Reclaimed

by Land, E. C.

  “You want to tell me why you think I don’t give a shit about you,” he growls out, standing over me.

  “You don’t,” I state the truth.

  “The fuck I don’t. You realize I stop whatever the fuck I’m doing so I can take you to see Sarah three damn times a week when I got shit going down here at the club. I take time out of my day to get you the help you need when I need to be focused on shit here. And you want to act like an ungrateful bitch to me and my brothers.”

  “You don’t take me to see that bitch for me, you take me so you can get your fucking dick wet when my session is over,” I scream letting all my frustration come out. I watch as he stills at my words, but I don’t care, I continue, “You think I need her help, I fuckin’ don’t. The bitch doesn’t help me. All she does is ask me how my day was and how I’m feeling. She doesn’t do anything else besides that, other than when she asks about my relationship with you and how we are doing. You want to help me then let me fuckin’ leave. Then you don’t have to worry about me interrupting your day. You think I’m acting like an ungrateful bitch, but everyone here walks on eggshells around me thinking I’m going to go crazy on them. So, I keep to myself. Hell, for that matter, whenever I have tried to tempt you into touching me, you ignored me like I’m a fuckin’ parasite. You can’t even deny that you did so I know you have been getting it from someone else. Just tell me the fuckin’ truth. I’m not a damn invalid, I can take it,” I finish, out of breath.

  The silence in the room is deafening. I start to think that he isn’t going to say anything when Twister finally lets out a long breath.

  “I knew I shouldn’t have listened to that bitch when she suggested we not be intimate while you work shit through your head. Baby, I haven’t touched Sarah. She may have come on to me, but I swear to fuck, I haven’t touched her or any other woman since I started this shit with you. When Sarah asked to speak to me privately, I thought what she was doing was giving me advice on how to help you. Evidently, she was trying to get you to leave me. She told me to give you time to do her homework each day and eventually you would come to me when you were ready to talk.

  “Each time she would say the same thing and that I should ignore any attempts you made at being intimate. I honestly thought I was doing what was right for you. I fucked up again. I’m sorry, I should have listened to you when you asked for another doctor. That’s another thing Sarah told me to ignore, said you would try to do anything to get out of getting the help you need.” Twister takes a breath sitting on the edge of the bed facing me.

  I open my mouth to say something only to have him shake his head gently. “Babe, I told the brothers to give you space, that the doctor suggested we not try to push any subjects on you. I see now that was wrong too. That what we were doing was making you feel like an outcast, which you’re not. I fuckin’ love you and not touching you in any way has been torture. This morning, I received a phone call, not wanting to wake you up I went to my office. When I came back to bed and saw you were missing, I flipped. I didn’t know what happened to you and I lost my shit. I have shit going down and I need to know your safe. There are things that you need to know but right now isn’t the time to discuss it,” he says as he leans to me, gently kissing my lips before pulling away.

  I want the kiss to continue but at the same time, I can’t handle it right now. Not with my mixed emotions swirling through my head. My heart hurts and my body wants him but my brain is telling me to think first.

  “Umm, I need to take a shower. Can we finish this after I have a chance to get clean? I just ran six miles and really after what you just said, I need a few minutes to myself to gather my thoughts,” I tell him as I get up to head to the shower.

  “Sure, baby, I’ll be right here when you get out.”

  “Okay, I won’t be long.” I close the door behind me.

  I don’t know what I should do right now, but I love him so much. And that bitch, I knew she was up to something. Sarah claimed she wanted to help me. That’s bullshit, she wanted me out of the way. What better way to do that then make me doubt myself? Make me feel like I wasn’t wanted. Well, news flash to her, it didn’t work, and I plan to let her know just how I feel before kicking her ass. Only thing I need to do first is finish talking to Twister. See what else he has to say.

  Let’s hope everything can be worked out between us.

  17

  Twister

  The moment Izzy turns the shower on, I lower my head in defeat. What the fuck have I done? I fuckin’ knew better than to listen to that bitch of a counselor. The only reason I kept taking her there was because I thought she was actually helping her.

  Motherfucker! If I could strangle the cunt, I would. I fucked up big time thinking I was helping my woman. I’ve been so fuckin’ worried about Izzy getting past this that I overlooked the attempts Sarah kept throwing my way. That bitch better watch her fuckin’ back, I’ve never wanted to kill a woman but right now, I’m more than tempted.

  Taking a breath, I exhale, needing to figure out where to go from here. One thing for sure, I’m not taking her back to that cunt.

  I will do whatever the fuck I need in order to help Izzy get through this shit. She said she decided to start running again like she used to, but when the hell was that? Then it hits me— she was opening up just the slightest bit. She used to run with her brother. Fuckin’ hell, how could I have missed this shit?

  Pulling out my phone, I dial Coyote’s number. I know he’s the only person she’s really talked to lately, and I bet he can tell me why she decided to do this.

  “Yo asshole, I was wondering when I’d hear from you. Why the hell didn’t you call me sooner?” Coyote says when he picks up the phone.

  “Motherfucker, next time I see you, we’re in the ring again and don’t think I’ll let you have those punches I gave you last time. Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?” I growl out keeping my voice low enough that Izzy won’t hear me when she turns the shower off.

  “Twister, brother, I’ve known Izzy since she was in fuckin’ diapers, man, and she’s never been able to lie for shit— to me or her brother. I’ll tell you this, though, she hasn’t said a damn thing to me about anything. Nada, zip, and that’s how I knew something was goin’ on. Every time I asked how her sessions went, she would get quiet before answering that it went okay then she’d change the subject.”

  “Damnit, brother, I fucked up. Hell, we all fucked up where she’s concerned. Sarah, the woman she was seeing in those sessions, told us not to approach her on anything. That if she wanted to talk, let her come to us. Hell, the bitch’s advice did nothing but fuck shit up more. Izzy had started closing herself off even more until this morning. I left the damn room for not even fifteen minutes and she was gone before the sun was even up. When she came back, the woman told me she just decided to start running again,” I seethe into the phone becoming more pissed with the situation.

  “All I’m gonna say to this is you’re welcome. Did you know that before Izzy hit her partying phase, she was on the track team, and damn good? If not for her mom putting a stop to her success, she could have gone on to do a hell of a lot more. Izzy was the fastest runner in school. Her mom would get pissed at Izzy over the littlest thing and ground her so she couldn’t go to a practice or meet. Izzy gave it all up and started partying instead just to shut her mom up. So, I suggested that she pick it back up. Give her something to build on.

  “That’s all she needs, a foundation to start at. Something to grab on to. Now that you figured out that you fucked up again, let me tell you I look forward to going to the ring. Bring it, asshole, and let's see who beats the hell out of who first. Izzy is like a little sister to me, and I won’t see her fuckin’ hurt. Brother or not, I will fuck you up if you hurt her again. This is your last chance before I bring her up here and do your job my damn self,” the asshole hangs up on me.

  Fucker, there won’t be a next time of me screwing shit up with Izzy. I smile as I form a plan in my head. She wan
ts to start running again, that’s fine with me. I’ll do it with her. Even better, I’m gonna give her a job. We need to find a new building for a tattoo shop Burner wants to open up— Izzy can help us find one. Maybe she and I can look at some of the properties for sale. It’s time to get a place aside from our room here at the club.

  When Izzy emerges from the bathroom, I realize that I had been so lost in thought I didn’t hear the shower shut off. I smile at her when she steps into the room. Getting a good look at her, I notice how pale she’s gotten since everything. And I know exactly what she needs.

  “Babe, pack a bag and make sure it’s enough for a few days. I’ll be right back,” I tell her as I step out of the room going in search of Horse. I’ll need him to take point on everything for a few days. Getting to his office, I knock just in case him and Kenny are going at it again. I shudder at the thought. I’ll always look at Kenny as my baby sister instead of the woman that she has become.

  When Horse yells out, I walk in to find him alone.

  “Where did Kenny go?”

  “She went home with JC so I could get some work done. Kenny is having a hard time being here and not able to make things right with Izzy. Prez, I know what you told us but it’s not working and something needs to give. I can’t stand to see my woman like this. She wants her best friend back,” Horse says blowing out a frustrated breath.

  “That’s why I came in here. I want to see if you would take point for a few days so I can have some alone time with Izzy. I fucked everything up and I need to fix it with her. When we get back, Kenny can talk to Izzy,” I say sitting in the seat across from him. As he watches me, I sigh inwardly to myself. Horse is my best friend and he is the only one I would ever let see me show so much emotion. I’m not a man that lets shit go. If I did, I wouldn’t be Prez.

  “No problem but keep your phone on, Prez. I know you need this time with her, but we still have shit about to hit the fan with the Dragons Fire MC and don’t forget there’s an unknown that wants your woman.”

  “I haven’t forgotten about the threats against the club or my woman. Where we’re goin’, we should be good.”

  “Where would that be?”

  “I’m taking her to the beach.”

  “Fuck, don’t let Kenny know that. She’ll be pissed and want me to take her. She’s been begging me to take her and JC to the beach for a vacation,” Horse laughs shaking his head.

  “Brother, when this shit is done, I think we’re all gonna need a vacation,” I tell him as I go to stand up. “I’ll be back in two days. Hopefully, nothing exciting happens in that time. If it does, call me and I’ll come back.”

  “You got it, Prez. Have fun and make sure you have a towel with you if you fuck on the beach. Do you know how bad it feels to have that shit rub against your balls as you fuck your woman? It’s not fun, I’ll tell you that,” Horse says laughing as I throw him the finger. I hate when he does that shit and he knows it. Fuck!

  When I get back to my room, I find Izzy sitting in the middle of our bed putting the last of her things in the bag I told her to pack.

  “Let me throw a few things together real quick, babe, and we can go.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  “Um, okay.”

  Doesn’t take me but a minute to throw what I need into my own bag. I decide that we’re gonna take one of the club’s trucks instead of my bike only so I can have some fun driving on the beach.

  “You ready, baby?” I ask her when I turn around. She has a worried look on her face as she nods. “Alright, let’s get out of here,” I say reaching for her hand. When she takes it, I pull her into me for a quick kiss. I want her to know how much she means to me with each touch or kiss I give her. I need her to know I’m not going to screw up again. I’ve fucked up twice now letting her down— I won’t do it again. Taking these few days, I plan to show her just that.

  “Why are we taking a truck? You never take anything other than your bike,” Izzy questions as I help her get into her seat.

  “Because, baby, where we’re going, it’s better to have this then my bike. It will be a hell of a lot more fun too.” I give her hand a squeeze before closing her door and moving to my own side.

  The ride is silent as Izzy falls asleep not long after I start driving. She doesn’t sleep well most nights and considering she ran six miles this morning, I know she’s exhausted herself.

  Making it to Nags Head, I pull into the hotel’s parking lot before deciding to wake Izzy up.

  “Babe, time to wake up, we’re here,” I say as I stroke a strand of hair behind her ear watching as she opens her eyes to take her surroundings.

  “Why are we here?” Izzy frowns.

  “I decided you and I needed a break from everything back home and needed some time just you and me. I fucked shit up and I figured a couple days away from the club would help both of us.”

  “I thought you were taking me somewhere else.” Her voice quivers as she looks away from me.

  “Baby, where would I have taken you?” I ask, reaching under her chin, forcing her to look at me.

  “I don’t know. After everything that I’ve put everyone through, I guess I figured you were done with my shit. I wouldn’t blame you,” Izzy whispers closing her eyes.

  “Look at me, Elizabeth.” I use her full name, needing her to understand that I’m serious as shit with what I’m about to say. When her eyes open, I see all the emotion she keeps bottled up deep with her ready to burst through. “Baby, I’m gonna say this one more time and that’s it. I’m not fuckin’ letting you go. I know I fucked up twice now where you're concerned but I won't do it a third time. I’ve never been in a relationship, so I’ve done a shitty job. Now, we’re gonna go get a room for the next two days and during the time we spend here, I’m gonna prove to you how much you fuckin’ mean to me. Your mine, Izzy, mine. You get me?” I finish by gently kissing her lips.

  “I get you, Twister,” she murmurs against my own.

  “Good. Now let’s get inside, my ass is killin’ me,” I say causing her to giggle, actually fuckin’ giggle. I don’t think I’ve seen her so much as smile in the past two months, to have her giggle fills me with pride.

  I take her hand as we check in at the Hilton. I made sure that we got a room that was facing the ocean so we could enjoy the view and sounds of the waves breaking. Growing up, my old man used to bring Kenny and me here. Said the sound of peace comes from those waves but you gotta be careful with them, they can be just as treacherous as they can be peaceful. I get it now, he was talking about life. You can have your peace even through the roughest part of it, it’s a matter of finding the person that can help you keep that tiny bit of peace you find.

  “This is beautiful, Twist, look at it. Don’t you agree?”

  “It is, baby,” I say moving behind her and wrapping her in my arms. She stiffens for all of a second before relaxing into my hold. I know she can feel my dick pressed against her. My dick has a mind of his own when it comes to Izzy. It hasn’t seen any action besides my hand in two months and needs inside her. As I hold her to me right now though, I ignore it, needing to hold her more than anything.

  I loosen my hold when she turns in my arms, wrapping her own around my neck lifting up on her toes to give me a kiss I will remember until after I take my last breath.

  When she pulls back, her eyes have tears in them.

  “I love you, Jerod. So much. I need you now, please,” Izzy says before kissing me again.

  The sound of those words coming out of her mouth snaps any control I have over my body. I grab her ass, picking her up, feeling her wrap her legs around my waist. I take control of the kiss, giving her exactly what we both need.

  Taking her inside, I make quick work of our clothes before I’m entering her. I fuck her hard and fast with my hand at her neck, feeling her pulse as I send her flying over the edge. When her pussy clenches me, sucking me in even more, I call out her name as I com
e deep inside her.

  Fuck, can life get any better than it is right now?

  18

  Izzy

  I’m floating on cloud nine right now. We’ve been back from the beach for a week and everything feels back to normal, well as much as it can be. The time away definitely helped. I wish we were able to stay longer than two days. We spent a lot of that time in bed, exploring each other’s bodies like it was the first time. Jerod has been completely insatiable.

  When I get up in the morning to go for a run, Jerod gets up and joins me, never once complaining about the distances. Starting my morning jogs have really helped with clearing my head and I seem to have more energy to do things during the day. It also helps that when we got back, I don’t have to beg him to let me work on something around the club to keep the boredom at bay.

  He asked me to look into finding a good location around town for a tattoo shop. I knew instantly where we should put it and thankfully, I have connections with the owner of the building. He was one of my clients that I worked with the most. I gave him a call and have a meeting set for later today for Jerod, Burner, and I to meet with him.

  I’ve also started looking into what I’d need to do to start Letters From Above. Coyote was right about the name— it's perfect for what I want it to represent. I realize the first day that it was going to take more than just me to put this together. I don’t want help from anyone other than my friends. They might hate me still but I don’t know since they haven’t been to the club this past week. I need to make things right with everyone, especially Kenny. I shouldn’t have thrown the secret about her mom in her face and its past time I tell her I’m sorry.

  “Babe, what time did you set that meeting for the building again?” Jerod asks gaining my attention. I’d been so focused on staring at the screen on my laptop that I didn’t even notice him heading my way. That’s another thing I started doing, hanging out in the main room of the clubhouse. I don’t want to stay cooped up in our room. The guys have started talking to me again. Some of them still get looks in their eyes like they want to ask me something, but they never do.