by Zara Teleg
Retelling what happened transported back to that place and time. I could almost feel my boots pounding across the lot. His fist struck her face again, I pulled him off and began beating him. In my head, he was Vinny, and I couldn’t stop. I tuned out Mandy’s screams. Leo and Hawk ran out and tried to pull me off the bastard. My blows were hard and fast, fists furiously making their way from his face to his gut and ribs.
“Rage?”
I blinked. “Fuck, sorry, where was I?”
“You tell me. Looks like your mind went off somewhere…Are you okay?”
“Yeah, of course…I…uh…I pulled the fucker off her and gave him what he deserved. Hawk and Leo were trying to control me when the police and ambulance arrived. As my luck would have it, he had an important father, some political guy. A month later I was offered an option: go to court or leave town for four years until Mr. Got A Rich Daddy gets his graduate degree from Black Rock University. I knew from experience that bikers don’t exactly get the best shake in court, so I left. I moved to Tennessee and joined the Memphis chapter of Stained Souls.”
I tipped my beer toward her and turned to look at the sun dropping in the sky.
“That’s so unfair…But I’m happy you’re back now, and you could put all that behind you.”
I appreciated her sentiment. I’d certainly had a rough go at life, but at that moment, I was looking at a gorgeous sunset and sharing it with a gorgeous girl, I couldn’t ask for more.
Juliet
Lord chewed on his ball in the backyard. I watched him, my arms held to my stomach, willing the nervousness to go away. After keeping an eye on me for the night, Ledger’s shift was over, and Rage was now coming to take his place. Just the thought of spending the night with Rage had a swarm of butterflies taking up residence in my belly.
As comfortable as I’d become around most of the MC, Rage was different. Being in his presence for just the briefest of time had stirred up feelings in me that I’d thought were impossible ever to feel again. When I saw him getting that lap dance at his party, I bolted out of the barn. I wasn’t even sure why.
Geez, half the Stained Souls looked like damn models in leather, and a few of them subtly tried to hit on me, but as sexy as they were, I felt nothing. Even being here with Ledger, who filled out his jeans and cut very nicely—still nothing. It was probably because I didn’t want to feel anything. How could I bring myself to get involved with anyone? Share my life…my lies? It was impossible.
Besides, with Fluid just being across the street from the tattoo studio, I didn’t want any drama if things didn’t work out. My work was very important to me and I wouldn’t do anything to risk screwing it up. God knows I’d sacrificed enough.
Sugar Maple was my chance to start over. I remembered making the decision to come here. It had been a dark time for me. I’d had a horrible day. I’d felt defeated and lost. I’d gone outside to find a full moon. I’d sat crying under the night sky, praying for a sign. Under the glow of the moon, as if she’d been standing next to me, my grandmother's voice had come in my head. When I was about thirteen, I had confided in her about some girls bullying me in school. She had said, “Juliet, one thing I’ve learned in life is you can only be a victim if you let yourself believe you are one. Never give up on choosing the life you want for yourself, no one can stop you but you.” Gone for years, and she was still giving me good advice. It was her voice that had given me the courage to wipe my tears, pack my bags, and move away from Tallahassee.
I had marked the day I got to Sugar Maple as the first day of my new life. I’d even had the date tattooed inside my hamsa so I would never forget the day I had chosen freedom. Six months after I’d been attacked, I still got letters from Antonio, telling me how sorry he was and how we were meant to be together. Psycho. So, I’d taken Ivy up on her offer to move, started using my middle name, and never looked back. Well, that wasn’t entirely true, because I had been looking over my shoulder every day, just waiting for it all to come crashing down. I woke up every day with the intention of living my life without fear. Frequent nightmares made it hard at times, but then I would remember how I was raised and try not to let what if’s rule my decisions. I was naturally introverted with a few close friends and quite enjoyed spending time by myself. Sometimes I missed being in a relationship, but I wasn’t ready to share that part of myself again. Antonio left me with trust issues, but I gotta believe that when the right person came along, he would get me over them and I would be able to share that part of me with him.
“Hello? Juliet?” Ledger waved his hand in front of my face. “Earth to Juliet,” he said with a smile.
“Sorry, I was lost in thought. Sometimes it just happens, all that meditation, ya know.”
“Yeah, I hear ya. Sometimes when I’m on my bike, and it’s like I’ve gotten to where I’m going and I don’t even remember the ride.” He bent down and gave Lord some love. “Rage texted. He should be here soon.”
There was that feeling in my stomach again. “Oh, okay.”
“I feel so bad, you guys really—” Before the words could get out of my mouth, he cut me off, his hand came to my lips, finger extended to quiet the words.
“Don’t even.” He shook his head. He placed his finger under my chin, forcing me to look into those kind eyes.
“Joker and his boys are here because of us. You should have never been put in that situation.” Turning my head slightly, he focused on the bruise on my cheek. His lips pursed and his head shook. “I’m so sorry, doll.”
A motorcycle rumbled in the distance. The sound grew louder, signaling that it was getting closer and climbing the mountain. Ledge drew his gun. “I’m sure it’s Rage, but can’t be too careful.” He stood by the door looking through the curtain and confirmed it was Rage.
The flurry of butterflies became intense when I caught a glimpse of him. Why was my body responding this way? He was just a man like any other. I took a deep breath.
I offered Rage a beer and poured myself some white wine to relax. He looked around, checking out my place before I sent him into the garden to relax. I hoped he’d like my pesto pasta.
Another beer, another wine, and our plates were wiped clean. We talked nonstop, debating and laughing. I swore Rage almost sprayed out his beer several times. I was pleasantly surprised at how easy our conversations came. I even convinced him to tell me all about why he left town. It pissed me off that he got treated that way when he had only been defending a woman.
After cleaning up from dinner, I suggested we sit at the fire pit. I grabbed him a beer, refilled my wine, and turned up the music before we headed out, Lord walking close by my side. We followed the path of solar fairy lights to the small clearing where I had a few chairs, a garden box that held cushions, and a blanket. As humid as it was inside, the mountains made it cool at night. Rage got the fire going, and it didn’t take long to warm us.
I loved coming out here at night to stargaze. I even had a special spot where I could lie back and view the heavens above.
“There is a full moon tonight.” I pointed to the bright light behind the trees. He turned his head toward the sky, trying to see where the moon was hiding. The clusters of trees obstructed his view.
“The best place to see the sky is right there.” I pointed to the clearing. I took the blanket out of the garden box and spread it directly under the open area where I often came to meditate. Lord immediately jumped on it. “Move over,” I said to my furry little bestie. I patted my hand on the blanket, inviting Rage to join me.
He sat next to me then leaned back, tucking his arm under his head. Lying back, I blinked a few times. “I think the wine is starting to hit me.” I giggled and began to point out constellations and explain my love for the moon.
“Orion’s belt is here,” I took his hand in mine and traced the three stars and the arrow.
He twisted my wrist, examining the small symbol tattooed on the inside. “What’s this mean?” His finger tickled my skin as he outlined th
e sideways figure eight.
“It’s an infinity symbol. Ivy and I both had them tattooed on my eighteenth birthday. A symbol of our everlasting friendship and love for each other, no matter how far apart we may be.” I hiccuped. Oh, boy, maybe drinking wine wasn’t the best way to calm my nerves. I closed my eyes, taking in a deep breath, enjoying my completely relaxed state.
When Theory of Deadman’s Hallelujah began to play from the cabin, I couldn’t help but sing along. He sat up and pulled something from his pocket.
Within seconds, my body began to break out in chills as the sweet sound of his harmonica played along to the music. I didn’t know if it was the alcohol or the beauty of the melody, but I became emotional, a single tear sliding down my cheek. When the last note quieted, I stared into his eyes. His finger came to my cheek and wiped the salty tear away.
His fingers lifted my chin, forcing my eyes to meet his. I swallowed down the lump that had formed in my throat. He was beautiful. I felt paralyzed when our eyes locked. His warm breath sent a shiver through me. My stomach rolled, and my heart beat faster. All of a sudden, I was fourteen again, scared of a kiss. His lips were so close to mine. In a flash, my senses somehow rushed back and I quickly turned my head. His scruff tickled me as his moist lips gently swiped across my cheek, sending an ache straight to my core.
Want and desire filled me. It was a spark I’d never felt, and it tore through my body. My fingers ran through the curls that fell in his face. My panties were no longer dry as his breath and lips met my ear and then my neck.
“This is not a good idea,” I whispered. The heat coming from our bodies contrasted with the crisp mountain air.
I shouldn’t be doing this, I barely know him. My mind was racing, but my body responded like it had a mind of its own, needs of its own. A moan escaped me as he lightly bit and sucked the most tender spot on my neck, my body humming with pleasure as tiny thrills spread through me. Giving in to the hunger, I started to turn my head to meet his luscious lips.
Suddenly, Lord began barking and sneering, fully in distress. His fur stood straight up, making a ridge on his back. Rage pulled away from me and shielded me with his body. Facing the direction of Lord’s barks, he drew his gun and grabbed the flashlight next to the fire pit aiming it where Lord was running. He flashed some light in the bushes, illuminating a set of eyes.
“Lord!” I yelled sternly. A raccoon. With a deep sigh, we both were relieved to see the quickly retreating raccoon. My body shivered. Rage pulled me into his hard chest with one strong arm. “Babe, you okay?” God, he smells fantastic. “I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” He kissed the top of my head and turned me to look at him. I stared into his deep brown eyes, but before I got lost in them again, I turned my head away. My wine buzz had gone along with the raccoon, and I was brought back to my senses.
“I-I’m so sorry, that…that shouldn’t have happened.” I stepped back and stumbled over my words. moving farther away from him. “I shouldn’t have… I was caught up in the music and wine. I think I just got a little emotional when you played on your harmonica ‘cause my dad used to play for us when we went camping as kids, and I haven’t seen him in a very long time.” I cleared my throat and I should have stopped there, but seeing the look of rejection on his face, I rambled on instead. “I’m so sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking. That was a bad idea ‘cause I’m sort of seeing someone. We’ve only been on a few dates, and I don’t even really—”
“Juliet, save it,” his voice was a mixture of anger and disappointment. “It was a moment. No big deal. Don’t worry, it won’t happen again.”
Did I really not want that to happen again?
He motioned back to the cabin, and we made the short walk back in silence.
A warm lick wet my nose. Lord was ready to go outside. How was it already morning? I tried opening my eyes. Light filtered in through the sheers, confirming it was indeed already morning. Lord was very aware of our routine—he’s a natural alarm clock. Groaning, I rolled out of bed, pulling on a tank and my favorite white soft cut shorts.
I kept quiet as I tiptoed around the living room, not wanting to wake Rage, who was on the pullout sofa. I let Lord out to the backyard, I watered the gardens, and then put on my music for a ten-minute meditation and yoga before breakfast.
Rolling out my favorite pink mat, I sat in full lotus and closed my eyes. My hands on my knees, I began to take deep breaths…in, hold, then out. I kept my mantra silent in my head and let the music fill me.
The usually relaxing pose that gave me clarity before I start my day was invaded repeatedly with images of last night’s moment under the full moon. It was as if the meditation was bringing it to life. I could feel my core warming. Soon I was thinking of what sex could be like with Rage. My whole body shivered and my eyes snapped open. That was enough meditation for today. I took a last deep breath and began to stretch.
From downward dog to handstands and back to child’s pose, I prepped my body for the short but intense aerial yoga routine that always started my day. Once fully stretched, I grabbed my phone to change the music to some hard rock. I loved working out to rock—it made everything more intense. I scrolled through my phone to select the song I wanted: Guns and Roses’ November Rain.
I had a feeling like someone was watching me. I sneaked a peek at Rage—he was still sleeping. Maybe it was just Lord?
I climbed my swing and let all thoughts slip away. I jammed out and challenged my body. The pose that completed my routine was King Cobra, which I held until the final note. I flipped off the silky swing. My body was now covered in a thin mist of morning dew mixed with sweat. God, I needed a shower. A few final sun salutations and then a hot shower…maybe it should be a cold one.
Entering the house quietly, I saw Rage was sprawled out on the bed with no shirt on. My breath hitched. His eight pack was visible even in his sleep. How much cardio did this man do? His chest was tan, with tattoos covering his defined pectoral muscles. There was a familiar tattoo of Stained Souls MC on the left side of his chest—wings over his pec and a sword, which looked like it pierced his heart where the drop of blood trailed. It almost looked sad, the way it was placed. Shit, I was staring. I tried to move along but ended up kicking the table and almost waking him. How embarrassing. Juliet, let the poor man sleep.
I warmed the shower water, then I sneaked back into the kitchen to prepare the French press with my favorite Dark Devil coffee from Roasted. I slowly added boiling water into the press and watched the heavenly mixture come to life. Coffee was my favorite smell, heaven.
I tossed my towel over my shoulder and headed to the bathroom. I left Lord outside. He loved it out there when the morning light warmed his favorite pillow. He was sleeping again, as deeply as Rage. I smiled to myself as I got in the shower. The warm spray of water felt good on the muscles I just exhausted.
Thoughts of Rage and the almost kiss materialized in my mind while I covered my body in suds. I tried to focus on the honeysuckle-scented shampoo as I lathered, rinsed, and conditioned. Moving my hands over my body, I couldn’t help think how good it would feel if it were Rage’s fingers gliding over my body, sliding up and down. Damn, those strong hands would feel so good touching my skin. I could imagine what his hard body would feel like pressed behind me in the shower. Maybe I should turn my hot water to cold before I lost my mind. How long had it been? Too long.
I tried singing to distract myself from the naughty thoughts. I rinsed the last of the conditioner from my hair. With the water turned off, I wrapped my body in a towel before stepping out of the stall filled with thick steam. The fog began to clear; my eyes grew wide, and I let out a scream as loud as I could.
Rage
Sleep had not come easy last night, and it hadn’t been the bed. The pillowy soft pullout had been more than comfortable. I’d had to do everything to keep myself from tearing back the covers and busting into Juliet’s bedroom to convince her to finish what we started. I wasn’t an asshole,
so I’d had to just twist and turn and have a very uncomfortable aching in my boxers for most of the night.
I had kept my eyes fixed on the closed door that held untold mysteries. Questions had rolled in my mind: Who the hell was she dating, and how can I find him and destroy him? Destroy might be too strong a word—persuade him not to date her anymore. With every creak I’d heard in the old cabin, I kept wishing it was her coming to my bed. Fucking crazy.
The sun streamed its warm light into the small living room. I peeked one eye open in the direction of the muffled sound coming from outside.
Juliet had her eyes closed and appeared to be meditating. She was on a mat with folded legs, her hand on each knee, fingers together pointing toward the sky. Her tan skin appeared darker in her white tank and tiny sweat shorts. Then her eyes popped open, like she was startled. I kept one eye on her, squinting, so it would look like I was still asleep. I didn’t want to be caught staring. I watched her stretch and balance on her hands, pushing straight up, before folding her body over into a backbend. Ogling her did not help the painful ache in my boxers; it stretched along with her. She bent from one side to the other, her legs set wide apart. My mouth went dry.
I snapped my eyes shut when I saw her get up and change the music. I again squinted open one eye, but I had to readjust myself so I could get a better view. I flipped on my back, and the sheets sent a wave of laundry detergent scent into the air. I inhaled the light fragrance that smelled like Juliet. I propped my body on the pillow, placing my one arm behind my head so I could easily squint both eyes.
Her beautiful movements on the fabric swing matched the beat. Using her strong arms to pull her body to the top, she wrapped her arms around the fabric while holding her body still and then performed a series of flips before settling upside down, holding onto the swing only by her hips.