“Right. I saw how that went.” I regretted the words instantly.
Glory turned bright red and fury burned in her eyes.
Rock frowned and Jericho rolled his eyes.
That had been a dick thing to say.
Violet nodded. “He’s right, dear. You’re tough, but you aren’t a match for every challenge.” She beamed at me. “Glory is talking about taking a flight out soon. When will you be back in Vegas? I’ll feel so much better if you’re there when she goes back.”
“I’m leaving tomorrow.” I took a bite and hoped eating would stop her from talking to me. “Jericho, when are you jumping on the baby train?” It wasn’t smooth, but I was tired of being cornered.
Violet winked at Marr but kept her steely focus on me. “You should go with him, Glory Ann—that way you wouldn’t need to fly.”
“I’m taking my bike, it’s a hard ride.”
“I can fly.” We spoke at the same time.
“You two should totally go together—you can show Glory her new place!” Avery clapped her hands.
Fuck. Glory didn’t know I’d secured an apartment and had her possessions moved to the new place. She wasn’t going to be happy about that. I shot Rock a warning glare. He’d been too free with information.
He ducked his head and squeezed Avery’s hand, but she ignored the warning.
“Glory, you’re going to love it! Rock showed me photos.”
“That’s interesting.” Her words froze the air. “I haven’t seen photos. And I have two appointments this week to see new places.” Her cool words dashed Avery’s excitement.
Wide-eyed she glanced from me to Glory and back again. “No one told you?”
“What the bloody hell? This is Glory’s life.” Marr smacked the table.
“Well, I think that’s sweet. A woman needs someone looking after her.” Violet smiled at me.
That would only bring me more trouble. The other women scowled at me, and Rock swallowed hard.
“You screwed the pooch.” Jericho laughed.
Glory stood and turned to walk away.
“Glory Ann Atkins, remember your manners.” Violet spoke with authority.
The queen froze and then returned to her seat. With one of the coldest smiles I’d ever witnessed, she turned to Jericho. “Tell me, how is my auntie MJ?”
Violet sucked in a breath, and mother and daughter glared at each other. Damn! That was serious attitude going between them.
“I wouldn’t know since I kicked her and the old man out of the club and out of this town.” Jericho spoke conversationally but his eyes narrowed at Glory. His actions had transformed our club. After he’d taken control, our club had exploded with growth—new members, new businesses, and new opportunities.
“You’re such a smart boy.” Violet patted Jericho’s hand.
Conversation struggled through the rest of the meal and I needed to escape.
Glory stood. “Excuse me, I’m not feeling...well.” She stared hard at me, then walked toward the front door.
“Glory Ann don’t be rude.”
The door slammed on the last word. Shit. I’d created this mess, so I stood too. “Thank you for a delicious dinner.”
“She’s headstrong, my girl.” Violet sighed.
I hurried after my queen, trying to figure the best way to work through the clusterfuck I’d created. One glance at the fuming woman on the front porch swing, and I knew I had to let her spew the venom inside her. Some women might let a mad go, but not the queen.
“Let’s go.” I jogged down the five steps and walked across the yard. She’d follow because her temper wouldn’t let her stay behind, not when she had so much to say to me.
“What gives you the fucking right to—to order my life?”
“It needed done.”
“I’m an adult. Been taking care of myself awhile now.”
“That went well.” I provoked her.
“You fucking bastard. I’m very capable and don’t need you holding my hand. You need to let your guilt go. How far are you willing to go, my tarnished knight?”
I smirked at that. “I’m done.”
“You sure?” She purred the words. “You might need to pity fuck me again. Or maybe move in and make sure I get to work all right or maybe marry me ’cause I’m so damn helpless.”
“Pity fuck? I don’t pity fuck anyone.” I moved in so we stood inches apart. “What’s between us is hot, real, and necessary.” I kissed her hard. I’d wanted to kiss her pink lips since I’d walked in the house. She pushed against me and I let her go.
Breathing hard, she stepped back as soon as I released her. She glared at me with hands fisted on her hips. “You—I can’t—oh you’re so damn irritating.” She spun and stomped away from me.
I followed slower, letting her settle.
“I figured you wanted your things, and I needed somewhere to put them, so I found a place in that apartment building where we stayed in Vegas.” I shoved my hand through my hair. “You want something else, get it.”
“No way I can afford that place, and I’m not ever having another roommate.” She pointed her finger at me. “You’re too much. What am I supposed to do with you?”
Glory strode forward until less than an inch separated us. “You save me, make my home safe to return to, find me a place, save my stuff and fuck me better than anyone ever has—what the hell am I supposed to do with that?” she shouted while tears ran down her face.
I’d fucked her better than anyone. My chest swelled in pride.
She bit her lip and wiped her cheeks.
I pulled her into my arms. She clung to me, and a sob shuddered through her petite frame. She’d been through hell, and my surprise hadn’t helped her a bit. I inhaled peaches and thought about what she’d said. I had no idea what either of us were supposed to do. Stroking her hair, I held her until her sobs quieted.
She sniffed and peeked up at me. “So much for the strong woman, huh. I’m just as weak as Mama makes me out to be.”
“Bullshit. I saw you at your worst and you were not weak. You’re strong, feisty and determined.” I chucked her chin. “A true queen—you rule everyone around you.”
“Except you,” she whispered and looked away.
If only she knew how much she consumed my thoughts and how hard it had been to stay away from her. “Look, I’m going to be in Vegas for most of the next year, and I’d like us to be friends, yeah?”
“Why?”
“I like you.”
“No—why will you be in Vegas so long?”
“Club shit.” She was the last person I wanted to explain that to. Even if I could, I’d hate to admit that I’d been caught in the aftermath of my screwup. She didn’t need to know anything about it.
She nodded. “Another reason we aren’t a good match.”
“What’s up with you and our club? Hell, even your mama likes us.” I didn’t get why she despised the club even after we’d saved her ass.
“That wasn’t always the case. You might’ve caught on that MJ is her sister, and she hated the club for years. But that’s not my problem.” She crossed her arms and bit her lip.
“And the problem?” I wanted to hear this shit.
“You’ll laugh, or worse, think I’m a bitch.” She blew out a breath.
I cocked a brow and waited.
“I’m not settling, and picking any man in the Jericho Brotherhood would be settling.”
Was she too good for us? Really?
“I want the man I love to put me first—definitely not second to the club. Maybe I’m selfish, but I deserve to be the one he loves the most.”
I stepped forward. “You deserve that and more.” I kissed her forehead and traced her jawline. “We could have some fun until you find what you need.”
“I
’ll think about it.” She cocked her head. “And how much is the rent for my new place?”
I wasn’t going there when I’d just calmed her down. I’d paid the rent at her place for the year, and she’d be pissed off again, for sure. “Want to go for a ride?”
She shook her head, then stared up at me. “Yes. I’d love to.”
Crazy woman. I held out my hand. “Let’s jet.”
At my bike, I gave her my helmet since I only had the one with me. She strapped it on and I double-checked it before I stepped on my Harley Street Glide. I revved the bike and then we took off, heading down Main Street toward the highway.
Her hands around my waist scalded my skin. I was too aware of her touch as we rode. I’d never had a woman on my bike, and it bothered me that Glory had found her way inside me and onto my ride. But I was tired of fighting my self-imposed rules. Fuck those rules. Right now this is what we both needed.
Queen was the only one who kept my demons subdued. When I was with her, the boys didn’t haunt me—I didn’t see their deaths over and over again.
I revved the gas and we raced down the street and out of town. Moving off the main highway, I traced the curvy asphalt roads that snaked between here and Ardmore. It was past time I took Glory home.
Chapter 27: Glory
After a glorious night of sex at Delta’s place, he dropped me back at home the next afternoon. Delta was a persuasive S.O.B., and I’d agreed to let him take me home to Vegas. He’d been happy to win that argument, but more, he needed me, even if he didn’t say so. I could feel the turmoil churning in him. And I owed him, and I wanted a little more time with him.
So I spent the rest of the day packing then took it to the UPS store in Ardmore to ship home. I wasn’t fitting much on Delta’s bike. He’d given me a tiny backpack and said to pack all my shit in there. I’d stuffed an extra pair of jeans, three tops and two pairs of underwear in the bag along with my mascara, eyeliner, blush and lipstick. It wasn’t easy but I was ready when he arrived at nine the next morning. With a hug and kiss to Mama, I hopped on the back of the bike, ready to be home again.
Delta and I rode into Albuquerque, New Mexico about six that night. My body didn’t ache at all, and I felt lighter than I had for weeks. Riding was its own type of release and I’d always known it might addict me, which was why I’d stayed far away from these two-wheel freedom machines. All my life, I’d fought against my attraction to motorcycles and the dark men who rode them. The Brotherhood bikers had always been the sexiest men in Barden, but the price had been too high.
And it was still too high. I needed to remember that.
We drove through Albuquerque into the Old Town. This section of town had an ambiance that made me want to live here. Delta parked his bike and helped me off the back, storing my helmet on the seat next to his. I shook out my hair and glanced around.
He clasped my hand and we walked across the street to a small adobe-style restaurant. Restaurant Antiquity was discreetly tucked into a row of businesses. A couple exited the door dressed in a suit and dress. We weren’t dressed that way, and I wondered what Delta meant to do. He held the door open, and I walked into a small space filled with round cloth-covered tables. Very intimate. Delta stepped around me and greeted the person at the hostess stand with a big smile and handshake.
“Ah, Mr. Delta, so happy to see you again, your table is this way.” The man led us to a corner table away from the door and the kitchen—a prime spot. Delta didn’t even look as others glanced our way—his cut created an impression.
Once we were seated, he smiled wide. “They prepare the best steak I’ve ever tasted.”
“When—” I couldn’t get my thoughts together.
“I called this morning for a reservation. I never pass up the chance to have the chef’s steak.”
A younger man hurried over with a bottle of wine. “So nice to see you again, Mr. Delta.”
I would never have expected him to drink wine.
“Are you having steak too?”
“Yes, sure.” I was still trying to catch up to what was happening. This biker was on first-name basis with the staff at this fine dining establishment.
“Two steaks, medium rare—Tony can pick the rest.” He glanced up at me. “No food allergies?”
“Not even.” I waved the question away.
Once the waiter left, Delta focused on me. “Damn, I’m hungry.” He cocked a brow. “And I’m having you for dessert.”
I smiled back. The idea of Delta in my bed was never a bad idea. I’d agreed to this fling idea of his, after all. Straightforward sex the way Delta did it was exhilarating.
The wine came first, and Delta waved away the formal tasting process. “I know it’s good.”
And Delta was right, the merlot was tart without being too dry.
“Why dancing?” He leaned back and swirled the deep red wine. The sconces created bright blond highlights and shadows that danced across his hair.
I pasted on my pageant smile and prepared to give my pat answer, but something in his eyes made me stop and reconsider. “I love it. Always have. My first memory is twirling in the center of a big stage. Maybe I was three—people clapped as I danced, and that was perfection. It’s just what I’m meant to do.”
“Then you’re in the right place. You deserve that dream.”
“Deserve? Not even, but I’ll claw and fight for it because that’s me too.” I sipped the wine and considered him. “What were you made to do?”
“Nothing.”
“Everyone is meant for something,” I teased.
Darkness fell across his features, and a chill settled into me. “I’m good at getting people killed, letting them down, fucking it all up.”
Ouch. His words hurt me, but it was the first of his pain he’d verbalized. I forced myself to stay calm. Upbeat.
“Well, that’s not nothing!” I forced a smile. “We both have our talents.”
He glowered and I wondered if he was going to lay into me or leave, but then he shook his head and laughed. It wasn’t a good laugh, but he didn’t look like he was going to bolt anymore, so I held up my glass in toast. I didn’t want to mess up the new peace, so I stayed quiet and we enjoyed a silent toast.
I steered conversation to lighter topics, not wanting to see that darkness again. The steaks came in a few minutes with baby potatoes and green beans artfully arranged around the steak.
I sliced the first bite of pink steak. The aroma was divine, but nothing compared to the delicious taste of the tender cut. I moaned my appreciation. “This is better than I have words for.”
He gave me a genuine smile. “I’m glad you agree. You’re the only thing that tastes better than this steak.”
Heat rushed to my cheeks. No one had ever worshipped my sex like Delta did, and I’m not sure I’d ever be the same.
* * *
The next day we rode on and then we turned south, instead of heading north toward Nevada. Part of me was annoyed but another part didn’t want to rush him because I’d made a decision in the wee hours of the night wrapped tight in his embrace. This affair was done when we reached Vegas. I needed to be a realist and protect myself. He wasn’t mine, and I wasn’t one of them. What might be didn’t matter because the reality of our situation killed all possibilities for a future.
Navajo reservation signs dotted the road. What was he doing? We drove on until we came to a Hopi reservation sign. He turned onto a gravel road then turned onto a blacktop. Obviously he knew his way around this country. Why had he been to the reservations before? The longer I was with him, the less he made sense. He had layers and layers and no desire to share beyond the surface. He stopped at a roadside café with a faded painted sign that read Café.
“Let’s get breakfast.” He wrapped me close to him, guiding me with the hand now snug against the small of my back.
Inside were a few tables that looked more pathetic than the oddball collection at the Brotherhood clubhouse. We sat down, and a large Native American shuffled out from the kitchen.
“What can I get you?”
“The special and directions to the local fair.”
The guy took a few more steps our way. “You missed it, it’s—”
“The local fair.”
“It’s over three towns in Falls until about noon. You’ll need to book it to get there.”
The guy went back to the kitchen and came out in just a few minutes with two plates that smelled delicious. He set down two glasses of water with barely any ice and then two heaping plates of food. An Indian flatbread was folded beside a mixture of eggs, sausage and peppers. I took one bite—it was amazing. I started scooping it in as fast as I could.
“What are we doing today?” I asked between bites.
“The Hopi Indians have the best fairs—full of color and light. I thought we’d explore it and the reservation for a while.”
“You like Indian art?”
“Yeah, you got a problem with that?”
“Not really...just seems like...not your thing.”
“You don’t know jack about me or my thing.”
That was too true. “So tell me, then.”
“Like I’m giving you that kind of ammunition, Queenie.”
“Trade you...morsel for morsel. You ask then I ask, if you dare.”
He cocked his head and arched an eyebrow. “Why Vegas? Why not LA or New York?”
“I’m Vegas material—flash with the right curves. I don’t have the training to be a dancer in New York, and LA is about beauty and acting. Vegas is for me. It’s where I belong—the white trash cousin to New York.”
“Ouch. Hard on yourself much?”
“I’m a realist, and I don’t lie to myself. I’m good with Vegas, good with dancing—it satisfies me in a way nothing else ever has.” I considered him and then asked my question. “Why the Brotherhood?”
“I fell into the club, I guess. I wanted the army, and JoJo followed me there. When that was done, well, I wasn’t in a place to make decisions about anything. JoJo joined and I did too.” He stared out the window of the diner. “They accepted me, accepted us, and I never thought much about it...” He just let the words trail off and stared into the middle distance.
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