done more times than I could even fathom but had never actually held one before. I braced myself, holding the gun in front of me, my hands shaking so badly that the metal of the gun rattled. There were two doors to this room, and I could see both of them from my hiding spot. My eyes darted back and forth between them with razor sharpness as I held the gun at the ready, ready for whatever came my way.

CHAPTER TWELVE

JAY

We were watching the house, looking through the windows as Vicky made her way in through the front door. The prospect the was standing guard must have recognized her and he disappeared for a few minutes into the interior of the home, probably getting permission to let her inside. This was our chance... our opportunity to make our way down the drive and against the house. We took it, seizing the few free moments to clear the yard undetected.

Clink and Butch disappeared around back toward the rear door, sealing off the exits. Tiny and I crouched low against the foundation, out of sight of the prospect as he came back to let Vicki pass after thoroughly patting her down. I had my phone on vibrate, waiting for the alert from Clink that they were ready. We would enter simultaneously. Tiny and Clink had silencer attachments on their pieces. Hopefully it would give us the small amount of undetected headway we needed to get past the footmen and into the house, catching the rest of the men by surprise.

The kevlar vest I wore under my shirt slowed me down a bit, but I could make it inside in less than a minute if I had to. Tiny aimed his gun, setting it on the prospect. Before the signal could be given, a loud gunshot rang out inside. The prospect pulled out his own gun and searched around, on high alert.

SHIT! Tiny lost his aim on the now moving target and our shots missed him as he ducked for cover. I stood and made my way into the house, Tiny offering me cover by shooting in the direction the prospect was last seen.

Shots rang out from the rear of the house and Clink and Butch joined in the assault. Two men shot round after round at us before slipping out a side door into the night. The roaring of Harleys alerted us of their hasty exit. I made my way through the main hall and nearly shot Clink as he came the opposite way. I nodded to him and shot my glance up the stairs. He followed my command without hesitation as he and Butch took the steps to secure the second story.

Loud screeching from outside the still-opened door sounded.  Tiny called out to me as I ventured further away from him, “Blue's out front, man!”... followed by several gunshots outside.

I pushed door after door open, searching inside.

“LIL'S! LIL'S! Where are you baby?” A closet door on the far side of the hallway swung open and I aimed my sights on it. Vicki crawled out. I exhaled my disappointment.

She looked up at me, at the gun in my hands pointed at her.

“Get the fuck outside!” I hissed at her. Tiny was standing guard at the entrance offering her cover as she held her head and ran through it.   “LIL'S! BABY...CALL OUT SO I CAN FIND YOU!”

There was a rustling sound through one of the open doorways.

“Jay?!? I'm in here!”

My heart stopped, and my eyes closed briefly. Thank God! I lowered my gun slightly and rounded the corner through the opening. Lil's was crouched in a corner shaking uncontrollably. She held onto a gun, her hands covered in red. Her eyes were alert, searching over me, wandering feverishly.

I held my hands up in surrender, using the softest tones I could find. “Baby... it's OK, Lil's. It's over. I'm here.”

I slipped my gun back into my waistband slowly and took a step in her direction. “Put the gun down, baby... gently.”

Tears welled in her swelling eyes. She threw the gun harder than I would have liked, behind her and under the sofa as she sprang up and burst into my arms. I held her tight drawing her in as close as possible, she held tighter. She sobbed haltingly into my chest as I smoothed her hair with my hand and kissed her head, shushing her. I rubbed over her body feeling my way, searching for injuries. I couldn't find any.

I lifted her chin to see her. She had deep circles around her bloodshot eyes and looked sickly pale. I reached around my waist and freed myself from her grip, holding her hands in mine. “Lil's... where did this blood come from?”

She opened her mouth to speak but no sound came out. Her body visibly deflated and her eyes darted past to the floor behind me. I turned slowly, still holding on to her. Shade's body was limp on the ground, contorted from falling. The blood had stopped flowing, and was now stagnant around his dead body.

“Christ.” I closed my eyes and pulled Lil's into my embrace again.

Her sobbing had now subsided and she was eerily quiet, just holding on to me as I gently rocked her.

Butch entered the room fast, startling Lil's as she instinctively moved to hide behind me. I held my hand out to him, stopping him in his tracks. He looked down at the corpse between us, and up again. Putting his gun away, he held his open arms out to his daughter. She swallowed a sob and left my side for him, letting him hold her.

I took several deep breaths, assessing the situation. Tiny was watching from the doorway, anxious to get to his sister, I'm sure, but holding himself back.  I reached him and pulled him outside out of hearing distance.

“How many others did we take out?”  I asked.

He kept his eyes on Lil's, seeing right through me but answering nonetheless.  “None.  Blue shot at the prospect but he got away.  A bunch of others took off on their bikes.

Clink came upon us.  “There's one out cold upstairs.  Looks like he was pistol whipped.  We locked him in a room in case he wakes up.”

My eyes widened at the news.  Why would they have knocked out one of their own men?  I shelved it for now.  Blue came barreling in.

“We gotta bail, Jay.  Leo just called.  Scanners picked up a 911 call about a gunfight.”  He slapped the doorframe for emphasis.  “We gotta bounce, NOW!”

I nodded and headed back to Lil's, peeling her from Butch.  “Lil's we gotta go baby, it's not safe here.”  She started to tremble as I said the words.  I looked at Butch briefly before scooping her up and carrying her almost-limp frame out the door, down the steps and placing her in the back of the van.  I turned to Blue as all the boys filed in and shut the sliding door behind them.

“Where's the whore?” I asked.

He answered me as he opened the driver's door and climbed in, turning the ignition. “She split. Took the cash and ran like hell.”

I climbed in myself and we sped away from the crime scene, tires fishtailing in the dirt as we drove. I looked back over my shoulder into the body of the van. Butch was holding Lil's as she clung to him, staring blankly.

Tiny was smoothing her arm, offering his sister the little bit of comfort that he could. “I think she's in shock Jay. She needs a doctor.”

Blue chimed in from the driver's seat as he navigated us back to our bikes. “You think that's a good idea right now? I mean, that's gonna open up a shit ton of questions.”

I stared hard at him. “Maybe when you get a patch, you'll have a fucking say. For now, drive the god damned van and shut your fucking mouth.”

“I think I have an idea,” Clink volunteered.

******

CHARLIE

My feet hurt, my back hurts, my head hurts. My job may not be as physical as most, but it never failed to leave me feeling beat up at the end of a shift. I entered my employee ID number into the screen and clocked out for the night. It was nearing three-thirty in the morning. Most people were asleep, all tucked in and warm in their beds. I was wired, running on the intense amount of caffeine that helped me get through the last leg of my shift.

I grabbed my bag from the locker room and passed by the security desk on my way to the exit. There were always one or two cabs waiting out front, to offer paid rides to patients, visitors and staff.

“G'night Pete!” I called out as I rummaged through my purse for my wallet to pay the cabbie.

“Hey, Charlie, another tough day?”

I nodded casually to the balding middle aged man smiling at me. “Hey, some guy came in here asking if you'd left yet? Said he's your ride...”

My stomach dropped. Clink. I hadn't exactly forgotten about our run in earlier, I mean, how could I? I just didn't exactly put any stock into seeing him again. Especially so soon. People say things they don't mean all the time. “I'll call you”, “It's not you, it's me.” “You deserve better than me”.... I had just added Clink's statements to the pile.

The automatic doors parted, and the artificial fluorescent lights began to fade behind me. There were crickets chirping nearby, but, otherwise it was quiet. The biker was leaning against his parked Harley, his ankles crossed, and he was fiddling with his phone. As I approached, he pocketed the device and watched me strut toward him.

“I distinctly recall telling you to meet me out back,” the bad boy stated.

I huffed. “Well, hello, to you too.”

He wasn't amused. In fact, he seemed to be deep in thought, biting his cheek. “Are you a good nurse?”

I squinted at him. Was he high right now? “Huh?”

He uncrossed his ankles and stepped in front of me.

“I asked... are you good at what you do?”

It was a loaded question, really. If I said yes, then I'm full of myself and bragging. If I said no, then I'm passing myself off as some two bit bedpan emptying, pencil pusher. I decided to be honest.

“I'm damn good at what I do.”

He nodded, taking it in, adding it to the scenario he was obviously mulling over.

“OK then,” He handed me a he;met. “Get on.”

******

It was my lucky day, err... night. Clink brought me back to the auto shop that doubled as the clubhouse for the Kingsmen M.C.. I had been trying to get in here for weeks and now I was officially being invited by a full patched member of the inner circle. The auto repair front was long-closed at this time of night, err... day, but the parking area was full of cars and bikes.

We pulled in alongside the long line of Harleys and Clink cut the engine. Several people were nearby and watched as I awkwardly took myself from the seat and stood next to the bike, waiting for Clink. I looked around, taking in the surroundings. This place had a whole different vibe in the dark. I felt warmth in my hand and as I turned to investigate, I found Clink's hand over mine, willing me to follow his lead.

There were plenty of men scattered around, dressed like my companion and roaming their eyes hungrily over my body. I wasn't dressed nearly as provocatively, well, trampy if I'm gonna be blunt, as these women. I was wearing my drawstring scrub pants and a tight tank top that I used for layering under my uniform at work, where the bitchy menopausal women dominated the thermostat trying to deal with their hot flashes.

I slowed down slightly observing the spectators when Clink yanked a bit on my hand. Allrighty then... I guess we're speed walking. The wooden door with a 'Members Only' sign opened as if on cue with some young guy holding it for us. The music was playing, although not terribly loud and the long wooden bar was filled to capacity, overflowing to standing room only.

We weaved our way through the crowd, the men nodding at us, the women giving me classic passive-aggressive bitch faces. The walls were filled with memorabilia, Harley Davidson logos adorning almost everything. There were occasional framed mug shots hanging, and newspaper articles behind paned glass.

We breezed past the personal effects, not stopping to fully admire them. There was a long hallway where we made a right and continued to the very end. Clink knocked lightly on the door, and it opened almost immediately. There were several people inside and a woman lying on the full-sized bed on her side in a fetal position. I recognized many of these faces, from my surveillance of the club. Sunny, who I knew from afar as well as my weekly visits to her salon, stood up and held my arms.

“Thank you so much for coming, Charlie.” She was sweet, and a damned good hairdresser to boot.

I nodded at her. “Mmm hmmm.” I turned to Clink and asked through my teeth, “Why exactly am I here?”

Clink cleared his throat. “This is Lil's. She's family in more ways than one.”

This was Lil's? I knew about her, of course, but had yet to spot her around town. The man hanging his head low, leaning over the bed while stroking her hand spoke up. I could only see the back of his head before, but as soon as he spoke I recognized his voice.

“This is my baby... my ol' lady. She's seen some fucked-up shit and she's in shock.”

I inhaled. I could only imagine the “fucked up shit” that this poor girl has seen. I stepped forward through the concerned visitors.

“I.. i'll need some space,” I started.

Each person reluctantly passed back through the door, somber and concerned. Every person except Jay, who remained seated watching my patient closely. I sat in a now-empty chair on the opposite side of the bed and gently picked up her limp wrist. I numbly felt around for her pulse, and eyed my watch when I was finally able to find it. It was strong, although a bit slow. But most importantly, it was regular. She was cool to the touch but there was a small layer of perspiration adding a sheen to her pale skin.

“Is she vomiting at all?” I nervously asked Jay. He hadn't raised his eyes from her once yet. He shook his head no.

“Good.”

I finished my initial exam. “I'm guessing the hospital isn't an option here?”

Jay tore his eyes from the patient and finally set them on me. They were empty, void. This man must be in his own private little hell, I think.

“I think she'll be alright in time.” I felt the need to reassure him, help him in some way. “As long as her pulse stays strong and her breathing regular, there's not much to do, I'm afraid, but wait.”

He nodded ever so slightly, as I rattled off my instructions. They were pretty basic... plenty of fluids, monitor her pulse, color, etc. He didn't look like he was exactly in a clear state of mind himself, so I made the decision to hang around and keep an eye on her myself. I wouldn't be due back at work for a couple of days, coming off of four long shifts in a row. Sure I was exhausted, but when would I get another opportunity like this again? I mean, I'm smack in the middle of the place I've been trying to crack into.

“Ummm. I'll hang around outside for a while, check her vitals again in a bit.”

“Thank you..” I turned back at the sound of his words. I smiled, genuinely and warm before closing the door gently behind me.

This was my second encounter with Jay. I wanted to hate him, loathe him, and gloat inwardly at his pain. But, the man sitting by that bed was distraught... in turmoil. The healer, the caregiver in me, felt for him.  Call it an occupational hazard.

The bar area had since quieted as the late night dragged on closer to sunrise. I wasn't a biker, a member, or supposed to be here, but I climbed into an empty bar stool anyway and held my finger up for the young kind standing opposite me to tend to my order.

“Last call, sweet tits... what'll it be?”

“Whiskey. Neat.”

The prospect prepared my drink blindly, eying my chest instead. He placed the small tumbler down in front of me with a gentle thud of glass on wood. I smiled my thanks, raising the drink to my waiting lips. This is just what would do the trick...

The air behind me suddenly warmed.

“Keep it movin', Leo...”

I nearly choked on the liquid heat trickling down my throat, responding to the deep bark-like baritone.

The barkeep threw his towel down on the lacquered surface and immediately stepped away. I wiped the whiskey drip from my chin with the back of my hand while spinning the seat around. Clink was brooding over me, leaning over to rest his arms on the ledge of the shiny wood, confining me to my seat.

“You ready to hit the road, sugar?” His deep eyes were sunken, tired, but still lively enough to flicker slyly. I looked hard at the human barricade on either side of me, before cocking my eyebrow dramatically at him.

“I've never met someone who could be condescending and domineering at the same time....”

He laughed. “Sugar, I guarantee that you've never met anyone like me before. Now... we leaving?”

Just enough time had passed for the alcohol to seep into my system, the mild tingling spreading over my skin. At least, I hoped it was the whiskey. “No.. I'm gonna stay and check in on her in a while...”

“That really necessary?” He seemed worried. This girl must mean a lot to these people.

I relaxed back against the hard bartop behind my back. “Hopefully not.. but.. I'd feel better knowing she slept some of this off, whatever it is. Shock, I think.”

Clink moved his arms from either side of me to behind my shoulders. “All right then.. let's crash for a while.”

Before I could even form the thoughts to complete a coherent rebuttal (the whiskey was now starting to impair my thinking), I was being pulled back down the hallway in the opposite direction and through another door.

The room was dark, the only light flooding through the sheer window curtains had a bluish moonlit tinge to it. My eyes were slow to adjust (thanks again to the whiskey), but shapes were starting to sharpen and define themselves against the backdrop.

My knees hit into a large piece of furniture, causing the metal legs to shift, squeaking across the floor an inch or so. I twirled around lazily, my balance shifting with a slight humming in my ears, and I flopped down onto the mattress.

He stood there, in the dark watching as I fell onto the bed as gracelessly as possible. The dark outline of his broad shoulders drew my attention. They were wide, with sharp angles to them at the peaks. He slowly moved those shoulders and his rippled arms, navigating his way out of his cut and the cotton shirt beneath. His muscles shone, the skin absorbing the moon's luminescence. I was a girl who could hold her liquor, but what was happening to me tonight? The room was starting to spin around me as I took in the sexiness that was this man. The hardness, the danger, and the wanting that was this man.

A long shallow breath escaped my lips as I sat up and held my hand out to him, reaching for the drug I craved. I was no longer in control of my actions, the carnal need within me taking control. I blinked my eyes and he was near, closer than before. He bent down to the bed and crawled over me, climbing his way up.

Small tremors worked through my muscles, as I watched him move. The rounded curves to his flesh tightening with each shift of his body as he approached. He lowered his head over my thighs and inhaled deep, the swooshing sound of his intake filling me with desire as I threw myself back into the softness of the feathered padding.

He grumbled deep, “I can smell you, right through these clothes, I can smell how much you want me..”

I forced my head back into the pillow, arching my back high at the sound of his hard words. He trailed his nose, his mouth up over my stomach, in between my breasts and quickly up my neck until he reached my lips... waiting for him.

I kissed him deep, his mouth responding to mine as I drank from him. I moaned fully, engaging my whole body in showing him what I wanted. My fingers deftly explored the clefting and indentation of his form as his muscles flexed from the strain and restraint of holding himself above me.

I freed my mouth and breathlessly called out to him, “I want you...”

My clothes were peeled off teasingly as he nipped my exposed skin, mixing a delicious amount of pain into my pleasure. I bit down on my lip to stifle my scream. His hands disappeared from my skin as he required their assistance in freeing himself from his jeans.

His dick was rock hard, pressed between us as we swayed against each other, gripping, grabbing and kneading. Our kisses were taking on a furious pace, the small amount of stubble on his face abrading the delicate skin around my mouth.

Clink's hand wildly searched around the space next to the bed. Jingling sounds responded to his effort as he pulled out the small drawer of the nightstand. He must have reached his target as he withdrew himself from over me and gave his attention to the small package in his hands.

“Here... let me,” I volunteered.

The crumpling ceased as his fingers paused. I took the foil wrapper from him and held it up, tearing the corner with my teeth. The plastic, chemical smell seeped out as a drop of the lubricant dripped down my finger.

I used my body weight to roll him off me and onto his back as I straddled him. I locked my gaze upon him, holding his attention as I carefully placed the latex over his erect tip. He hissed suddenly from the coolness of the cold lubricant on his fevered skin. I circled my fingers around him and glided the material down.

“Mmmm...” he let out at the rolling sensation. I smiled, satisfied in my power over him.

He grabbed my ass and lifted, assisting me as I lowered myself slowly down over his shaft taking him into me and swirling my core at the bottom. He flinched. “God! baby. You feel so fucking good, sugar.”

I stopped myself immediately, mid-stride and bent down over him. I gritted my teeth, speaking through them. “Don't. Call. Me. Sugar.”

His grip on my ass hardened, as he threw me around and under him, pushing himself deeper into me with the landing. I grimaced at the intense sensation. His hips rotated around slowly as he licked my lips with his tongue, enticing them.

“Girl, you feel so damn sweet, no other name will do.”

“Ahh...” I blurted as he pushed deep, the well-worn springs of the cheap bed squealing beneath me.

“That's right, sugar...” He was gloating, rejoicing in the victory he was winning over my body. The pounding was hard, intense, and full of raw desire. My nails dug deep into him, leaving the telltale half-moon depressions trailing under my tips. I took in short, quick breaths, my mouth gasping for each one as hyperventilation set in, numbing my limbs. Fucking this man was like dancing with death, walking the thin line between feeling and not feeling.

“Time to come, sugar...”

He swirled his hips deep over my fold as he thrust, applying rough pressure to the bundle of nerves between my legs until they screamed and rejoiced, forcing their sound out of my lips and into the night air where they mixed with his own, and we shook and trembled together.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

JAY

Other than Lil's and me, the room had been empty for some time. Charlie had finished her exam a while ago, leaving me to sit here and watch over my girl. She was sleeping soundly now, her eyelids fluttering ever so slightly. I pray to God she's dreaming. Something sweet, happy, calming. She looked so peaceful lying there that it was hard to fathom what she'd just experienced.

The sun was starting to creep into the room in lined patterns through the window blinds. I hadn't slept... there would be plenty of time for sleeping later. For now, I just watched her, my eyes sweeping over her sleeping form watching for any sign of movement to hint that she might be waking. She needed sleep, and plenty of it. Please let her stay asleep for as long as she can, I prayed. As long as she's asleep, she doesn't have to think about what went down last night.

There was a very light knock on the door and I practically ran to open it before the person had another chance to rasp against it and possibly wake Lil's up. My pop stood in front of me, knuckles at the ready to tap over the wood again.

We hadn't had a chance to speak since I came into the clubhouse carrying Lil's last night.

He tried to inch his neck out, looking over my shoulder to the bed and whispered. “She sleeping?”

I nodded.

“Good... your ma will keep an eye over her. Let's you and me have a talk.”

I knew the talk would happen eventually, and frankly... I'm surprised he could hold out and wait this long. There were a lot of unanswered questions. I nodded and slipped through the door, leaving it slightly ajar for ma.

He followed me into the boardroom where a prospect had set up a couple of coffee mugs. He shut the door behind him. The tension was thick. I sat in my usual seat and started to drink the steaming drink. I wasn't tired... I was fucking exhausted from the stress over the last few days. It was all starting to hit me now that it was over.

“So... tell me what happened, son?”

I swallowed the mouthful of liquid, before sitting back resting against the back of the chair.

“It was a shit storm. We were taking the stripper to the bus station when we got the message that the cops had been tipped off about the meetup. Clink got word of a possible location where they might be holding Lil's and we headed out there to check it out... see if they had left for Hyde Park yet. We were spotted and they started shooting.”

I reached for my mug and helped myself to some more caffeine.

“We sent most of them running and made our way into the house eventually. Some fat pig was gutted on the top floor and Lil's was hiding out in the living room. Somehow she got a gun and killed Shade.”

Pop let out a long deep breath as he threw his head back, running his hand down his face in exasperation. It was a lot to take in. “You sure she killed the bastard?”

I nodded. “Dead as a fucking doorknob. We hightailed it out of there minutes before the cops got there. Any idea how the cops were tipped off about the park?”

I was curious to know how much he'd been able to piece together. If we had all stuck to the story.

“Marie. That bitch overheard Leo talking on his cell and she tipped off the police. That fucking prospect is in some deep shit for shootin' his mouth off around her.”

I exhaled. So far so good. We might actually be able to pass this off. “Any word from the cops?”

Pop swirled his cup around in his hand, watching the inside. “Not yet... but I'm sure they'll be poking around. They were looking for Lil's at the park. They'll come here eventually...”

Pop put both hands on the table, pushing himself up out of his chair. “Till then... you make sure Lil's knows to keep mum. She was here all night. She knows nothing, she saw nothing. I'll have the lawyers on standby just in case some shit falls back on us.”

I followed his lead and stood, abandoning the chair and the little bit of rest it offered. We headed toward the door. “Jay...”

I turned to face him. He studied me for at least a full minute before he spoke again.   “I'm glad you got her back home safe. You... you did good, kid.”

******

It was still early enough around this place to warrant a bit of caution and restraint. The only people walking around were the prospects, trying to clean up after last night and one or two ol' ladies setting out to cook breakfast.

I started off back toward my room to check on Lil's when a sudden movement caught my eye. I overshot my door to investigate. A sound. Something was up..

The door to one of the storage rooms was open the smallest bit. I reached around and grabbed hold of my gun, touching at the ready in case I needed to withdraw it. Extending my finger, I pushed on it so it swung open further.

A loud squeal escaped the girl as she jumped and turned around at the sound of the door hinges. “Uh... Hi. Jay... I was...” I let go of my gun. “Lost.”

I cocked an eyebrow at her. “Lost?”

She swallowed hard. “Yeah... I was coming to check on Lil's and I took a wrong turn, and ended up in here.” Charlie waved her hands around at the clutter in the room. We stored all types of memorabilia in here. Shit that spilled over from the main rooms.

“You shouldn't be wandering around, Charlie... Where's Clink?”

Charlie moved quickly from behind the boxes she was eyeing. “Asleep. Late night, you know?” she smiled at me. Yeah, I had a pretty good idea. I had no grounds to complain though. Clink had risked his life for Lil's, for me, last night. If he wanted to celebrate his unharmed mortality by bagging this chick, who was I to cock block a brother?

“Ummm.. can you show me how to get to Lil's room?”

I searched over the boxes behind her. Just some old photos and albums. “Sure...” I reached out for her arm and guided her away from the items. “Follow me, darlin'.”

She may have gotten into some harmless crap with these boxes, but it could have just as easily been some club-only type shit. I would need to tell Clink to keep his chick on a tight leash. It wouldn't hurt to keep a close eye on her. She seemed friendly enough and had been willing to help out with Lil's, but she wasn't one of us. She needed to learn her place, and that was under Clink so long as he was willing to tap that.

Before I could manage to close the door tight behind me, there was a shrill scream from my room. Three long strides was all it took for me to pass Charlie in the hall and reach the room, throwing the door open.

Ma was sitting on the bed holding Lil's in her arms, rocking her back and forth while trying to soothe her. Lil's looked frightened, shocked. She held on to ma tight, breathing deep and fast.

“What? Baby, what's wrong?” I needed to know.

Lil's searched the room, settling on each of our faces. “I... I don't know. It was all so real.”

Ma squeezed her tight and then released her, making room for me to slide in and take her place.

“Shh... shhh... baby. I'm here.” She clung to me, slowly calming from her nightmare.

Ma spoke in a hushed tone. “I'm gonna get you some breakfast, baby girl. You need to eat something,” before heading out.

“Umm, Lil's? Do you remember me from last night?”

I loosened my grip on Lil's so she could address the girl speaking to her. “I think so... You're... Charlie?”

Charlie smiled, stepping closer to us. “That's me. Do you feel any better?”

Lil's straightened herself, freeing her hands from around my neck and smoothed her hair. “I think so... I'm sorry... you don't need to make a fuss over me.”

I reached for Lil's hand and squeezed it. “It's OK, baby... she's here to help. She's with Clink.” Lil's eyes on Charlie softened a bit, with the new introduction.

“Sorry... I didn't mean to be rude. I just don't usually see too many new people hanging around here. Thanks for looking after me.”

Charlie smiled. Whatever tension was wafting between these two had melted.

“Baby?” I brought Lil's attention back to me. “We should tell her. She's a nurse.”

Lil's looked at me hard, unsure of my demands. Her eyes shifted to Charlie, and she instinctively moved to cover herself with her arms. “Jay...” she sounded unsure.

I nodded my head. “It's OK, baby.” I turned to Charlie, aware of Lil's eyes on me as I spoke. I took a deep breath. “She's pregnant.”

It sounded surreal to say the words, to actually acknowledge the fact out loud. I smiled over to Lil's.

Charlie sat down and reached for Lil's hand, gently guiding it to rest in her own and away from her stomach. “Have you... had any bleeding? Pain? Cramping?” She seemed genuinely concerned for my girl. I appreciated it.

I held my breath waiting for Lil's answer. My eyes were sealed shut, bracing for the worst.

“No.”

I exhaled deep at my gir's answer. Thank god. I leaned over and kissed her forehead, holding her head to mine.

Charlie smiled at the both of us. “Good. I'm sure she's fine, but you should probably have a check up as soon as possible. You know... better safe than sorry.”

We both nodded. “I'll call and make her an appointment for tomorrow.”

Lil's and I held each other, as I planned the doctor's visit.

Charlie stood. “I'll give you two some privacy. Call me if you need me.”

Lil's turned to Charlie. “Thank you Charlie.”

The two women shared a moment before we were left to ourselves. It was the first time I had been alone with my girl in forever, it seemed. I kicked my boots off and shimmied her over a little making room. “Lay back down, baby, it's early.”

I pulled her close, and she snuggled in close settling herself under my arm. My hand rested on her side, under her rib, my fingers absentmindedly traced their way over to her navel. She giggled nervously. My chest warmed. It had been a long time since she had made that sound around me.

“Soo...” she whispered into my chest.

“Soo..” I mimicked her, while tracing her hairline with tiny kisses.

“This is really happening, isn't it? Are you OK with it?” There was a small hint of uncertainty behind her words.

I lowered my chin to find her lips, sweeping them with mine. “Baby.. I'm so much better than OK.” I took her lips with my own. “You are all I need.” I swirled my hand around her middle. “Both of you.... all I need. All I'll ever need.”

She smiled into my kiss, her lips widening with her approval. “I love you.”

My heart surged. I held her tight, held them tight. They were all that mattered now.

******

We slept, tangled up in each other until late morning. Ma had tried to bring us in some breakfast, but when she caught sight of us in bed she quickly changed her mind, taking the tray back with her. I watched as Lil's slipped in and out of her dreamlike state, her hair clinging to her forehead in a small amount of sweat. My eyes were heavy but I was strong enough to hold them open.

A sudden commotion from outside the door in the main area of the clubhouse was growing louder, causing Lil's to stir in my arms, waking from the noise. Two knocks on our door barely gave us warning as T.J. opened it and peaked through with closed eyes. I sat up, setting my girl down easy.

“What?”

“Jay?.. I'm sorry...” His eyes were clenched tight. “Man.... there's cops out here. They want to see Lil's.”

“Shit!” I threw my legs over the side and reached for my boots, as Lil's bolted up, clutching herself and looking around anxiously. “Tell them she's dressing... she'll be out in a minute.”

The door shut. “Jay... I can't.” Her head was shaking back and forth. I climbed over to her and held her tight. “Baby... you'll do fine.. Just tell them what we practiced. You lent your car to Emily. You haven't heard from her since. You have no idea why your mom thought you were missing. You were with me the whole time.”

Lil's nodded at the summary of our earlier discussion. We knew she would have to put it to good use, but neither of us had expected it to be so soon. I helped her up, balancing her as she slipped into her sandals.  She was pinching her lips tight, preparing herself so I felt the need to reassure her.

“You got this baby. I'll be right next to you.”

We made our way down the long hallway and into the main rooms where all of our family and friends were lining the perimeter, offering us their support. Pop had spread the word among the guys. We all knew the story, the alibis.

Three officers dressed in full uniform were mulling about, peeking in and under things. It was obvious they didn't have a warrant. If they had, they wouldn't waste any time tearing this place up. We had enough invested in the weekly payouts to ensure a heads up whenever a warrant was thrown our way, but, regardless... the place was clean. Never shit where you eat, you know.

One man stood out from the assholes in blue. Detective Flattery was never interested in our form of supplemental income. As far as we knew he played by the book, kept his nose clean and had a small hard-on to trip us up. Prick. He was loving this, being in the middle of our clubhouse, mentally fucking us as much as he could.

Lil's squeezed my hand tight, and I wedged her slightly behind me, buffering her from these outsiders. The dick-wad eyed me cautiously. There was a silent understanding between the two of us... he behaved himself and I let him walk out of here in one piece. He's new enough in town, but been here long enough to know not to fuck around with a Kingsman.

He cleared his throat. “Julia Keagan?”

Lil's breathed in deep enough for me to hear. “Yes...?”

“We've been going to some pretty far lengths to find you, young lady...”

Butch stood up from the barstool he'd been warming. “Obviously not far enough... she's been right here.”

Shit. Butch was on parole, as usual, and I don't fucking need this to be going from bad to worse right now. Tiny pushes his pop back down hard on the round seat, with a loud thud. I feel Lil's jump a bit from the sound of it. I hold her tighter.

The douchebag with a badge ignores Butch. “I have some questions for you, if you don't mind.”

Now I take a turn to intervene. “This really isn't a good time. She's not feeling well.”

He sizes me up. I have no doubt that I fit every preconceived stereotype this dick has of me. That's all right. It's my very own badge of honor that I fucking wear with pride.

Lil's pushed gently past me. “It's OK, baby... I'd like to see why he was looking for me. Straighten this out.”

Detective Flattery smiled in victory. He scanned the room, taking in all of the leather-born-men standing at the ready. Some of the out of towners had stuck around, lingering behind and swelling our ranks. It was an impressive show of force. One that I'm sure made an impression on him.

“We should go downtown... have a little but more privacy.”

Yeah right. As if i'd ever let that happen.

Pop stepped past the crowd. “You can use the boardroom. Plenty of privacy in there. No need to take this any further than necessary.” He was calling the detective's bluff. This was Pop's club, his place. He was just pissing and marking his territory.

The pig gave in and followed us toward the boardroom. He moved toward the table and took a seat at the head of it, in Pop's seat. I could hear the grinding sounds coming from Pops' concealed teeth. No cop had ever walked through these doors without a warrant, invited to stay, no less... and violated our boardroom like this.

I held my mouth to Lil's ear, kissing her, offering her whatever reinforcement and strength I could. “I'll be right outside if you need me, baby.” She held her palm to my chest, flattened over the barrier to my heart. She closed her eyes and forced a smile.

I shut the door behind me, propping myself against the sturdy oak facing the room of supporters. Pop broke the silence first, “Time for a drink, boys. Line 'em up.”

The cops watched us closely. It was barely noon but it never stopped us before... took the edge of things, you know? Clink pulled up a seat next to me. He had just as much vested in the outcome of this shit show as I did. Clink has a pretty good streak of luck going. He's the only Kingsman in this charter that has been able to avoid the slammer. He's come close a bunch of times, but was able to squirm out of whatever shit he got caught up in. It's how he got his road name. Clink. 'Cause he's never been in one. I'm sure he wasn't looking to break his record now.

The empties were starting to pile up on the bar top, with the prospects barely able to keep up with the brothers' drink orders. Time was passing slowly. Too fucking slow. My eyes found themselves constantly creeping over to the boardroom doors.

A freshly showered Charlie sauntered up behind us. “Well, I'm out boys. Just thought I'd say bye.”

Clink turned on his stool to face her, bottle in hand. “Sugar... I can't leave just yet. Why don't you park it over there by the chicks and we'll head out in a bit?” He took a sip of his imported beer and undressed her with his eyes.

The jingling of keys drew my attention as I glanced over my shoulder to the interaction between the two of them.

“Don't call me sugar.”

I practically showered my mouthful of beer over the prospect in front of me. This broad was somethin' else. No one gave Clink any shit, especially some piece of ass. “No need. I've got my Jeep back. T.J. just finished up with it. I'll catch you later.”

Pop slapped his hand on my back hard, overhearing the little discussion. “Clink... you gonna introduce your girl?”

Charlie smiled awkwardly at Vince. It was a very forced smile... pretty uncommon for when newbies met the big boss for the first time. Usually they tried to make a good impression, kiss ass a bit.

“Actually... I'm about to jet... maybe some other time?” She nodded to each of us half-heartedly.

And she was out. Clink took a long swig from the glass bottle. “Not a word, brother. Not one fucking word.”

Pop took the opportunity to muss up Clink's hair and move along.

I smiled and laughed under my breath. “You... uh.. you gonna make that a regular?”

He leaned back, spreading his legs further on the floor to balance himself out. “Who the fuck knows? I take things one night at a time. Or morning, or afternoon...” He laughed at his own expense and drank the remaining beer from his bottle.

“Well, as long as you decide to keep spending those nights with her, make sure to keep an eye on her ass. I caught her poking around this morning.”

That piqued his curiosity. “Did you now?”

******

Lil's spent close to an hour with the detective. I kept close to the boardroom just in case I was needed, sitting nervously at the bar waiting. The beers kept my hands busy, occupied so I wouldn't fidget around nervously trying to pass the time. When the boardroom doors finally opened and they stepped out I had a pretty healthy buzz going on. Pounding eight beers on an empty stomach will do that to you.

Flattery was handing his business card over to Lil's by the time I got to them. “Thank you for your time, Miss Keagan.  I will be in touch.”

Really? I pulled Lil's close, offering my body for her to lean against even if just for a moment. She looks ragged, exhausted. This jerk was trying to intimidate her, I'm sure of it. I throw him the coldest stare I can and hold my girl tight. I was used to dealing with assholes like this... comes with the territory of what I do on a daily basis, but Lil's has never been in a position like this before.

He nodded to her, and then to me before making his way out. His little rookie lapdogs followed behind him on his way. Once he cleared the door, I heard Lil's let out a long breath and sink into me. She didn't speak.. she didn't need to. I know her well enough to know that she's still processing shit. This last little bit just got added to the pile.

Ma rushed over and searched over Lil's. “Come on, baby girl... let's get you some food and a nice hot shower. It'll make you feel better, I promise.”

Lil's let's go of me and followed ma into the kitchen without so much as a peep. My baby has a spine of steel, even though she may not know it. I could see it from the beginning and it was one of the reasons why I fell for her. Seeing her like this, without so much as a smart-ass attitude at being ordered around like a child was damn unsettling to me.

Ma looked over to me and raised her eyebrows, she must be noticing this all too. All I could do was shrug my shoulders and shake my head.

******

We had Leo make a sweep over of the entire clubhouse, making sure the cops didn't leave little presents of the electronic form behind. Once we were given the “all clear,” a few of us met up behind closed doors to touch base on the newest predicament we found ourselves in. For as long as men have worn the Kingsmen patch in this town, we've been a target for some group or another. We may be out of the sights of Shade and the Slayers, but things were starting to feel like we were entering the crosshairs of a different type of target.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

LILS

The kitchen at the clubhouse was nowhere near as cozy as the one at Jay's house, but it was filled with love. Ma was twirling herself around between the stainless steel counters grabbing this and chopping that... all the while humming some ridiculous tune and shaking her ass. I may feel like a beat-up punching bag right now but even in my funk I wasn't immune to ma's charms.

The kitchen was fully stocked to handle all of the out-of-towners, so I was given several choices. I didn't have much of an appetite, but I knew better than to try to argue with ma. The woman was on a mission to cook and feed.

“Lil's!” I could barely prepare myself for the tiny little girl throwing herself at me, arms trying to close around my middle. I hadn't seen Ava in years but there was no doubt in my mind who this little sprite was.

Picking her tiny frame up I was able to sit her on the empty counter top in front of me without much effort. She was about seven years old now, as I quickly did the math in my head. She definitely had more than a few growth spurts since the last time I had set eyes on her, but her rosy-red chubby cheeks were still the same and her eyes still danced when they looked at you. She was the happiest child I had ever met, and I was envious of her carefree little world.

“Hey, kiddo! When did you get so big?” I asked teasingly as she giggled when I plucked at her little button nose playfully.

“Lil's... I'm a big girl now! I sleep in a big girl bed and momma lets me pick out my own clothes and I'm allowed to stay up until eight o'clock and I can wear earrings and I take tap lessons and daddy says I can have a puppy for my birthday and I can ride my bike without the training wheels and...”

I quickly covered her mouth lightly with the pads of my two fingers, laughing. “And... you can still talk a mile a minute!”

Ava's little cheeks blushed an even darker shade of crimson. She finally paused and took a breath. “Miss Jean is fixing us sandwiches...” I propositioned. Her eyes lit up at the mention of food. This kid was a bottomless pit when it came to eating.

I squinted down to her cherub-like face. “PB and J? No crusts? Cut into little triangles?”

She bobbed her head up and down fast enough to give whiplash, “Yes please!”

I smiled and nodded over at ma, who had already broken out the peanut butter. I set a third plate on the counter and we added Little Miss Chatterbox to our luncheon. Ma had fixed some soup and crackers along with some chicken salad sandwiches for us, and we sat all sat down together devouring the feast.

Little Ava and I would make the occasional funny face to one another and laugh at the other while trying to finish our plates. Ma just grinned and smiled at the exchange.

“Ava...? You in here, darlin'?” A loud male voice called into the room followed soon after by 'T', or Trojan as he was once known. That was before he met Sarah and settled down some. She put an end to that road name real quick, and out of respect for her, he was now called by just the initial. Well, most of the time anyway. I've heard the brothers slip up every now and again and bring out the old name for shits and giggles. Usually either when drunk, or just trying to piss him off, and never around Ava.

“Hey Lil's! Welcome home, sweetheart.” He wrapped his arm around my shoulders and hugged into me. “We've been meaning to stop by and see you but things have been so crazy at the house with the baby and all...”

T and Sarah had just had their second baby a little less than a month ago. Thanks to Jean I was filled in on the baby's name and gender. “I heard! Congratulations Poppa! So does Alex look like his dad or what?”

T grinned. “Nah... Thank the good lord! They both take after their mom in that department. I'd bring him in to meet you but Sarah's off changing his clothes. He somehow wound up with stickers all over his onesie...”

All of our eyes shot over to Ava. She looked like she had just been caught trying to pillage the cookie jar.

“No you didn't...” I half laughed at the little girl who was very slowly sliding out of her chair. She smirked back at us and took off running.

“Good to see you, Lil's... I gotta go catch that one before she gets herself into even more trouble.”

Ma called out to the back of T's cut as he headed off to find his little menace of a daughter. “Could be worse T... she could have done it to your bike again!”

We cracked up, laughing our way through the rest of our lunch. It felt good to let loose, have fun at someone else's expense. Things were too serious lately... it was nice to have a distraction, even if just for a few moments.

Our laughter faded and we sat silent. Ma reached her hand over to cover mine and squeezed lovingly. We didn't need words right now. There was nothing really to say. It meant more than any attempt at small talk, just to be near each other. To be around family.

I inhaled deep. “Thanks for the lunch, ma.”

She patted my hand and nodded, reaching for my plate and clearing away the remnants of our meal. The clinking and clattering of dishes in the large metal sink gave new life to the recently quieted room. Jean began humming her little song again and sashaying her hips around while rinsing the plates clean.

I appreciated everything about this woman. She was a great mom, friend, caretaker, and I just knew she was  going to be a kick-ass grandma.

******

I was able to help ma clear the dishes, even with her protests. Why the fuck was everyone treating me like I'm a goddamned piece of fine china that they're afraid will break into a thousand pieces? It's starting to really piss me off. I'm not some delicate little wallflower who was afraid of life. I finished drying the pan and peck ma on the cheek, throwing my dish towel onto the nearest counter.

“Thanks again, ma... I'm gonna go take a shower.” She eyed me curiously but silently agreed. Damn! There it is again. That look of pity. This is getting a little out of hand. I've seen some really terrible shit happen to the people in this club, this family. The pity thing doesn't fly too well with them and it's not sitting well with me either. I need to get a grip.

Jay's room wasn't far from the kitchen and I'm able to make it there without anymore pathetic interactions with sympathizers. Closing the door behind me, I rest on it as it clicks into place. Deep breaths flow in and out of my lungs as I contemplate the situation. Some bad shit went down. Some people were hurt, lost. Good and bad... but it happened. I can't change it. I can only change how it affects me and the people I love. I've hurt these people too many times before with my impulsivity and stupidity. No more. I need to be better than this. I need to be the woman that Jay needs, my family needs. My baby will need.

The bathroom here is nothing compared to the luxurious little retreat that Jay created for me back at his house, but it fulfilled the basic needs required. Hot water, soap, and some privacy were all I needed right now. I stood in the tiny stall and soaked myself under the falling rain. The steam helped to clear my thinking a bit.

This is it.. I would give myself these few minutes to wallow in this shit and then put it behind me. Be done with it for now. I had seen Jay do this countless times before. Something happens, it rattles him and then he takes off for a while to deal with it. When he comes back, he's like a new person... he doesn't let let it get the best of him. If he can do it, I can sure as hell do it.

The cascading water falls over me, mixing with the tears I purposely let out. I was finally letting go of this ugliness inside. I was releasing my grief and sorrow for Emily, my hatred of Shade, and my anger at myself for being the impetus for this whole situation. The sobs flowed from deep within making their exit and leaving behind a blank space that can now be filled with the important things that I can do from here on in. I was a kid when I first fell in love with Jay. Nobody expected too much from a kid, but she is long gone now.

The warm stream of salty wetness from my eyes slowed, eventually giving way to a clarity I had never felt before. A weight was gone from my shoulders and the clenching knot in my stomach released. I lathered up and scrubbed away all reminders of the last few days. This was a fresh start, a new beginning. I was cleansing my soul. I had allowed myself a minute to wallow in this, feeling fragile and vulnerable, but no more. It kind of feels like a rebirth, a salvaging from the ruin.

******

JAY

Well, no one ever claimed the Kingsmen were anything but blunt. There was no use in wasting any time or energy tying to make light of a situation that was clearly one giant clusterfuck. I reclined back into the hard wooden chair below me as we sorted through the facts.

“Nothing.... I got nothing,” Dewey lets out, clearly exasperated.

Pop shakes his head in disbelief. “How the fuck is that even possible? We spend at least ten large a month! Every fucking month! How is it that we don't have an inside track at what the fuck is goin' on here?!”

The boys looked at each other nervously, just as any employee would feel when the boss came down hard. We were a family, but the MC was also run like a business. We brought in enough to support ourselves and live pretty comfortably. That type of business has a lot of overhead... money we spend on the regular to ensure that we can stay “in business”. Not only did we not get a heads up that our clubhouse was about to be visited by Flattery and his men, but now there wasn't even a peep as to why they were honing in on Lil's. We had expected a few questions, thanks in part to Marie's little 911 tip last night. But no way was an hour-long interrogation in the realm of normal for a false tip on a missing person and a mixup with an abandoned car.

“It's not coming from local departments... it can't be. That's the only explanation,” Clink deduced.

Pop rested his elbows on the aged dark wood. He thumbed his chin, rubbing the skin harshly while contemplating the possibility. He seemed to be resigning himself to Clink's position.

“I want Leo on this. He does whatever hot shot computer shit it is that he does all day, but I want to know what they have on us, on Lil's. I want to know every fucking detail!”

He slammed his fist down hard on the table surface.

“And under NO circumstances do I want that prick in my clubhouse again!” Pop stood up fast and hard pushing his chair back with tremendous force into the corner of the room where it ricocheted against the wall and splintered into several large pieces. Pop looked at the debris, it seemed to only fuel his anger. “And get me another fucking chair!”

******

I have a damn headache. The buzz I was getting from the beers has long since worn off. When it rains, it fucking pours. Since all this shit started with Shade, it's been a nonstop sucking typhoon.

“Hey, baby.. I've been looking for you.”

I look up, breaking from my trance-like state. Lil's stands in the doorway, leaning against the thick frame. God... just looking at this woman melts away the shit weighing on my brain. She looks fresh, alert and, fuck me, she actually has a smile on her lips.

The meeting pretty much ended when Pops stormed off. I stayed behind, sitting in the quiet trying to work through this and come up with some sort of explanation. The burden was heavy but it wasn't one I wanted to share with my girl. I pull my chair out from the table just enough and patted my knee. “C'mere baby.”

Her lips twitched into a grin and she sauntered over. Rather than taking the open invitation to sit on my thigh, she throws her leg over me and smiles like a seductress as she lowers herself slowly, straddling me. I grab out to hold her ass and guide it the rest of the way down. I watch her closely as she settles in and closes her eyes in satisfaction when she hits the bottom. We may have a couple layers of clothes between us, but this is the closest I've been to my baby in days. I can tell from the appeasement that just washed over her face that she feels it, too. Like a honing beacon calling her home, my cock was beckoning to her.

She slips her arms around my neck and we look into each other. Past each others eyes, and deep into each other. Our breathing comes in tune with the other's, and we just stay still.. taking this moment for all it's worth.

I moan my satisfaction at having her close. “You good, baby girl?”

Lil's lets out a high pitched giggle. “I'm good, Jay. I'm... good.” She lowers her lips, sweeping them over mine softly, but I want more. I held her into me, unwilling to part lips from hers. She feels so good, so fucking good right now. I growl deep at the need ripping at my insides.

She tears her moist lips apart from my mouth.

“Baby...” she almost pleads. “Take me for a ride...”

I push her hips deep into me and knead her ass hard. “I'll take you for a ride...”

She swats at me half-heartedly. I raise my eyebrows high. 'What?..'

“Baby... I need to get out of here.. get some fresh air. Let's take a ride.”

Oh. That kind of ride. I let out my disappointment. She sees it dripping off of me.

“Jay..” She kisses my right cheek. “Let's go..” She kisses my left cheek. “And I'll make it worth your while..” She plants her next kiss on my aching lips.

I give in to her, hell... I'll always give in to my sweet as sin little vixen. I slap her ass hard, thanking her for the little cock tease. She yelpd at the impact, jumping up and crashing down on my engorged dick. I cower at the cruel crushing sensation and move to shift her before permanent damage is done. She laughs nervously at my reaction. “Oh baby.... I'm sorry.”

I squint my eyes jokingly at her. “Alright... let's go... I just need to grab some things and I'll meet you outside.

I waited until Lil's cleared out before working the dial on the safe and withdrawing the small box I had placed there for safe keeping about a week earlier, and slipped it into my inside pocket.

Lil's was waiting for me by my bike, taking in the late afternoon sun. The dulling rays shone from her raven hair swinging loose around her shoulders. She was breathtaking. Just watching her, observing her from afar was enough to bring me to my knees.

She turns slightly, basking in the sun and catches me spying on her. I clear my throat, if only for my own sense of recovery as Lil's is too far away to hear. I walk on an angle away from the bikes and toward my truck. Lil's watches with curiosity, but does not budge.

I whistle a loud cat call to her and wave her over. She tilts her head in confusion, wondering what I'm up to no doubt.

“Lil's we're taking the cage....” I explain to her and unlock the doors with my remote before climbing in.

She stands in silent defiance. I see her from the rear-view mirror. I smile to myself. My feisty little baby was back. Thank God. I honk the horn and watch as she looks around to see who else is observing the spectacle. She huffs over to the truck planting herself outside my door. I pretend not to notice her standing on the outside of the glass until she knocks her knuckles against it impatiently. It's like taking candy from a baby.

I lower the window. She pops her hip out and rests her hand on it, her face flushed. I shrug my shoulders, innocently.

“You know the rules, baby...” I watch her eyebrows pinch together. “I point my finger toward her flat middle. “You got a bun in the oven?... Not a chance in hell I'm putting you on a bike.”

She looked aghast. “That's so sexist!”

I nodded. “Yup. And....?”

Her cheeks might have been blushing before but they were now reddening from anger.

“Oh don't try to be mad at me. You know I'm right.” Her lower lip was twitching. “I'll let you listen to your girlie music, just get the fuck in before I get out and toss you in here myself.”

I can see her weighing her options. She finally decides to obey me and takes her time walking around to the passenger door. I lean over and open it for her, and she climbs herself up. I can't help the overwhelming sense of triumph.

Lil's immediately pulls her phone out and hooks it into the stereo, searching and scrolling through her playlists.   Lil's uses her controls to lower all of the windows, as I drive us in the direction of the gate.

Before we even clear the compound, with plenty of brothers hanging around, music starts pumping out of my speakers at an absurdly loud setting. “Oh Baby Baby...”

FUCK NO! I shoot daggers at Lil's, smiling like a hyena while singing along to Britney Spears. My mouth drops, but I close it quickly not wanting to clue her in to my obvious discomfort. My self-restraint only serves to fuel her spite. Well played....

******

LIL'S

I haven't listened to Britney Spears since before the whole shaved-head incident. But.. desperate times call for desperate measures. If Jay wants to fluff out his mane and get all “king of the jungle” on me, then the least I can do is provide a little mortification in return. Thank God the song was over quickly and the iphone had moved on to the next one.

I slip my shoes off and fumble for the buttons below my seat to move it back enough for me to stretch my legs out comfortably. The windows were still open bringing in a nice breeze. I close my eyes and breathe it in, the sweetness of the budding flowers and tell-tale scents of summer fill me. My hand reaches out instinctively for Jay's, finding it and clasping it tight, fingers weaving together.

The roughness of his skin feels good against my own. My granddad always said you could tell a lot about a man from his hands. Jay's were strong, weathered from years of hard work, and large enough to cover completely around my own, protecting it. His thumb trails itself along the heel of my hand, eliciting little spurts of electricity up and into the rest of me.

“Mmmm...” I relax and enjoy the teasing of his touch.

“I'll wake you up when we get there, baby...” he murmurs into my flesh as he raises my fingers to his lips and presses against them.

I was tired again. Lord knows I've never needed a nap to get through the day but the temptation of a little daydreaming was too much to pass on. “Umm hmm...”

It's funny how dreams can seem so real, so vivid. And the moment you wake they begin to fade away, leaving nothing behind but the feelings and emotions they filled you with. This one must have been a good one because I was all warm and gooey inside when the ignition turned off, breaking me from my fantasy world.

The sun had set lower in the sky, indicating that I had missed a pretty little chunk of time while I dozed off.

“How long was I out?” My voice sounded groggy and strained as I stretched my arms overhead, straining and releasing my muscles against themselves. “Why didn't you wake me sooner?”

Jay tosses the keys from one hand to another.  “You were tired... besides.. you were talking in your sleep... I wanted to hear it all.”

I blushed, attempting to smooth my hair.  “I was not!”  Yup.  I probably was.  I've been told since I was a little girl that I sing like a canary in my sleep.  No secret was safe... no topic too taboo.

He laughed hard.  “Baby... you talk dirty in your sleep. You told me all the things you're gonna do to me tonight..”

My eyelids slit themselves.  “No way... you're full of it.”  Oh god please don't tell me I was talking about the handcuff fantasy...

Jay leaned in  across the center console and over to me.  I held my breath.  “I'm gonna hold you to your word, too.”  Fuck.  Yeah... it was something naughty alright.  He reached across me and pulled on the door handle behind my hip.

“Let's go, kinky girl. The sooner we finish up here, the sooner I get you home and into my bed.”

Finally able to search our surroundings, I notice the familiar landmarks.  The high tree line, the sandy parking area set back from the main road, the well-worn path through the shrubbery.  I spin around to face Jay as he exits his side of the truck.  He's grinning, happy with his little surprise.

“This is the place, isn't it?  Where you brought me that night?”

Jay nods, confirming my assessment.  “Maybe this time we won't be interrupted, hmm?”

“Oh yeah?... Catch me first.” I take off running through the windy path, making sure to avoid the large rocks scattered about.  I can hear him behind me rustling against the branches but I don't dare turn around to see.  He's gaining on me, I can feel it.  I can start to see the thinning of trees before me as the path takes one last turn into an open area.  With no further left to run I turn and wait, panting from the jog.

He pushes his way through the last of the trees, eyes set on me like a hunter with its prey.  He's beaming, knowing that he has me, closing in.  I start to giggle nervously.  The air cools around us as the daylight fades, offering us our very own mood lighting.  I licked my lips as I watched his gorgeous form, bulging muscles, delicious body coming to claim me.

“Nowhere left to run, Lil's.”

A jolt of excitement runs its course through me.  “Nope.”

Jay is close enough, but saved himself the extra step or two by stretching out and grabbing onto the waist of my jeans, pulling hard with me smashing into him.  His mouth lands expertly on mine, tangling deep with lips on lips, our tongues lashing at each other full of demand and urgency.  I pull him in closer needing to feel every inch of him against me.  There was a short time when I feared I would never feel him on me again.  We fit together perfectly, like I was made to settle in under him.  There was no end to his kiss.  It was deep, whole and satisfying, making me believe that I had everything necessary in life right here in this very moment.

He moved his head to escape the lock my lips have on his.  “Baby.,. you're gonna miss it.  Turn around.”

I hesitate to leave his mouth, searching for some way to regain my place on it, unsuccessfully.  I finally give up in a huff and turn around harshly to see what was important enough for him to deny me what I wanted.

Breathtaking!  The sun was just low enough to cast dimming rays over the village.  I thought I remembered just how beautiful this place, this view was but my memory failed miserably not doing justice to the wonder below us.  It had been a few years, but the town in the valley stood untouched, like its own little time capsule.  Life had gone by, with Jay and me losing our way and then finding each other again, but this place was a constant,  a reference point for us and a part of our story.  Tears were welling in my eyes, and my lip began to quiver.  I was home.  Now, this place before us wasn't my home... Jay was.

I turned sharply to find my Jay, needing to touch him, feel him.  My eyes searched wildly at the place I was expecting him only to be left searching for him.  He was crouched down on the ground in front of me, staring up.  Wait.. he wasn't crouching.  He was kneeling.

OH MY GOD! He was kneeling.  My heart constricted itself in the most intense way and I felt myself freezing in place.  “Jay?”

“Shh... Lil's.  Let me do this right.”  He cleared his throat nervously.  “Baby... this is where I told you for the first time that I loved you.  I loved you for a long time before that and every moment since.  I love you more than I care for myself, my life, and I would gladly give them both if I had to, to make you happy and keep you safe.”  He reached out and placed his hand on my stomach.  “To keep you both safe.  You are everything to me and I would gladly give everything I have, everything I am for the chance to spend the rest of my life with you...”

The tears that were welling from before were now openly streaming down my cheeks.

He slipped his hand under his cut and withdrew a small black box, opening the hinges and placing it in his upturned palm.  My mind was speaking, sending signals to my lips, but my voice was unable to  repeat them...  I was truly speechless.  I could nod, however, and gave my answer in motion.  Jay picked the ring from the box and slid it on my shaking finger, kissing the knuckle just under the weight of the cool metal.

I kept my eyes locked on his, taking the moment in completely but the sparkle from my hand was too hard to ignore for long.  I angled my finger slightly to better see the jewel.  If I was speechless before, I was god smacked now.  It was gorgeous and elegantly simple.  It was perfect.

Jay watched me admire the ring.  “Do you like it?”

I watched him in awe.  “Are you kidding?  I LOVE it!  Wait... is this...”  I scrutinized the center stone.  I've seen it before.

Jay smiled.  “Your grandmother's diamond.  I had it reset for you.”

How could this be any more special?  I dropped to my knees, more on level with Jay and grabbed the sides of his face.  “I love you so much, baby.  I was destined to love you and only you and I will love you every moment until there are none left.”

I placed my ringed hand over his heart and he covered it with his palm.  This moment had been a long time in the making.  There have been detours, obstacles, pain and sorrow along the way but in the end we were right where we were meant to be.  We were destined for each other and should have known better than to try to mess with that.  We had lost our way but we weren't lost to each other any longer.  We were home.

******

JAY

Lil's and I had fucked, screwed, banged, shagged and scored every which way we could for a while now with each serving a purpose.  There was a time and place for everything.  Right now, with my ring on her finger and my baby in her womb it was the perfect time to make love.  Lil's loved it rough when it suited her, but it drove her absolutely crazy when I took my time and brought her to the brink ever so slowly.

I rose to my knees and hoisted her up, standing for us both and leading the way over to the big shady tree near us.  It was as if the scene from years ago was playing out all over again.

Her skin was soft, lush and addicting as I covered it over and over with my lips.  I could never get enough of this, never get enough of her.  She would now be mine forever, able to claim her body whenever I wanted yet there was still an urgency deep within me.  I was addicted, she was my drug and I was never able to get my fill.

Lil's seemed to feel an urgency too, clawing at my clothes begging them to fall loose.  The trunk of the tree offered us a standing platform to affirm our bodies' stakes on each other.  Lil's cried out in desperation, “Please, baby...  God, don't make me wait.”

Listening to this woman beg for it, beg for me, was one of the purest forms of napalm that could ever be.  She was such a puzzle, how someone so innocent and pure could be such a vixen.  She nipped at my earlobe and wiggled her hips against me urging me to take her fully.  I freed my hand and used it to pull down the neckline of her shirt plunging my mouth deep in the valley between her mounds licking my way over to her swollen nipple.

“Oh, you wanna bite, huh?”  I pinch her pink tip in between my teeth, enough to make her call out.  Her hands thrash themselves around above her head holding on to the tree, allowing her to stretch out pushing herself further into my mouth.  I flick back and forth against the taught skin, causing her to whimper in return.

Setting her legs down and freeing my hands I am now able to deal with the task of peeling her tight-as-sin jeans from her body, removing all barrier to the part of her I want.  There is no way to be gentle about this, and it’s nothing shy of a fucking miracle that they don’t rip.  Tossing them hastily onto the grassy patch nearby, I turn my attention to my own denim but find that she has beaten me to it.  She eyes me hungrily, ready to devour every drop I have to offer.

I push my pants just low enough as is necessary and throw her right leg over my side opening her up to me.  I line myself up to her juicy slit and push my flesh into hers, joining her to me.  She grabs around to my ass and pulls greedily trying to sate herself.  “Forever... tell me it will be like this forever!”

My rhythm is steady, answering her with my movements, assuring her with my body.  I know she needs more though, she needs my words.

“Baby.. till my last fucking day... I swear.”

I hold her lower lip hostage, blanching from the strain as her madness builds around me.  She’s in a rare state, my baby... frenzied and harried.  She clamps down hard around my dick, pulsing it with her teasing nature.  I won’t last long at this rate, I know it.  I’m better than this, I owe her more.

I pull myself from her, leaving her empty only to replace myself with my mouth as I drop down to my knees and worship her.  She responds just as I know she will, her outcry is loud and true as she bellows her pleasure over me, emboldening me as I search the depths of her.  Her sweet slickness bathes me as I torture her with my tongue.  I swirl over her clit and send her reeling, her body tenses with its imminent explosion.  Knowing I have only seconds to work with, I free my fist from around my dick and swoop up, plunging my shaft deep into her warmth.  She’s on the edge, teetering over it.  I fist her hair and pull.

“Mine.”  I claim her with my words, my body and my ring as she releases, mixing her orgasm with mine.

******

The ride home was complete with phone calls and planning, as Lil’s reached out to Sunny and Christine to share our news.  She was happy, overjoyed and radiant, fiddling her finger in the moonlight admiring her ring.  I reached out and took hold of her left hand thumbing over the gem and bending down to kiss it, teasing my tongue in the sensitive skin webbed between her fingers.

We had been sitting in the parked truck waiting for her to wrap it up for a while now and I was getting impatient waiting to take her off into our bedroom and continue the celebration.

“I gotta go, Sun...”

Damn right.  I finally leave the truck cab and walk around to her side, opening the door for her.  She slides out, pouring her arms up and around my neck.

“So... about those handcuffs...” I begin.

She slaps me playfully and runs into the house, leaving me to follow.  I give her a head start and glance one last time at the unmarked car parked discreetly down the road.  We had been through so much already, more than most couples have to endure.

The best things in life are worth fighting for and I will fight whoever I have to, on either side of the law for her, for us.  This was a tough lifestyle, not many are cut out for it.  We will always have our battles and I will face them head on for her.  But not tonight... tonight she gets the fairytale, tonight she gets the happily ever after.

BONUS CHAPTER

JAY

Several weeks ago....

She looks too perfect to wake up.  Last night had been one crazy hell of a night... she’s passed out cold and I doubt she’ll be waking anytime soon.  Lil's had always been a deep sleeper.  She didn’t even wake last night when I snuck in, returning home early from the run.  Granted, she wasn’t expecting me for days and it was well after midnight, but she just slept right through the small bit of commotion I had made while settling home.  I had tried not to make much noise, but it’s inevitable when lurking around mostly in the dark.   Even after finding the empty Plan B box laying on top of the trash, when I wanted to throw every fucking light on and scream and yell my anger, waking up every fucking person in the neighborhood.  But I kept it shut tight, dangerously quiet while staring her down, waiting for her to wake so I could unleash my fury on her.  And when she finally did wake... it was fucking dangerous.

Lil's had never been a liar.  It’s not in her nature.  Most men in my position would think with their brain and decide she was trying to cover up her crime, do some damage control.  All I had to do was look past my blind rage and see in her eyes, deep in there, behind the fear, that she was telling the truth.  If she says she didn’t take the pills then I believe her.

It had been an emotional night, for the both of us.  That kind of fighting and then fucking takes a toll on you.  She would definitely be sleeping it off for a while.

This is probably the best time I'm gonna be able to find for a while to do what I need to do.

******

Butch kept his house pretty decent, all things considered.  This place hadn’t had a steady woman’s touch in forever.. not since Marie split.  Lil's had always seen to it that the place was neat and tidy.  She could be a real neat freak and it was just par for the course for her to straighten, clean or organize things at all times.  For a bachelor pad, this place was cleaner than most but as soon as Lil's steps through that door the next time she comes over here she’s gonna freak.  Mental note: I’d better send some prospects over to take care of it before then.  The last thing my girl needs to be doin’ right now is surrounding herself with cleaning chemicals and scrubbing her fingers to the bone.

Butch pours us some coffee from the ancient Mr. Coffee machine on the counter and sits down across the worn kitchen table.  We sip in silence for a while.  Butch had been in on the run, just getting back last night along with the rest of us.  Even though riding your bike gives you a good amount of alone time, you still have to deal with the other brothers for meals, piss breaks, and downtime.  I liked Butch just fine but we had each seen our fill of the other for the past week or so.  This little impromptu meeting wasn’t exactly offering the space a brother needs after returning home from a run.  Sometimes, you just needed to take a break from seeing the same faces every day.

I would be quick so we could both get on with our own shit.  I sipped the hot coffee sparingly.  How the hell a person could fuck up a simple cup of Coffee was beyond me.  Butch seemed to be enjoying his enough, though.  I guess you drink this shit long enough and you start to get used to it.

“So....”  I hadn’t exactly rehearsed this.  I was drawing a blank.

His eye brow twitches.  He’s got to know why I’m here.  The bastard is just gonna let me squirm.  He takes another sip and watches me.

Enough of this.  I set my mug down.  “I love Lil's.  You know I’d do anything for her.”

He nods silently, savoring the sour coffee in his mouth.

“I know I promised you that I would wait until she  finished school.  But... things have changed.  You know that, too.”

He breathes deep.  I can smell the Folgers on his breath from over here.  He leaves his drink behind as he pushes his wooden chair out, away from the table.  “Wait here.”

What?  What the fuck am I supposed to be waiting for, here?  I take advantage of the break and check my phone.  I was waiting on a text from T.J.  That shit that went down on the run had spooked us.  It had been quiet for a while and now all of the sudden the shit seemed to be hitting the fan.  He was putting the feelers out to some of the local snitches we work with, to see who knows what.  Nothing.  No text, no missed call.  Ugh... these prospects were barely worth the leather they wore on their back sometimes.

The tired shuffling of Butch’s feet cause me to sit up straight.  I may be his Vice President but  he was still Lil's dad.  This moment was awkward enough for the both of us.  I didn’t need to pull rank at a time like this.

He reclaims his seat at the table and reaches his hand out, placing a small box on the table between us.  Once he sets it down he sits back fully, watching over it.

“You think about this long and hard boy.  You take that ring, then you know what comes along with it.  If you’re prepared to make her yours then you are prepared to take on the responsibility of a man.  Not a boy playing fucking house.  You protect her with your life.  You give her everything she needs.  You’ve seen enough men fuck it all up before, throw it all away.  You even start to go down that path and I swear to you I will put a fucking bullet in you myself.”

We watch each other long and hard.  It was true it was a big decision.  I had thought about all the ins and outs of it while on the run.  With nothing but the open road ahead of you and the pavement underneath, there was plenty of time to think about shit.  I had made up my mind.

I reach out for the little wooden box and stand to my feet.  Butch sighs and nods at my actions.  “Then I guess that’s that.”

I put the ring box in my inner pocket and hold out my hand genuinely to my soon to be Father In Law.  “I guess it is.”

Butch rises immediately after and nods his approval to me, extending his hand.  I take it, and we seal the deal.

“Far cry from the last time you sat at my table, huh kid?”

That was an understatement.

******

THEN

How the hell can he be so fucking calm?!  Did he not just hear the words that came from my mouth?  She's gone.

“Don't tell me to back off!  You know I can't!” I roar.

Butch is half asleep, and clearly teetering between drunkenness and the onset of a hangover.  His small kitchen is just starting to take in the muted hues of early morning light through the windows.

“You can, and you will.”  It must be the alcohol working its way though his system, giving him the liquid courage to even try and stand in my way right now.

“Jay. Calm the fuck down, brother.”  He attempts to put his clammy hand on my arm, but I just push it off.  Hard.

His eyes widen, before fixing themselves on me. “Sit your ass down, NOW!”  He uses the same hand I've just sworn off to push down on my shoulder.  The old chair that I fall into creaks from the sudden weight.

“I'm gonna tell you some cold hard shit right now son, and you're gonna listen... I've known you since you were nothin' but a baby crappin' your own nappies.”  He pulls the nearest chair over and sits close by.

My hands are balled into tight fists, the nails cutting into my own flesh.  It was taking every fucking ounce of restraint in me to keep them there, instead of using them to throw this sorry son of a bitch up against the wall and make him tell me where Lil's went.

She had split sometime during the night.  I had been at the clubhouse, partying with the same brothers as Butch... celebrating Dewey's release from the slammer.  By the time I got home, Lil's was sleeping soundly in my bed, with one of her text books open next to her.  I was in rare form last night, even needing one of the prospects to take me home, too drunk to ride there myself.

By the time I woke up, she was gone.  It was early.  At first I thought she might have gone for a run.  Only God knows why that woman chooses to run her ass off outside when there is a perfectly good treadmill downstairs.

I started to notice little things here and there that helped to put an uneasy sense of dread in me.  First, her toothbrush... gone.  Her makeup bag, hairdryer... gone.  I started to frantically make my way through the house finding all sign of Lil's erased.  Until I reached the kitchen....

The leather jacket I had given her last year for her birthday was folded and left on top of the breakfast nook.  A house key left dead center, on top.  I stared long and hard at that jacket, forever it seemed, my mind racing.

What the fuck did this mean?  Things have been a little tense lately, with Lil's finishing her freshman year and studying for finals.  I took every bit of work I could get.  Every run, every little opportunity to make some extra cash.  I wanted to buy Lil's a new car to replace the old beat up Honda that she was tooling around in.  She had fought me tooth and nail, refusing to give it up. The last time it was in the shop for repairs had convinced me to just replace it and deal with Lil's bitching for a while afterward.

At least I would know that she was driving in something safe.  And nice... I knew she would eventually get used to the luxury and sportiness of what I was looking at buying.  She caught wind of my plans one night when she found the BMW pamphlets in the mail pile.  Shit hit the fan and she accused me of not respecting her wishes.

The extra work meant I was around less but it would end soon.  The extra stress with Lil's classes was ending, too, now that the semester was over and things would return to normal... I was sure of it.

But the folded leather and small metal key on the counter told me that maybe I had underestimated the situation.  She must be pretty pissed if she's pulling some petty shit like this.

It was early, earlier than I usually get up after a night of drinking but I figured I might as well get on over to Butch's house and put an end to this temper tantrum of hers.  That's what the plan was... until I got here and found that she wasn't.

Butch's voice brings me back to the present.

“I don't know where she is.  Even if I did, I'm not all that sure I'd tell you, son.”  Butch tries to reason with me.  He's seen me angry before, I know he doesn't want this to end up how he knows it can.

I release my clenched jaw.  “No way she just up and left without telling you anything, brother.”

He shakes his head, disagreeing with me.  “Nothing but a voicemail telling me not to worry about her.  She'll contact me when she gets settled.”

Fuck!  Lil's had never been one to play games before, never been one to try and mindfuck me. She's not like the majority of chicks out there.  What you see is what you get... no need to try and read into things, or into mixed messages.  She's a straight shooter.  I doubt that this is some petty little way to make a point.

“Forget it then!  I'll fucking find her on my own!” I declare my plans.

Butch's eyes grow cold.  “The hell you are.  Listen Jay... I know I'm not the best father.  There are tons of things I could have done differently, better for my kids.  Lil's deserved that much but I fucked up more times than I care to remember.”

I can see the muscles in his neck, shoulders, tensing.  “But this... this I'm not gonna fuck up.  I may not have a whole lot to give her.  But the biggest thing I can give her, do for her right now, is make sure she has a choice.”

Butch stands and makes his way over to the line of drawers along the cabinets.  He reaches into the small one on top and withdraws his gun, placing it gently on the countertop next to him and leaning back against the formica.

“She may have been born into this shit, lived it.  But it wasn't her choice.  Right now... she's got one.  She leaves and makes a life for herself somewhere else, starts over.  Or she decides to come back and make this way of life hers.  But either way, son, it's her choice to make.  I'm not gonna let you get in the way of it.  If that's the only thing I can give my daughter right now, then that's what I'm gonna make sure she has.”

He picks up the gun and holds it loosely, resting it in his crossed arms.

“We clear on that, kid?”

COMING DECEMBER 2014

BOOK THREE IN THE

KINGSMEN MC SERIES

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tara is a thirty-something newbie author from Long Island, New York. She's a voracious reader, a passionate writer and and obsessive junk T.V. aficionado. When she's not doing one of those three things, she is attempting to garden, hanging with her hubby or partaking in some retail therapy. She enjoys connecting with her readers and is having a blast entering into this new world of publishing.

She loves to read the reviews her fans post... so please... don't disappoint!  Feel free to leave a review on:

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Table of Contents

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

BIKER FRIENDLY REFERENCE

CHAPTER ONEJAYThank God.

CHAPTER TWONOW

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHTCHARLOTTE

CHAPTER NINEJAY

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVENJAY

CHAPTER TWELVEJAY

CHAPTER THIRTEENJAY

CHAPTER FOURTEENLILS

BONUS CHAPTERJAY

ABOUT THE AUTHOR