by Kay Marie
“I wasn’t flirting. We were having fun,” I say.
Sienna sits up a little more straight. “Who were you dancing with?”
“Ruger.”
“Which one is he again,” Wren asks.
“He’s one of the Nomads. Taller, rugged-looking one with dark hair and deep green eyes,” Sienna tells her.
“Oh! He’s cute,” Wren draws out.
“Yeah, he’s pretty easy on the eyes, but we were only having fun. Nothing is gonna come from it,” I explain.
“Why not? You could totally do a no strings attached thing with him. Him being a Nomad would make it that much easier,” Rivet says.
“I’m not looking for a one-night stand, and I’m in no position to have a relationship with anyone.” I shrug.
“There’s nothing wrong with that,” Minx assures. “So, I’ve been thinking about Halloween. What do y’all think if we have a costume party?”
“Will the Menaces be okay with it,” I ask.
“You know who she is, right?” Rivet points at Minx.
“Oh, right! Bull is your dad, yeah?” I say to Minx.
She nods. “Yeah, and they’ll be fine with it. I don’t know how many of the guys will dress up, but even the cut bunnies dress up.”
“Not like they need an excuse to dress skanky,” Sienna mutters.
“We should all coordinate our outfits,” I suggest.
“Yes! That would be awesome,” Tink says.
“Now, to decide what to dress up as.” Rivet starts scrolling through her phone.
“We could dress up as sexy Disney princesses,” Wren recommends.
“Or sexy Marvel heroes,” Sienna adds.
“I know!” I tell them my idea and everyone loves it. “We only have three weeks until Halloween. We need to get to planning everything now.”
“We should buy everything as soon as possible so we know we’ll have it in time,” Tink adds.
An hour later, we have everything ordered. We even got a few of the other girls involved, too. I’ve never been one to dress up for Halloween, but I’m really looking forward to this one. It’s going to be a blast. I find myself wondering what Rascal will think about it. I’m instantly irritated with myself and shake the thought away as quickly as it came to me. I don’t need to have him running through my mind, now or ever. That man is so infuriating.
Minx glances at her phone. “Shit, Rivet, we need to go start prepping for the BBQ.”
“I’ll come help.” Wren stands from the table.
“I should probably make sure the bar is stocked,” Tink says.
Sienna sighs. “I’ll help, too. Marley, you coming?”
“Yeah, I’ll be in in a few. I’m gonna stay out here a little longer.”
They leave me to myself and head inside. Sitting outside is so soothing. It’s short-lived as someone comes outside. I glance over my shoulder, and Rascal is glaring at me. I stand to head inside.
“What the hell are you doin’ out here alone?” he scolds me.
“Excuse me? I was out here talking to the girls. They just went inside,” I explain. “It’s not like I left through the gate. Calm the fuck down.”
He lets out a heavy sigh. “Can we talk? Like really talk?”
“Why don’t you go talk to your girlfriend.” There’s a bitterness in my tone I didn’t intend to use.
A sly smirk crosses his lips as he stalks closer. “Does the thought of me having a girlfriend make you jealous, Princess?”
“Nope.” I pop the p. “Not in the slightest.”
He leans his head down, so he’s mere inches from my face. “I don’t have a girlfriend. In fact, ask anyone around, I don’t do relationships.”
I lean in like I’m about to kiss him. My lips brush against his as the words come out, “I don’t either.” I move around him, walking toward the clubhouse doors, adding an extra sway in my hips. There’s an audible intake of breath behind me, and I smile to myself. I walk in, and Tink’s eyes are already on me.
“I saw who went out there after we came in. Everything okay?” She gestures for me to sit at the bar, so I take a seat.
“He yelled at me for being outside by myself,” I tell her. “He acted like I left the property.”
Tink is smiling so big I’m surprised her face hasn’t split in half.
I cock an eyebrow at her. “What are you smiling like that for?”
“You’re not going to want to hear this, but I’ve never known him to act like this over a female,” she explains.
“Have you ever seen him turned down by a chick before?”
“No, but I don’t think that’s all it is,” she says. “I think you challenge him, and he’s never had that before either.”
“He’s going to keep not having it, too. Nothing will ever happen with him.”
Tink looks at me as if she doesn’t believe me. Before she says anything else, the clubhouse door opens. A few seconds later, someone’s shoulder bumps mine. The touch sent a zap through me and warms my shoulder. I act like it didn’t phase me. He’s trying to provoke me, and I’m not going to let him see how much he bothers me.
The scent of his cologne assaults my nose, going straight to my head. Guys who smell good are such a weakness. I shake my head. This guy will not be a weakness, no matter how good he smells.
“Tink, can I get a beer, please,” Rascal asks. His eyes are boring into me, but I stand my ground, ignoring him.
“Here you go.” She slides him a beer across the bar. Her eyes go from him to me, then back to him.
“Thank you,” he says. My shoulder is left cold, letting me know he’s no longer standing there.
“Deny it all you want, but I know what I see. It’s going to happen at some point,” Tink tells me. I shake my head. I don’t want to say anything and encourage her thoughts.
6
Rascal
Our tradition of Sunday BBQs has been one of my favorite traditions. Even after wild Saturday nights. It’s a time for us to truly relax and reset for the new week ahead of us. It’s also a huge family day. Any brothers who have families close by, or in town, bring them to the clubhouse to hang out. Today, I took on the role of being the grill master. I’ve got chicken, hamburgers, and brats going right now.
“Beer?” Sketch offers, holding one out toward me.
“Thanks, brother.” I take it from him, taking a long sip. Sketch and a few of the guys are sitting in lawn chairs close to the grill. The prospects are setting up a couple games of bags and a table for beer pong. Prez walks over to us as I sit in my own chair.
“How’s the food comin’ along,” he asks.
“First round should be ready in about ten minutes.”
He nods his head. “Good deal. Wanted to give y’all a heads up. Our Nomad brothers will be staying through the end of the month. We’ll have some visitors from Arizona and New Orleans for Halloween, too, but we’ll discuss it more during Church tomorrow.”
“What time, Prez,” Buster asks. “I plan on heading into the shop afterward.”
“We’ll have it first thing in the mornin’ so all y’all can get to work at a decent time,” Prez explains. “Now, I’m gonna go find me something to drink. Enjoy your afternoon, fellas.”
We have Church every week to touch base on the happenings of the club. Every other week it’s on a Monday morning. Other times, it’s on a Wednesday evening. Sundays and Mondays are usually our days to kick back and relax, but half the guys end up working on Mondays.
I glance around the yard, observing everything going on. Sketch is sitting next to me, talking to Buster about what it’s like being a dad. An odd thing to interest Sketch, but whatever. Clutch, Hollywood, Diesel, and Saint are talking about the cars and motorcycles they’ve been working on recently. Their conversation will no doubt turn into a foreign vs. domestic cars. It always does. I prefer my bike over some cage, but I can appreciate a nice classic.
I stand, moving to the grill to flip the food. Lifting my hea
d, my eyes land on Marley. She’s wearing cut off shorts with a t-shirt that says ‘Good Vibes’ tied in a knot at her hip. It shows a sliver of her stomach. The smile on her face could light the darkest night. The sight is ruined when Ruger steps by her side. She turns to him, laughing at something he said. He makes her laugh. All I do is irritate her.
My thoughts are brought to a halt by Trix’s voice. “I don’t know why you bother.”
“What are you talking about?”
“That bitch doesn’t want anything to do with you. Let me make you feel good.” Her words do nothing but add fuel to the anger I’m already feeling.
“Sketch, watch the grill.” I walk away, needing to get away from Marley and Trix. Only, I don’t realize until I’m inside that Trix has followed me. “Trix, leave me the hell alone.”
“All I wanna do is help you forget that stupid bitch.” As soon as the words leave her mouth, Marley walks through the door, head down, staring at her shirt. Trix scoffs, causing her to stop in her tracks.
Marley brings her eyes to mine, then looks to Trix. “Oh, sorry if I was interrupting. I was headed to my room to change.”
I glance at her shirt and notice something has been spilled on it.
“Why the hell are you even here? You don’t belong here,” Trix spits out. Marley looks taken aback.
“Trix,” I growl out in warning.
“What? She doesn’t!”
Marley storms out of the room, toward her own.
I grab Trix by the throat. “I don’t know who the hell you think you are all of a sudden, but you need to remember your fucking place. You better think twice before opening your mouth again. Now, go fucking find someone else’s dick to suck.”
I let her go and head to Marley’s room. I’m about to knock when the door swings open, and she squeals.
“Holy shit, Rascal! What the hell is your deal today?” The shirt she changed into has a scoop neck and hugs her body in all the right places.
“Calm the fuck down. I was coming to apologize for the shit Trix said,” I tell her.
“I don’t need your bullshit apologies. I’m a big girl, her words don’t bother me.” She pushes past me, walking away.
“I’m waving a white flag here, Marley,” I call after her.
She stops, slowly turning to face me. “Yeah? For how long? The rest of the day? An hour? Until we’re outside around all your friends? You don’t have to like me, Rascal, but I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”
She walks away, leaving me speechless. I stand there until she’s completely out of sight. I deserved every bit of that. I’ve been a complete jackass to her. When I walk outside, I grab a beer from one of the coolers then spot Marley right next to Ruger again. I find my way back to the grill, where Sketch has taken over.
“Didn’t think you were ever coming back.” He chuckles.
“I almost didn’t.”
“Why? What’s wrong with you?” He’s taking the food off the grill.
“How is it that asshole is after the same thing I am, yet I’m the only one being treated like a bad guy?” I gesture toward Ruger and Marley.
“Maybe it’s because you aren’t as charming as you think you are.” Saint taunts.
“Like you’re any better. How are things with Rivet?” I retort. His face sobers, and he flips me off.
“You are an arrogant asshole. Maybe her feelings are mutual, but she doesn’t want to give in to your whorish ways.” Sketch shrugs.
“I am not . . .”
“Think real hard before you finish that.” Sketch shoots me a knowing look.
“Okay, maybe I am.”
The guys laugh.
“So, if all you want is to get in her pants, maybe you should back off. God forbid it, but if you actually want something more with her, you’ll have to actually prove it to her.” Leave it to Sketch to lecture me.
For the duration of the BBQ, I avoid Marley as best I can. It doesn’t stop me from stealing glances, though. She spends the majority of her time with Minx and Sienna. She talks with Ruger when he walks up to her, but I never notice her initiate the conversation. I can’t help wondering if she’s even interested in him.
Before the night is over, Sketch and Wren are making an announcement.
“We wanted to let y’all know when everyone was here,” Sketch says.
“We’re pregnant!” They say at the same time.
There’s a round of cheers and congratulations. All the brothers are pairing off and having families of their own. Pretty soon, the clubhouse will be full of babies crawling around.
7
Rascal
The next day, I’m up bright and early. I throw on clothes for work so I can head to the shop right after Church. Walking through the main room, none of the women are here, not even cut bunnies. I make my way into the kitchen for a bowl of cereal and some coffee. Thirty minutes later, we’re all sitting in Church, waiting for Prez to get started. He and Ranger walk into the room, closing the door behind themselves.
“As I mentioned to some of you yesterday, our Nomad brothers are staying through the end of the month. We will also have more visitors. From Arizona, New Orleans, and possibly even Colorado,” Prez announces to the room. “Like every year, we will have a party on Halloween. This year, Minx has insisted people dress up. Don’t feel like you have to, but know that if you don’t, you’ll most definitely get an ear full from her.”
Raze lets out a heavy sigh. “She’s a spitfire, that woman of mine.”
There’s a round of chuckles from everyone. We all know how Minx is. I’m sure more brothers will dress up than not.
“She’s her father’s daughter, alright,” Prez adds with a laugh. “Moving on. We’ll need a group of you to make a run to Denver this week. You’ll leave on Thursday afternoon and get back Monday.”
“Prez, if you don’t mind, I’d like to go on this run,” I say to him.
“What about your commitment to keeping an eye on Marley?”
“Her and I have been doing nothin’ but butting heads. I think a few days of me not under the same roof as her might do some good. Plus, the only time she leaves the clubhouse is to go up to Minx’s house,” I explain to him.
He takes a minute to mull it over before responding. “I can respect that, and you can go. Diesel, Saint, and Shade, I want the three of you to go as well.”
The three of them nod their heads without a sound.
“Does anyone have anything they need to discuss?” Prez glances around the room. No one says anything. “Alright, you fuckers can be dismissed.”
As I walk into the main room, my eyes find Marley, who’s already watching me. I tear my eyes away from her as I walk out of the clubhouse. When I pull up to Savage Repairs, Raze and Saint are already there.
“You’re really going up to Colorado to give Marley space,” Saint asks me.
“This shit is fucking with my head. I gotta do something to get my mind right,” I admit. I busy myself with stupid shit to keep my mind occupied. The busy work turns into working on a car. One car turns into three, and before I know it, it’s quitting time.
“Yo, Ras. Wanna go grab a beer at Big Shots,” Saint asks.
“Yeah, sure. Why not?”
We walk into Big Shots and sit at the bar.
“Well, look who it is,” Tink says. “What can I get for you, boys?”
“Fried pickles and a beer, please,” I tell her.
Tink’s face twists up. “You feelin’ alright, Ras?”
“Uh, yeah. Why?”
“You rarely use your manners. Thought you might be sick or something.” She laughs.
“Nah, he’s pining after a chick that hates him,” Saint smirks. I slug him in the arm. “Ow! What the hell.”
“I’m not fuckin’ pining after anyone, asshole.”
Tink is staring at me as if she’s trying to read my mind. After a minute, she shakes her head. “I’ll grab your beers and get your order in. Do you want anything besid
es fried pickles?”
“That’s it for now,” I tell her.
She nods and walks away to grab our drinks.
“So what’s your real reason for wanting to go on this run,” Saint asks.
“Why do you think what I said in Church was a lie?”
“Because I thought you didn’t give two shits about that chick.” He points out.
I shrug. “I may be an asshole, but I want her to feel comfortable in the clubhouse. It’s her home for the foreseeable future.”
“Rascal, did I hear you, right?” Tink sets our beers down. “Have you grown a heart?”
“It ain’t that deep Tink. I’m still me.” I wink at her.
She rolls her eyes. “And we all know that will never change.”
“Now, why would I change when I’m already so damn lovable?”
Tink throws her head back, laughing. “You’re something alright.”
“Thank you. I take that as a compliment.”
“Maybe if you didn’t act like you were a gift from the gods, then Marley would give you a chance.” Tink’s tone is so matter-of-fact.
“Who says I want a chance?” I cock an eyebrow at her.
Her eyebrows shoot up to her hairline. “Oh, Rascal. You can’t hide the way you look at her. I’ve seen the stolen glances.”
“I fuckin’ knew it,” Saint shouts.
“Neither one of you knows shit.” I take a drink of my beer.
“Keep tellin’ yourself that, brother,” Saint says.
My eyes go to Tink. “Even if I did want a chance, it’s too late.”
“Why,” she asks.
“She’s interested in someone else.”
“That’s news to me.” Tink walks away again. Maybe she hasn’t told Tink about Ruger yet. Maybe she isn’t really interested in him. Either way, I gotta get away for a few days. Going on this run is the right thing.
“I’ll be right back,” Saint states. While he’s away, Tink comes back with the fried pickles.
“You know, it’s okay if you’re interested in her as more than a quick lay,” Tink tells me. I ignore her and eat the pickles. In my peripheral, she’s typing away on her phone. I can’t help but wonder if she’s texting Marley.