Cash: The Black Cobras MC #2

by Rylan, Savannah

  I just wanted to know if Cash was fine too.

  31

  Cash

  Since last night, nobody had been able to exactly ‘relax’ at the clubhouse. Going after Vivian to rescue her had seriously spiraled things out of control. The Sons of Satan were not expecting that kind of a surprise attack and they didn’t take kindly to it.

  Ultimately, I had to get Vivian out but when I couldn’t find her again in the woods, I wasn’t sure what really happened to her. I was freaking the fuck out.

  In the clubhouse, Bender with the help of Carli and Amanda got busy stitching us up. We were all wounded, and we all needed medical attention. There weren’t enough people capable of giving it to us. The bullet wound on my leg had to be stitched up again and Bender confirmed that he didn’t think it was infected.

  Still, I couldn’t walk without limping.

  Nobody had returned to their respective homes since the previous night. It was way safer for all of us to be in one place right now. All things considered, the Sons of Satan could strike at any time and we needed to prepare ourselves for it, even though we were all less than capable to put up a fight right now.

  It was the early hours of the next morning. I’d been walking for hours till I got to the clubhouse. I’d been stitched up again and finally got some food in my system.

  Now I was standing out in the porch in the back of the building with a can of beer in my hand. I was thinking about Vivian. I needed to find her. I needed to find a way to figure out if the Sons of Satan had her.

  Patch came into the porch and I didn’t even notice him at first.

  “You doin’ okay, man?” he asked, interrupting my thoughts and I looked over at him as he extracted his cigarette and lit it up.

  “I’ll be fine once I know for sure where she is,” I said.

  There was no point hiding it from them anymore, especially not Patch who could obviously see right through all this. They all knew exactly why I wanted to do everything in my power to rescue Vivian.

  “Is there any way you can get in touch with her?”

  “I don’t have her phone number and I doubt she has her phone on her right now. The Sons of Satan would have taken it off her when they nabbed her.”

  Patch nodded.

  “But I’ll go to her apartment and check the place out to see if she made an appearance there since last night,” I said.

  “Yeah, that’s a good idea,” he told me, and we fell into silence for a few moments. I stood there silently sipping my beer while he smoked his cigarette. Neither of us had much to say right now that didn’t involve Vivian, and I could sense Patch wasn’t sure if I wanted to talk about her. It was a sensitive subject. He’d never witnessed me being serious about a woman before.

  Eventually, Patch dragged in a lungful of smoke and exhaled, like he was building up the courage to say something on the matter.

  “So, you two…” he let the words drift off. He clearly didn’t want to actually say the words.

  “It was nothing serious, but the Sons of Satan got it in their heads that I give a fuck.”

  I was growling, trying to make Patch think that I didn’t actually give that much of a shit. But who was I kidding? My feelings for Vivian were written all over my face.

  “So, you’ve been tailing her for like a month?” he continued.

  “I needed to keep an eye on her because it was my fault. Her life was in danger because of me.”

  “Yeah,” he said and nodded his head. I could see he didn’t believe me. A sense of polite duty was not the only reason I was keeping such a vigilant eye on her. It wasn’t the only reason why I was willing to leap through fire to get to her and pull her out of wreckage.

  “I guess we all owe her. The Sons of Satan are trying to hurt her to get to us,” he continued.

  But the key here was…why her? Why Vivian specifically?

  Because they had seen us together. Spied on us. They knew exactly what the relationship was like between us. They’d caught the way I looked at her and they knew something I wasn’t willing to admit. Not in those exact words.

  “I hope she’s okay and I hope you find her soon, man,” Patch said and thumped my back before he chucked his cigarette to the ground and stamped on it.

  I nodded because I couldn’t say anything. The only thing coursing through my head was finding out if she was okay. I hoped I hadn’t led the Sons of Satan right to her in the woods. I hoped she was safe.

  Patch gave me a sympathetic look over his shoulder as he went back inside the clubhouse, leaving me alone out in the porch again.

  I turned back around and took a long swig of my beer, to wash down the fears I was feeling for the first time.

  These were new feelings. I’d never known before what it felt like to be afraid for someone else’s safety. To want to keep somebody else safe. I’d been a lone wolf all these years and I had no idea what it could feel to be responsible for someone.

  It felt like shit!

  This was exactly why I should have stayed away from all those complications.

  This was exactly why I shouldn’t have gotten involved and now there was no way out other than to suffer through it.

  I couldn’t change how I felt. I’d already fallen for her and I was going to be chained to her for life because of these feelings.

  32

  Vivian

  A day went by before the doctor and my nurses at the hospital agreed to finally discharge me. Given that I hadn’t suffered any injuries and the pregnancy was developing okay, they technically had no reason to keep me there.

  The only thing they had to be concerned about was my extreme dehydration and some of the bruises which were healing well too. After keeping me overnight for observation, they were sufficiently pleased with my recovery and they finally let me go the next day.

  Given that I had no idea where I was and had no money on me, the nurses who were looking after me pooled in some money together to fund the cab fare back to my apartment which was nearly an hour and a half away. I promised to send them the money back, which they insisted wasn’t necessary.

  In the ride back to my apartment, the only thing I could think about was Cash and when I might be able to see him again. My hand remained protectively across my belly. At least my baby was miraculously okay, despite everything I’d been through over the past few days.

  I was still tired, still feeling weak but now I was ready to take charge of my life.

  The cab dropped me at my apartment building and slowly, I went up to find Nora there. She had just returned from work and she was completely shocked to see me.

  “Vivian, oh my God! I didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t reach you and I was so afraid!” We hugged tightly and I tried not to break down in tears. I didn’t even know how I would begin to explain to her what I had been through. I didn’t know if she should even know.

  She clasped my hands and looked me over closely.

  “I know I look like hell!” I exclaimed, trying to put on a weak smile. Nora led me to the couch and forced me to sit down.

  “Do you want some coffee? Something to eat?”

  “I’d love some water, thanks,” I said, and she rushed to the kitchen area to fix me a glass.

  “I’m going to make us a sandwich,” she called out while I stretched myself out on the couch, putting my feet up for support since my body still ached.

  “I didn’t know what to think. I kept calling you after the first night you didn’t return. I didn’t know whether to contact the police or not…and then the next day he showed up here.”

  I sat up again.

  “He? Who?”

  “He said his name was Cash. I figured he was the guy you were talking about…the hottie biker guy.”

  She brought over the plate of sandwiches and some water to the coffee table.

  “Cash was here?”

  “Yeah, yesterday. He looked pretty beat too. He said he didn’t know where you were and wanted to make sure you were doin
g okay. I asked if we should contact the police and he said to give it another day and then to call the cops. He was very concerned, even though he said he couldn’t tell me exactly what happened.”

  Nora fit herself on the couch beside me and I laid my head on her lap.

  “He saved my life,” I told her and looked up. Her eyes were kind and concerned.

  “Maybe you should call him, let him know you’re doing okay. And then you need to tell me exactly what happened,” she said and slowly I began to sit up on the couch again.

  I didn’t have Cash’s number.

  * * *

  It was strange for me to stand in front of the Pit and the bar again. I didn’t think I would be seeing this place soon but there it was, right in front of me. It seemed like the boys had begun some major repairs on the place since the shootout, even though you could still see evidence of the damage done.

  I was reluctant to walk in now. I could see all the bikes parked outside so I knew the club would be in there, hopefully Cash would be there too. Now, walking in with his baby in my belly felt like I was living a complete lie. Like they’d be able to see it on my face the moment I stepped into that place.

  I tried to make myself look as presentable as possible. I’d eaten, taken a long hot shower and cleaned myself thoroughly. I’d changed into some clean clothes and done up my hair and put on some makeup too. I’d tried to prepare a speech, to make sure everyone here knew exactly how grateful I was for everything they had done for me…but now it felt like words were failing me.

  After I’d been standing out there for what felt like several hours but had probably only been a few minutes, I walked towards the building slowly. I could hear voices and music pouring out through the front door. It was busy. They were probably all there inside.

  Slowly, I pushed open the door and looked in. At first everyone was going about their usual routine. Drinking, smoking, talking too loudly, some were playing pool…and then, one by one, they started nudging each other when they noticed me standing at the door of the bar, stepping in.

  They all had surprised looks on their faces. I looked at each one of them till my gaze finally landed on the man at the end of the bar counter. Cash was standing there with Patch and Bones. They had obviously been in the middle of a conversation which had now stopped. Just like the others, Cash was staring at me too.

  I licked my lips nervously and took a few more steps into the bar. Wasn’t anyone going to say anything? I felt guilty and nervous. They all looked beaten up and wounded. This was all because of me!

  “Welcome back, Vivian!” I heard a thundering voice and looked up to find Grimm, the president of the club, beaming proudly at me. “You made it out!”

  * * *

  Despite the initial shock that all the club members were in when they first saw me walk into the bar, the mood changed immediately when Grimm greeted me with his kind words and a hug.

  Very quickly they all made me feel welcome in the bar and they wanted to know what happened, how I made my escape.

  Cash came over to join the group of guys who surrounded me as I told them the story. He was watching me closely; as I spoke, I could constantly feel his eyes on me. All I wanted to do was rush over to him, throw my arms around him and feel his strength against my body. But I didn’t know what he wanted.

  Was he mad at me because I’d run away from that spot he left me at in the woods? I was finding it difficult to read him.

  Once I finished telling the story, everyone congratulated me for getting out. I tried to thank them, especially Grimm, who came to my rescue. They could very easily have just forgotten about me. They didn’t need to start a war with the other group just for my sake. I could see how devastating the effects of starting this battle was.

  Grimm waved a hand in front of his face.

  “You don’t have to thank us!” he exclaimed, and Bender came over to give me a big warm bear hug.

  Cash was still standing in the corner, doing nothing more than just watching me from the sidelines.

  “You wouldn’t have been in this mess if you weren’t associated with us. We’re just glad you’re okay,” Grimm continued, and Bender thumped my back and I smiled at him. It seemed like they were all genuinely pleased to see me, and I felt comforted by this familial feeling I had never experienced before. I never had a family I could really connect with.

  “But it would be best if you stayed here for a while,” Grimm said.

  “Stayed here?”

  “Yeah, there are some spare rooms in the clubhouse at the back. The Sons of Satan aren’t giving up so easily. They’re going to try and get to you again because now they want their revenge. The best way for us to keep an eye on you and keep you safe is by having you here, right under our noses,” he explained.

  I glanced at Cash who was still staring at me and I looked away hurriedly. He still hadn’t said a word or even acknowledged my presence.

  “Okay…if you think that would be for the best,” I said, and Grimm smiled widely and nodded.

  “Good girl. We can all breathe a little easy now. Cash! You want to show her one of the rooms?”

  Attention turned to Cash now and I tried to avoid looking directly at him. I wasn’t even sure if he was pleased to see me.

  “Sure,” he said in a low deep-throated voice and now I had no choice but to face him.

  33

  Cash

  Things were strangely cold between Vivian and me as I led her to one of the spare empty rooms at the back of the clubhouse. Maybe it was because of me. Maybe it was because I couldn’t actually express to her just how glad I was to see her again. To see her safe.

  I had the key that unlocked the room and I held the door open so she could step in.

  “It’s nothing great, but hopefully it should do for a few days. Keep you safe,” I said. Vivian gave the room a quick once-over and then she looked at me again.

  “Cash, I’m sorry I just ran away like that. I should have waited for you. I’m sorry if I made you worry about me. I had no way of getting in touch with you from the hospital…”

  I took one step towards her and stopped myself. She had no idea how much I wanted her in my arms right now. How much I wanted to kiss those lips and feel her body next to mine.

  “You don’t have to apologize to me for anything, Vivian. I’m just glad you’re okay and you were so strong. I’m proud of you,” I said.

  She was searching my eyes and I could see how her smooth soft cheeks turned reddish.

  “I just wasn’t sure how you were feeling, if you were even glad to see me again,” she said and then her eyes dropped to her feet with embarrassment. There was nothing more I wanted to do than pull her into my arms, confess to her how I’d been watching her for weeks.

  But now was not the time. There was work to be done. Besides, the last thing I needed right now was to allow Vivian to make me feel weak. I felt too weak already.

  “Of course, I’m glad to see you. Sometimes, I don’t know how to express myself,” I replied. This time when she looked up and met my eyes, there was a twinkle there. A faint smile tugged the corners of her lips.

  “I’m glad you are okay too, although I can see you’ve been hurt,” she said and gazed at my leg. She must have seen the faint limp I was still sporting.

  “I’m going to be okay, it’s nothing.”

  “I’m going to be okay too…with all of you looking after me here,” she said. Now the smile on her face was full and bright. The smile I was accustomed to seeing. The one I had fallen so hard for.

  Vivian reached out and stroked my arm affectionately. It was funny because I should have been the one comforting her!

  “I’m really glad I met you, Cash,” she said in a soft voice.

  I wished I could tell her how glad I was that I had met her too, but no words came from me in that moment and I felt like an idiot.

  But Vivian didn’t look like she was expecting to hear anything back from me. Instead, she just smiled at me s
ome more and turned around and walked into the room. I watched her looking around.

  The room wasn’t special, but it had all the basic amenities that she might need. A double bed, lights, a mirror, some storage space and a bathroom.

  “Maybe later I’ll give you a ride to your apartment and you can pick up what you need for a few days,” I suggested. She nodded her head without looking at me.

  My eyes roamed over her perfect figure, her delicious butt in that dainty dress she was wearing, the way her chocolate colored silky hair fell around her shoulders. She was so fragile and so strong at the same time. I couldn’t imagine another woman surviving the kind of experiences she’d made it through already. And she wasn’t complaining. She didn’t blame anyone but herself.

  I wanted to make this stop. I wanted her to finally feel safe in this city again. I knew she had a career to look after. Money to make. How long was she going to stay cooped up here? This could potentially ruin her life.

  “I’m going to make sure this is taken care of tonight,” I blurted. Vivian turned to look at me and there was confusion in her eyes.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked, and I clenched my jaws angrily.

  “I’m going to put an end to the Sons of Satan threat tonight. Whatever it takes. I want to make sure you have your life back. You deserve to be back out there and making a life for yourself.”

  She looked worried for a moment; her brows were crossed. But then she nodded her head.

  “Okay, thank you. I just don’t want to cause anyone any trouble,” she said.

  “Stay here. You’ll be safe here. I need to speak to the others.”

  I didn’t wait for an answer from her, instead, I stormed back out to the bar where the others were still drinking.

  I whistled loudly to catch everyone’s attention. The chatter died down and they all turned to me.