by Colbie Kay
Gunner chimes in, “Are we helping the Cobras when they’re ready?”
Hanger runs a hand over his short, dark hair. “Yeah, it’s been quiet around here, and they’ve helped us when we were at our worst. I think we can pay back the debt by helping.”
“Aye,” Sounds around the room.
Hanger and Snake have been at odds for far too long, it’s time he leaves the personal shit outside and only brings business to the table. Maybe shit’s looking up now and he’s finally accepting the fact that Snake is his blood, his father.
Hanger picks up the gavel from the table. “Anyone have anything else to discuss?”
Everyone stays quiet, and Hanger slams the gavel down calling church’s end. Standing from the chair, I reach into my pocket and pull out my phone to turn it back on. I'm about to make a call when I see a fuck ton of missed calls from mine and Chayser’s old president, Bones. He runs the Satan’s Sinners Oklahoma Chapter where Chayser and I started prospecting, and he’s the one who got us transferred to Kansas with our brothers here.
“Bones,” I answer as it rings again.
I hear him expel a deep breath. "’Bout fuckin' time you answer the goddamn phone."
My footfalls pick up as I try to find somewhere quiet. "Had church." I push through the clubhouse door and am met with bright sunlight.
"You and Chayser's sisters, they're in trouble."
I groan and squeeze my eyes shut. "The fuck they do now?" Our sisters are the reason Chayser and I had to flee from Oklahoma in the first place.
"Running with the Dirty Deeds. Showed up here beaten and bloody. Wanted me to call."
"Fuck! I'll get Chayser, and we'll head that way."
"Be careful and stay on back roads away from the pigs’ eyes."
I hang up and rush back inside to find my brother. He’s easy to find, sitting at the bar counter. “Maryanne and Rebecca are in trouble. We gotta go.”
“Fuck!” He roars. “What they do now?”
“Running with those filthy cunts again.”
“I’m going to fuckin’ kill them. Go tell Pres and I’ll grab a bag for both of us.” He takes a long pull from his bottle and slams it on the counter.
When he’s disappeared down the hall, I grab the bottle and finish it off. I spot Hanger talking to Drifter at the side of the bar. “Hey, Pres, can I have a minute?”
His brows pull tight. “What’cha need?” He questions as he gets closer.
“Me and Chayser have to leave for a few days. Our sisters are in trouble and at the compound. I just got a call from Bones.”
He slaps my shoulder. “Go take care of your family. After you get back, I should be ready for you guys to head to Kansas City. Be careful, brother.”
“Thanks.” I storm out of the clubhouse and head for my Harley. Once Chayser joins me, he hands me a bag, and we ride out of the gates.
We made it to the outskirts of Tulsa and inside the gates of the compound without any trouble. As we enter the clubhouse, we’re welcomed by the very men we used to ride with. This is the club we thought we would patch into, but it didn’t work out that way, they’re still our brothers though.
“Demon, Chayser.” Bones steps next to us and gives each of us a hug and a pat on the back.
“Bones, where are they?” I question with worry etched in my tone.
“I have them in a spare room.” He leads us down the hall until he stops in front of a door.
Chayser pipes up, “Thanks for keeping eyes on them.”
I look at the big man who is Bear’s size if not bigger. I always thought of him as the father we should have had. He took me and Chayser in when we needed it and have helped us over the years as family should. “Not a problem. You two may not be with this chapter anymore, but we’re still brothers, still family. The Dirty Deeds MC is being taken care of.”
He opens the door, and we step into the quiet room, closing the door behind us. Maryanne is on one bed, Rebecca on the other.
Chayser expels a deep breath. “Fuck, Demon.”
“I know.”
Chayser sits on the edge of Maryanne’s bed while I sit on Rebecca’s. Both are sleeping soundly with black and blue faces, cut up cheeks, and swollen eyes.
“We should have fuckin’ been here,” He says exactly what I’m thinking.
“We can be here now. We’ll take their asses back to Kansas whether they want to go this time or not.” My gaze travels over Rebecca’s still body until it freezes on her arms. Fresh track marks. I shake my head. “She’s a fuckin’ junkie. Does Maryanne have marks?”
Chayser examines Maryanne. “Fuck.” His hand rises to his mouth. “Yeah, she does.”
It’s been almost ten years since we’ve seen our sisters, and we left them alone once, we won’t do it again. We’ve failed them too many times.
We’ve been sitting in this room on these beds for hours watching them sleep. “Demon, they’re going to be waking up soon, and they’re going to start getting dope sick,” Chayser states.
“Let’s go talk to Bones.” We find our old president sitting at a table with a few of the patched members. “Bones, we gotta talk.” He nods to the men to get up from their chairs, and we sit in the now empty seats.
After taking a pull from his bottle, he asks, “How are they?”
“Sleeping. They’re fuckin’ junkies now?” I growl, my face scrunches from the internal pain it causes to merely utter those words about my sisters. What the fuck happened after we left?
“They’re grown women, brothers. We did what we could and kept eyes on them, but we couldn’t be their babysitters, and the choices they’ve made over the years are theirs alone.”
I shove the anger that’s bubbling toward the surface deep inside me. “We’re taking them back to Kansas.”
“Probably a good idea. Get ‘em clean and try to get them to turn their shit around. While you’re both here though, I gotta job for you two.”
Chayser questions, “What job?”
“It’s a hit.” His eyes drift between the two of us.
“Why us?”
“Call it repayment.”
My head snaps back as if he’s punched me. “Repayment?”
He leans closer. “You two would be sitting on death row right now if it wasn’t for me.”
Chayser jumps in before I can say anything, “Who’s the hit?”
“Louisa Rieser.”
Chayser’s mouth drops open while my eyes narrow. “A woman? You want us to kill a woman?” He asks flabbergasted.
Bones talks as if he is requesting we kill a rival club member. “A woman who has dirt on us and has now been talking to the fuckin’ feds. You owe me. If me and my club go down, I’m taking every motherfuckin’ person with me. This stays between us, understood?”
I stare expressionless at my old president. “Understood. Get us the information on her.”
He stands from his chair and walks away.
“Demon, we can’t do this. Are you really going to kill a woman? I know we’ve done some shitty stuff and we did tie up Tinsley, but come on…” Chayser keeps babbling.
My gaze meets his, my ice colored eyes telling him to shut the fuck up. “I’m going to do what needs to be done.” I stand from the table and storm back to where our sisters are.
My phone vibrates on the kitchen counter, and as soon as I see it, my heart begins to race. Glancing at the screen, relief washes over me. I thought it might be the person I’ve been dreading to hear from. This game I’m playing is getting harder and harder since I’ve gotten myself in so deep, especially after the night I had with Demon. I keep reminding myself that in the end, it’s all for the greater good; I’m doing what’s right.
I swipe to answer and hold the phone between my shoulder and cheek just as I’m starting the dishwasher. “Hey, Sierra.”
"Dancer, some of the guys are out of town.” I hear her giddiness as she continues talking. “Me, Zoey, Daphne, and Jacey are hanging out at Zoey's and want you to j
oin us. It's a Sunday night, and you don't have anything else to do, right?"
I smile even though she can’t see it and lean against the counter. "Not a thing. I could use some time out of the house anyway. Text me the address." I hang up the phone and feel a sense of victory flood through me. I've hung out with the ladies over the years but always at the clubhouse. They wanted to get to know the bartender who could put up with Hacker's shit which led to me forming friendships with the ladies behind the Satan's Sinners men.
With quick steps, I rush into my bedroom and change from my oversized t-shirt and sweats to a pair of jeans and a tank top. Locking up the house, I step into the garage and get behind the wheel of my Hummer, checking my texts for the address as soon as I do.
Two prospects are perched on the steps like guard dogs as I walk up to Zoey and Hanger’s house. “Hey, boys.” I recognize them from the club from when they pull security duty.
“Dancer,” They mumble while standing and letting me pass.
Lifting my hand, I knock, and it doesn’t take long for Zoey to open the door. “Hey, Dancer.” She beams at me. “We’re so happy you could come.”
“Thanks for inviting me.” I return the warm kind smile as she pulls me in for a hug.
I join the ladies in the front room, and Jacey hands me a glass. Taking a sip, I grimace at how strong the taste is. “Where are the kids?” I inquire, noticing how quiet it is. The times I’ve been at the clubhouse while the kids are there, it’s loud and rambunctious with them running around, playing, and laughing.
Zoey plops down on the couch. “Snake and Victoria have Cub and Damien. My parents have Ava, Harper, Kelcie, and Letti.”
Daphne jumps in, “Doc is at home with Zane and Delanie. I haven’t had a night out since Lanie was born, and man, I needed it. I can’t believe she’s almost six months though.” Her lips pout. “I miss my baby.”
The others laugh, and Zoey says, “Stop it! We all need to get away sometimes to stay sane. With everything we deal with on a daily basis, we would go crazy if we didn’t have each other.”
My heart plummets into the pit of my stomach.
Sierra mimics the pout. “They do grow up too fast though!”
I sit beside Sierra on the love seat. “Is Letti feeling better?”
“Yeah, she’s doing a lot better. Her fever was gone within a day or two.”
I try to make conversation without making it seem like I’m digging for information. “How long have the guys been gone?”
Zoey answers, “Hanger, Hacker, and Bear have been gone a few days. Demon and Chayser, it’s been…” She looks to Jacey. “What? A week?”
Jacey nods. “About that.”
So, that’s why I haven’t seen him. He didn’t tell me he was leaving, no goodbye or anything. How can he say what he said at the club that night after the Sam situation and then disappear? I know I’ve told Jorga not to ask questions, and I know how these guys work, but to experience it myself…I don’t know how these women do it.
I take a chance at getting a little deeper. “Where did they go?”
Jacey’s eyes narrow. “You know we don’t ask questions, so why are you?”
I shrug. “Just curious. I needed to talk to Demon about something.”
“Demon?” Sierra cuts in, her gaze studying me. “What would you need to talk to him about? He doesn’t talk to anyone.”
Zoey’s lips turn upward. “Dancer’s keeping secrets.”
My mouth gapes open, and my pulse pounds. Does she realize what I’m doing? “No, I’m not.” They all laugh hysterically at my expense. I can feel my cheeks heating, but my thundering pulse lessens.
Jacey points at me. “She totally is! She’s blushing. Oh my God! Did you fuck Demon?”
“No!” I gasp loudly.
Zoey covers her mouth, her eyes widening. “Yes, you did!”
“Demon?” Sierra’s nose scrunches. “He’s…he’s so…”
“Terrifying,” Daphne squeaks.
Jacey sighs. “Terrifyingly sexy.”
“Jacey!” Zoey smacks her arm as they both giggle.
I cut in, “We are not talking about this anymore.
Sierra ignores me. “Just one question.”
I roll my eyes. “What?”
She leans closer. “Is it scary sex?”
I bust out laughing. “Scary sex? What is scary sex?”
“I don’t know, but I need another drink.” She stands and walks into the kitchen, bringing back the bottle of liquor.
“It’s not scary, it’s…” I think about how I want to word it. “It’s like the most irritating, annoying, yet amazing sex.”
The four of them stare at me like I’ve grown two heads. “Irritating and annoying sex?” Zoey’s brows furrow as if she’s confused.
“Yes! He’s so demanding, and he wouldn’t let me come until I begged him. He built me up so much that when I finally did, I literally cried because it was so intense.” I cover my mouth because I let all of that slip out. “That was too much information. Sorry.”
“Hey, if you can’t talk to your girls about everything, they aren’t really your girls.” Jacey sits back on the couch. “I know all about having to beg. Bear makes me do that shit, and it’s annoying.” She smirks. “But I love it.”
Daphne’s eyes meet mine. “What’s happening with you two now?”
I shrug. “I don’t know. He ran off one of my best customers and then disappeared.”
Sierra squeezes my shoulder. “The unknown is the hard part. I have no doubt you will see him as soon as he’s back.”
My attention drifts to her. “How do you know?”
She grins. “People say men are complicated, but our men are not. They don’t do shit for no reason. If he had sex with you and afterward ran off a customer, I’d bet every penny I had that he’s going to come for you again. These ladies are the ones who told me Hacker claimed me before I even knew.”
My gaze darts around the room. “How did you guys know?”
They all grin like Cheshire cats as Zoey speaks, “It’s all in how they talk to you, and they get these alpha caveman attitudes.”
Jacey nods. “Let another man look at you…” They burst out laughing.
I stare up at the ceiling and bite my lip to hide my smile. Maybe I have him right where I want him. “He told my customer he would cut his eyes out and eat them.”
Daphne sucks in her breath. “You’re in for it now.”
My phone alerts me with a new text. Pulling it out of my pocket, I quickly glance at the message.
Meet me at the bridge.
Putting my phone back into my pocket, I sigh. “I have to go.”
“You just got here,” Sierra whines.
Standing from the couch, I look between the four of them. “I know, and I’m sorry. A friend just messaged and needs me.” Before they can ask any more questions, I quickly stride out the front door and to my Hummer.
"Are we ready to do this?" Chayser's eyes drift from brother to brother while his fingers tap against his thigh. That's his sign he's nervous about what we're about to do and what's going to be the recourse.
"Yep," I growl.
Hanger takes his stance as president and gives the orders. "Alright, we get Louisa taken care of, and then we head to the compound. While Demon and I are sitting with Bones having a chat, Chayser, you and Bear get Maryanne and Rebecca in the van. Hacker, I want you to stay in the van. Make it quick because we don’t have time to fuck off. Bear and Hacker, you get the van gone; the rest of us will catch up. Let’s do this.”
The five of us climb the staircase that leads to the second-floor apartments Louisa Rieser lives in.
I've watched her for the last few days, getting to know her schedule. I take the front and knock on the door. She doesn't answer right away, but when she does, her eyes shine with fear. She tries to slam the door on my hand.
She starts speaking Spanish real fuckin' fast, and I don't know shit about what she's saying. Th
e five of us pile through her door as she's stumbling to get away, tripping and landing on her couch. "No. No." Tears spill from her eyes as she waves her hands out in front of her.
I kneel in front of her. "Louisa, do you speak English?"
She nods frantically, holding her fingers close together. "Si, un poco."
"Little?”
"Si." She nods erratically.
“Do you know why we are here?” I speak slowly, hoping she will understand.
“Si, el diablo me matas.” Tears fall down her cheeks as she closes her eyes and begins rambling shit I don’t understand.
I huff in irritation, "The fuck is she saying?”
Bear chimes in, “El diablo is the devil.”
Chayser steps next to me. “Me matas means you kill me.”
My eyes snap to his. “How you know that?”
“Google.” He holds his phone up, smirking.
Shaking my head, I turn my attention back to Louisa. “Listen!" I shout harshly. One of her eyes barely opens as she stops babbling. "You need to come with us."
“No.” Her head tilts as more tears fall. “Por favor.”
Standing, I throw my arms in the air. “Let’s just grab her and go.”
Bear and Hacker each take one of her arms and pull her up from the couch. She begins speaking the gibberish again while we haul her out of the apartment.
“I think she’s praying,” Hanger announces.
“Her prayers are gonna be answered today.” Hacker’s grip on her arm tightens as she tries to break free.
We form a circle around her as we walk down the stairs and to the van. Chayser, Hanger, and I straddle our bikes while Bear and Hacker get Louisa in the back of the van. Hacker climbs in with her, and Bear jumps into the driver’s seat.
Bones strolls up to me and Hanger. His glaring eyes are focused on me while hugging Hanger. “Didn’t know you were coming for a visit.”
"We need to talk, Bones. Your office now!" Hanger orders.