by Nicola Jane
“Thanks for pointing that out,” I mutter. The truth is, I was starting to like Ethan. When he texted or called, I got a little buzz in my stomach. And all along, he was lying to me just to get information about Blade and this club. I groan again, feeling like an idiot. “I want to speak to him. I want to call him out on his shit.”
“Sure you do, Sunshine, but that ain’t happening.”
“I thought he liked me,” I say. “I need to yell at him or something.”
“Seems you’re a little disappointed. Maybe you were falling for him?” he asks, glaring at me. A knock at the door gets him up and moving. “Just in time,” he grumbles, storming out the room as Eva enters.
“What’s up with him?” she asks.
I shrug. She takes a seat on my bed and smiles sympathetically. “I know Riggs can seem . . . over the top,” she says.
“And aggressive,” I add in.
She smiles and nods. “But he’s just looking out for Blade. He really cares about all his brothers, about everyone in the club. He’d do anything to protect us.”
“I wish I’d never met him,” I mumble. “The second Blade walked into my shop, I should have looked the other way. Instinct told me he was trouble, and of course, that just made him more appealing to my sick, twisted heart.”
“We’ve all been there.” She smiles. “These guys are pretty hard to resist.”
“It’s caused me so much trouble,” I wail. “From a terrible first date to meeting Ethan. If I’d have stayed away from Blade, I would never have met Ethan.”
“What’s done is done. We can’t change the past. You have me and the girls here, and we’ll look after you.” I nod, grateful for that at least.
The days blend together. I managed to pacify Sara with a tale of lust between me and Blade. I hate lying to her, but if I told her the truth, she’d be here in a flash screaming the place down and Riggs would only hate me more than he already does. My room is next to Blade’s, how convenient, but I didn’t argue because I’ve done enough of that for the last three days since I arrived. The only positive is I love being around the women here. They’re all amazing and their friendship means the world right now. Especially Eva, who seems to have taken me under her wing and taught me the biker ways. If I wasn’t here against my will, I’d totally love this lifestyle. Riggs is a complete arse, but I can see how much he cares for his club and the guys within it. Their bond is unbreakable.
And the kids are just adorable. That’s why I find myself curled up on the rug in the main room, playing with Malia and Molly and a bunch of dolls. One thing I’m good at is doll hair, and since the girls discovered that, they’ve had me plaiting and brushing every doll they own.
“Will you stay forever?” asks Malia, and I smile at the sweetness of her tone.
“No,” I say. “I have a house and a shop. I have to get back to that soon.”
Soon, it seems to be such an open-ended word right now. Whenever I ask Blade about me leaving, he mutters something about soon. I’ve left Sara to run the shop, telling her I’m taking a week’s break. She was fine about it, and said I needed it after having years of running the place, but I still feel bad.
“But we like having you here.” Molly pouts.
“I like being here with you guys,” I say, and it’s the truth. “But I can’t live here.”
“You could be an ol’ lady,” suggests Malia, and I laugh.
“Who would have me?” I ask.
“Blade,” says Malia. If only they knew how much he hates me. He still thinks I’ve told Ethan something. Even I can see it’s a stupid accusation, because if Ethan knew anything, we’d have been arrested.
“Definitely not!” I scoff.
“Vinn doesn’t have an ol’ lady,” points out Molly.
“That’s because Vinn isn’t an MC member,” I point out, information I had recently learnt, thanks to Eva.
Eva joins us, picking up a doll and examining the tight plait. “Good job,” she says. “Any news on your release yet?” she jokes.
I shake my head. “I haven’t seen Blade all day.”
“I overheard Riggs telling Cree that he’s got a meeting with the chief of police today. Maybe he’ll come up with a deal to keep Blade out of the investigation and you can go back to living your life.”
I smile. It sounds good, and I do want to go back to my life, but now all this has happened, I don’t think my life will ever be the same again. The thought of never being around Blade again makes my heart hurt. It shouldn’t. I should hate him for everything he’s put me through since that very first date, but I’m quickly realising that I don’t. I find myself looking for him, and when we’re in the same room, I plead to God he looks my way. I’ve turned into a love-sick hormonal pre-teen.
“You look sad about that.” She smirks, and I playfully scowl. Eva is still hoping Blade and I will live happily ever after together.
“I’d love to stay and chat, but I have a playdate with these girls. Hide and seek is my favourite,” I say, and the girls yelp with excitement and rush off to hide.
Okay, so hide and seek was not my best idea. Malia is the hunter and I’ve been squashed into a cupboard in the kitchen for five minutes. Cramps are setting in and I’m about to give myself up when the kitchen door slams open, crashing against the wall. “You can’t tell her shit like that, Eva. It isn’t your place.” It’s Cree’s voice I hear, quickly followed by Eva.
“She wants to go home. I was giving her some hope that it’ll happen.”
“By telling her that Riggs is meeting with the cops today!” yells Cree.
“It’s the truth!”
“You’re implicating the Pres in all kinds of shit by saying he can get Blade out of this,” says Cree. I’m losing the feeling in my feet and legs, but I can’t go out now, not when they’re arguing about me.
“I wanted to see if she was happy or sad to be going,” admits Eva. “I know she likes Blade deep down.”
“Not this fairy tale bullshit again,” growls Cree. “Eva, you were told to befriend her to check she wasn’t feeding back to the cops, not to get her a happy ever after here at the club. She’s all wrong for Blade. She isn’t cut out for club life.”
I wince at his admission. Eva never wanted to be a friend to me, she was working for the club all the time. I’m so naïve, it actually pains me. This is the third time I’ve fallen for lies and bullshit. Before Eva can answer, I hear the thud of more heavy boots.
“Riggs, you don’t need to yell at me. He’s already done it,” snaps Eva.
“What were you thinking? She’s dating a cop. What if she tells him I have connections?”
“She won’t. Guys, she’s really nice. She likes Blade. She wouldn’t dump him in the shit.”
“Don’t be so fucking naïve,” snaps Riggs. “She’s gonna run straight to him the second she gets out of here. If he’s done any more digging, he could tell her about her dad. It doesn’t take a genius to work out who ended that piece of crap. Once she knows that, she’s gonna come clean about Tyler West. You had a simple job—be nice, make her like the club, and check she wasn’t feeding back. Now, you’ve given her more information to use against us.”
“Sorry, okay. I’ll talk to her,” says Eva.
“Forget it. I’ll get Blade to deal with her.”
Footsteps leave the room and I remain in the cupboard for a few more seconds with my fists clenched and my eyes brimming with tears. What the hell does Riggs mean by getting Blade to deal with me? I begin to shake. Up until now, I hadn’t felt in any real danger, but now, I’m not so sure.
I find the girls and tell them they’ll have to play together because I have a headache and need to lie down. Once I get to my room, I lock the door and try desperately to think of a plan.
Chapter Twelve
BLADE
Chief Super Blasket, the head of police, sits at his huge desk, drumming his fat fingers on the polished mahogany. Riggs places the bag by his feet and we take a sea
t. “You’re either brave or stupid,” he grunts, “coming in here as bold as brass.”
“I haven’t got anything to hide so . . .” I shrug.
“There’s a team tasked with bringing your club down, Riggs. The order came from someone in CID.”
“But you can put an end to that,” says Riggs confidently. “We had a good relationship with the last mayor and the police chief. I understand we need to re discuss terms, and I’m happy to do that.”
“I’m not sure it’s that simple. They have intelligence. They’re even trying to pin Cobra on you. I can’t shut that down without—” begins the chief.
Riggs laughs. “Oh, cut the crap. You can shut anything down. I do a lot for this community. We both know how this works. I keep crime low and let your men take the credit for that. I don’t have time to sit here boosting your ego. You have the power to dissolve this, so do your thing.” Riggs throws the bag on the table. It’s a sizable donation to police funds.
“I need someone for the murder of Tyler West,” says the chief bluntly.
“I’ll get someone,” agrees Riggs.
“Maybe we could kill two birds with one stone,” I suggest, and they both turn to me. “What if someone saw Cobra leave the area?”
“We both know Cobra is dead, Mr. Archer,” says the chief.
I keep my face poker straight. “I don’t know that, unless you have some evidence?” I wait for him to answer, and when he doesn’t, I smile confidently. “If I give you a witness who places Cobra at the scene of West’s murder, then you’ll put a warrant out for Cobra’s arrest, right?” He nods, and Riggs smirks. “Then I’ll get you a witness.”
We stand and shake hands. “One last thing, Riggs,” he says. “Ms. Edwards, is she still residing at your club?” Neither of us responds, and after a few seconds of silence, he nods. “Well, her friend isn’t buying the lies. She’s reported it to one of our officers in CID who wants to search your premises for her. If she’s being held against her will, then I suggest you release her within the next two hours.”
Outside, I release a breath. “Raven can be our witness,” I say, and Riggs nods in agreement. “She’d already agreed to it last night,” I add.
“You tapping that?” asks Riggs, and I shake my head. “Cos you still got feelings for the cop lover?”
“It ain’t easy to switch that shit off,” I mutter. Living around Tillie for the these few days has been torture. I’ve spent the last twenty-four hours avoiding her cos I can’t stop wanting her. The need is like a compulsion. But she hates me, and I can’t even convince her to try and move past it. I’ve accused her of talking to the cops and basically told her I don’t trust her—she won’t forgive me for that. Since taking Tillie, the club has been doing its own digging. Seems there is no real evidence against me in either Cobra’s or West’s murders, just a hunch that this cop has. We got to Tillie before he could trick any real information from her, but he’s been digging around in all our business, which is why it’s no surprise when we get back to the club just as he arrives.
I get off my bike and head for the door, ignoring him. Riggs shakes hands, even though the cop is reluctant. “What can we help you with today, officer?” he asks.
“Detective,” corrects Ethan, and I scoff at his arrogance. “Do you have Matilda Edwards staying with you?”
“What’s that got to do with you?” I snap.
“Someone’s raised concern for her. We’d like to do a welfare check.”
“Bet it wasn’t your wife raising those concerns,” I utter, and his face hardens. Oh yeah, you arse, we’re on to you.
“Blade, go in and get Tillie so she can clear this misunderstanding up,” says Riggs firmly, and I head inside.
Tillie is in her room, refusing to open the door. Eva stares at me helplessly. “I came to check on her because Molly said she had a headache. But she won’t answer me. I’m worried she’s ill,” she says.
“Tillie, if you don’t open the door, I’m kicking it in,” I warn. Seconds later, the lock opens and Tillie glares at me, her eyes are red from crying.
“I’ve been knocking for the last five minutes,” says Eva. “I was worried.”
“Did you knock because you were worried or because Riggs gave you a job to do?” Tillie snaps and Eva frowns in confusion. “As you can see, I’m fine.” She goes to shut the door, but I shove my boot in the gap, preventing it.
“Not so fast, Sunshine. You have a visitor.” She pulls the door open again. “Your boyfriend is here to check up on you.”
“Ethan?” she gasps, and it instantly pisses me off.
“Try and look a little less happy about that,” I hiss. “We’re gonna go down together, the picture of happiness, and you’re gonna send him on his merry little way again.”
“Why would I do that?” she snaps.
“Cos after he’s gone, I’ll take you home.” I hear her intake of breath and it hurts me that she’s happy to get out of here. “But you screw this up, I’ll put a bullet in the cop and then you’ll have to stay here a lot longer.” I’ve no intention of doing any of that. I’m off the hook, but I want to piss Ethan the fuck off by letting him think we’re together.
TILLIE
I nod in agreement. If this gets me out of here, then I’m gonna do it. Blade holds out his hand and I take it. A buzz of electricity shoots through me and it’s like we both feel it the moment we touch. His fingers interlock with my own, and for a second, I allow myself to enjoy it. As we get to the door, Blade turns to me, halting me in my tracks. His arm wraps around my waist and he tilts me back slightly, his free hand goes to my neck and cheek and he stares into my eyes for the briefest second before kissing me. It’s everything I’ve dreamt of since I last left his bed—it’s hungry and passionate and bone-melting all at the same time. When he pulls away, I’m like a weak jelly in his arms, and I’m mad at myself for giving in so easily. “Fuck, you get me hard just kissing you,” he mumbles like it’s a bad thing, takes my hand again, and pushes the door open.
Ethan’s eyes fall to our joined hands, then he narrows them at me “Matilda,” he says. “Everything okay?”
I nod. “Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to finish something,” says Blade.
“Actually, I’ll need to speak to her alone.”
Blade releases my hand and I move towards Ethan, who leads me further out of earshot. “Tillie, are you really okay?” he asks.
“Yes,” I mutter.
“If you’re not, you can tell me. I’ll have that piece of shit arrested right now and then you can go back home like this was all a bad dream.”
My eyes betray me and fill with tears. “This is like a bad dream,” I whisper.
“I knew you didn’t come here willingly.”
“A bad dream that never ends. Between you and him,” I say, pointing back to Blade, “you’ve made me look stupid and naïve and so fucking gullible.”
“Tils, don’t be upset. It’s just a job.”
“You fucking lied to me. About everything.”
He looks away briefly. “I should have been more honest,” he begins. “But I couldn’t tell you about my job because I didn’t want it to scare you off. I didn’t know if you were part of this club when I first saw you. He was always around you.”
“I could have saved you a whole load of money by telling you straight that I don’t know anything. I’m not a part of this club.” I groan aloud. “You thought you had to date me to get information? You played me!”
“That’s not how I meant it to go. I really did like you. That part was real,” he explains.
“You liked me?” I repeat and he nods. “More than your fucking wife?” His face pales. “After I told you I’d been played before, you said your wife left you for your friend. That was a lie!”
“That did happen, but it was an old girlfriend many years ago.”
I rub my hands over my tired face. “You make me sick. That’s why you didn’t want to rush anything, because there w
as never going to be anything. Apart from the kiss, you weren’t ever gonna take it further knowing you were married. When you said every guy before you had treated me badly, I thought, he’s the one who will change it. He’s gonna treat me right.”
“Look, Tils, I get this looks bad,” he begins, and I scoff. “I understand that you’re mad at me. I don’t blame you. I did genuinely begin to like you. But at the end of the day, my job is to trap the bad guys and he is a bad guy. Most of the men in this place are. I was doing my job. Undercover policing is brutal and people do get hurt. I’m sorry it was you.”
“It shouldn’t be allowed. You lied and tricked me. That’s not ethical and we’re supposed to trust the police, guys like you.”
“I might have gone about it wrong, but my intentions were good. I know what he’s capable of and he belongs in a cell.”
I shake my head. “You both do. Stay the fuck away from me.”
I walk towards the gate, my arms folded tight over my chest and my heart slowly breaking. “Sunshine,” I hear Blade call, but I carry on to the gate. There’s no way he can stop me with Ethan watching.
I walk and walk until my tired feet finally stop at the sweet shop. Sara looks up from the counter and dives towards me. “I’ve been going out of my mind,” she screeches, wrapping me in a hug. “I asked Ethan to check on you because I knew something in your voice didn’t sound right, and all that bullshit about you spending time with Blade, that wasn’t like you at all.”
I can’t stop the tears from pouring down my cheeks as she ushers me inside and locks the shop door, turning the ‘Closed’ sign over in the window.
We sit in the back room and she makes me a coffee while I fill her in on everything, skipping the nightmare murder date but telling her I know some secrets of his that I can’t divulge. I explain about Ethan using me to find the secrets.
“I tried to call you several times,” she says. “When Ethan came looking for you, I told him I was worried and he told me he was a cop.”