Turnin’ back, I stare directly into her eyes. “Can you repeat that?”
“Her name is Abbey.”
This must be one hell of a coincidence if I’ve ever heard of one. “Alright. Abbey’s a popular name.”
“Dix, she says you’re her brother. She got into a bit of trouble and ran here. She ran to you,” Sakura says, and I don’t know what to think. This can’t be Abbey. It fuckin’ can’t be. This is just some chick with some sort of twisted sense of humor.
“There is no way that’s my sister. I haven’t seen her in years. We got split up when we were kids,” I tell her, still baffled by this shit.
“Dix,” Sakura takes ahold of my hands, squeezing them tightly. “She told me you both have a freckle behind your ear. It’s some weird similarity you figured out when she was four. She said if you doubted her to tell you about that, and to tell you she was sorry for what her grandmother did.”
Ripping my hands away from Sakura I take a step back, in complete disbelief. Shaking my head from side to side over and over again. “How in the fuck . . . how is this . . . Jesus!” I holler, slammin’ my fist against the outside of the clubhouse.
“How . . . How did she find me?” I ask almost to the universe, doubting Sakura will know a thing.
Sakura comes back up to me again, “I don’t know, Dix . . . but speaking as someone who lost her sister and would do anything for this sort of opportunity, I think you should go talk to her. She’s been through a hell of a lot and I think seeing you would do some good.”
Sakura’s right. I have so many feelins’ flowin’ through my body right now. Nervousness. Doubt. Wonder. Unsureness. Anxiety. Fear. Anger. I’m probably only touchin’ the top of the mountain full of shit I’m feelin’.
Before I change my mind, I decide to head over to Sakura’s house and attempt to have a conversation with Abbey. I pretty much blow straight past her, but Sakura’s one of my closest friends. She knows how hard this must be for me to process.
I open her front door and head to one of her guest bedrooms, seeing the woman. Er, Abbey . . . sittin’ up in bed. She has an IV hooked to her and her bruises appear to be even worse than they were last night.
I’m completely caught in disbelief and behind my eyes I start to feel an intense warmth. “Abster, Is that you?” I call her only a nickname my true sister would know. When she was little she said she wanted to be a superhero. She’d go on and on about it, demanding I help her with a name. I got annoyed and came up with that. She was so little she didn’t realize I was screwin’ with her. She was just thrilled I helped her, smiled from ear to ear and all that.
“Dixon? I can’t believe it. I can’t believe you’re really here.” She says in disbelief, covering her hand over her eyes. I don’t know if she’s tryin’ to cover her face because she’s embarrassed or what. Though, I notice the intense bruises on the back of her hands and arms . . . only makin’ me want to gut someone.
I shut the door to the spare bedroom behind me so we can have some much-needed privacy and sit on the wooden chair next to the bed. “Before we get into this shit, I need to know how you found me.”
She pulls her hand away from her eyes, “My grandmother always kept tabs on you. After a while she stopped telling me where you were, but . . . she got diagnosed with cancer a few months back. She must’ve had a change of heart and well, she told me you were spotted in Vegas. I asked around and a few people told me they saw your name on one of these vests.”
“Cuts,” I correct her, “I’m sorry about your grandma.”
Abbey stares at me blankly, “No, you’re not. She was horrible to you. She let us get split up because you weren’t related to her.”
“It’s water under the bridge, kid. Shit worked out the way it should’ve. Kinda surprised you’ve got jet black hair and tats. Didn’t you end up going to that fancy Christian school she wanted to enroll you in?”
Abbey rolls her eyes, “Yeah, it was horrible.”
“I’m sorry I gotta do this, but I need to check.” I state, standin’ up to look behind her ear and sure enough I see the freckle. “Damn, you’re not shittin’ me.”
“I’m afraid not,” She nervously laughs.
“You said she told you months ago. Why’d you just come now?” I ask the question she probably doesn’t want to respond to.
“Pretty sure you can tell why now,” She mutters, strugglin’ to hold back tears as she points to her body. Rage boils through me at the sight of her. A series of blues and purples cover her tanned skin. I’m only left tryin’ to figure out who in the world would hurt her like this.
“Who did this, Abbey?” I only want to have to ask this once. And I sure as fuck don’t want her protectin’ some real piece of shit who the club and I need to pay a visit to.
She shakes her head from side to side, shutting her eyes even though the tears continue to spill through. “I can’t tell you. I’m sorry, but I can’t.”
“Why in the fuck are you protectin’ him!? Look what he fuckin’ did to you!!!” I scream, standin’ up from my chair I get so furious I pick it up and slam it onto the ground. “Do you not care about that? Do you just let this fucker get away with it?!”
Abbey’s eyes go wide and she starts shakin’ like a terrified dog. “I . . . I’m not protecting him, Dixon. I’m protecting you.”
“Are you fuckin’ kiddin’ me?! No way in the fuckin’ world are you protectin’ me, little girl. Now, tell me who the fuck did this to you so I can give him some much deserved payback.” I keep my voice raised, unable to bring it back down because I’m entirely too angry. Any man who puts a hand on a woman only deserves one thing— to be put six feet under.
“He will kill you, Dixon. He’ll fucking kill you. I just got you back and I can’t lose you again.”
I scoff, “Well, that’s a load of shit. Why the fuck did you even come here if you didn’t want my help? Hmm? You just came here to have a brother again? That it? Actually . . . wait, we know that ain’t it. You came here because you want your big, bad, biker of a brother to go break this fucker’s legs. And I will. But little girl, so help me God, you’d better give me this bastard’s name.”
The door to her bedroom comes bustin’ open and in comes Mouser. His face is flushed with red and I can tell the fucker isn’t happy. Too bad. I don’t give a fuck if he’s upset or not. “Get the fuck out. She’s been through enough already. She sure as fuck doesn’t need you screaming at her.” He hisses, glarin’ at me like the punk might have the balls to do somethin’.
I turn around and go chest to chest with him. “What you gonna do about it, prospect?”
Sakura appears in the frame of the door, lookin’ disgusted as Hell with me. “Dixon, get out of my patient’s room right now.” My entire upper body starts to shake a bit as I make my way out of Abbey’s room. Mouser slams the door shut behind me, stayin’ in the room with my sister.
“You can get the hell out of my house, and don’t come back until you’ve had a serious attitude adjustment.” Sakura growls, not even meetin’ my eyes.
“Fuck, I’m sorry I yelled at her. I just got so pissed she’s protectin’ whoever did that to her.” I explain, hopin’ my friend will understand.
She turns to me, eyes filled with rage and throws her hand up in the air. “If you think that’s the only reason I’m pissed at you . . . you have some serious thinking to do. You came into my house and disrespected the man I share it with. The man I fucking love, Dix. The person who means more to me than anything else on this planet. That isn’t okay, and friends don’t do that. Especially when he was only trying to stick up for your traumatized sister. Couldn’t you fucking tell she’s been through the ringer, or did you not care about all the fear she’s feeling right now? God, just . . . just get out. I can’t even bear to look at you right now.” Sakura opens the front door to her house and out I go.
Motherfucker.
This day really took a turn for the worst.
Chapter Sixteen
The
bravest thing you can do is be unafraid to feel
~ Bridgett Devoue
Indra
“Where we going?” Jalen asks from his car seat as I drive to the clubhouse. Tia was supposed to be carpooling with me, but she decided to be late so I gave her the address and told her to meet us there. Knowing her she hadn’t even left her house yet.
“We’re going to my friend’s house. Remember the friend I told you about, Dixon?”
“Yeah!” He exclaims. All I’ve really told Jalen about Dixon is how at his house there are motorcycles and other things boys like. He’s two and a half, so he doesn’t care about too much.
I texted Dixon earlier this afternoon and he told me he had somewhat of a bad start to the day. I didn’t inquire about it, thinking it would only end up further aggravating him. I turn left and pull down the lane that leads up to the homes and the clubhouse. Dixon pointed out which trailer was his, so I park my car next to where his bike is, turn the car off and exit the vehicle. As I’m unbuckling Jalen a pair of arms wrap around my waist, causing me to instantly smile.
Scooping Jalen up into my arms, I make my way out from the car and turn to see Dixon, who’s all smiles. “Hey Zen, how you doin’?”
“I’m great now,” I respond, smiling from ear to ear. Jalen furrows his brows at Dixon ‘causing me to giggle a bit. “Jalen, this is Dixon.”
“I’ve heard a lot about you lil’ man. Your momma might’ve told me how you love Hot Wheels. You know, I may have some Hot Wheels in my house . . . and maybe there’s a racetrack in there too.” Oddly enough, I feel like Dixon must’ve gone out to buy some things for Jalen. Knowing what I do about Dixon, he was probably so nervous for today.
“Wow!!!” Jalen hollers, kicking his legs. That’s his indicator he wants to walk around, so I kneel down and set him on the ground, making sure my hand is holding his.
“You know he wants to go inside and see the fun stuff now, right?” I ask Dixon, who nods.
“Yeah, c’mon. I wanted to show you somethin’ too.”
“Uh . . . what?”
Dixon smirks devilishly, “What’s the fun in a surprise if I tell you? Now c’mon, I’ve been waitin’ a week to show you this.”
Shaking my head, I shut the back door to my car and follow Dixon, leading Jalen up the three small stairs into his house. I’ve been in here twice before when it’s been disgustingly hot out. Dixon and I curled up on the couch to watch some horror movies, which are my favorite thing ever.
I shut the door behind us so the air conditioning doesn’t get out and Dixon leads us to the part of his house where he has an additional bedroom. I saw it once before and it was empty. Completely bare, with not one thing inside it. Even the ceiling fan that should’ve been installed was sitting in a box in the corner of the room.
We go into the room and suddenly it’s not the same muted gray it was the first time I saw it. Instead, it’s white with a green mountain painted on the wall behind a toddler bed made of pine. The comforter sheet is of dinosaurs in the jungle and the fitted sheets are a palm tree sort of design with gray areas. There’re a few pillows on top of the bed, with one of them being in the shape of a T-Rex’s head.
A small three drawer dresser sits under the window next to the bed, and I can see there aren’t typical types of knobs that open the drawers. As I get closer, I can see they’re different types of dinosaurs, sticking with the theme. Everywhere I look, I’m amazed with how much thought was put into this. On our second date I told him just how much Jalen loved T-Rexs and other dinosaurs. They’re his favorite things next to cars.
Before I even realize what’s happening Dixon’s wiping his fingers underneath my eyes. “Oh Zen, I didn’t do this to make you cry or nothin’.”
“No, I know that. You did this because you’re . . . you’re so kind and have such a good heart.”
“Nah, don’t go makin’ me look all special and shit. I only wanted you both to know that I’m not only seein’ you in my life for a really long time, but Jalen has a place here too. You’re a package deal.”
I stand up on my tippy toes and lean into Dixon, giving him a sweet kiss on the lips. Honestly, seeing him do this for Jalen when he hadn’t even met him yet just makes me want to rip his clothes off and show him how thankful I really am.
We’ve been seeing each other for a bit now and we still haven’t had sex. I’m not sure why, but he hasn’t pressured me. Although, if I’m being honest, I feel like I’m going to start pressuring him soon. We’ve gotten to know each other well from where I’m standing, so now I want to know what it’ll feel like to have his body wrapped around mine.
Jalen squeals when he sees the Hot Wheels and big monster truck sort of things. He runs over and immediately starts playing with the group of them. Meanwhile, Dixon takes my hand in his and walks us over to the oversized chair in the corner of the room. Next to it is a stack of books and a small circular rug is on the floor.
He pulls me onto his lap, smiling sweetly as he rakes his hand through my hair. “Thank you so much for doing this. It means a lot to me,” I tell him, looking into his blue eyes.
“Zen, you don’t have to thank me for this. I wanted to show you how important you both are to me.”
“Don’t tell me not to thank you. I will do it whenever I damn well please. When did you even do this?” I ask, still blown away.
“I finished up the smaller things today like takin’ off the crappy knobs and puttin’ those cool dino ones on.” He says.
“Didn’t you have a bad day so far?” I ask, thinking that’s my in to see if I can help him in any way.
“My day was . . . odd.” His eyes drift down to the floor and I can tell there’s something he isn’t telling me, but before I can ask he’s already talking again. “To make an incredibly long story short, I’ll sum it up. Last night we had a car run straight into one of the light poles. Pulled the girl out and Sakura and Cheyenne have been watchin’ her, makin’ sure she’s okay. Well, fast forward to this mornin’ and this chick isn’t just anyone. She’s my little sister, Indra. The one I was separated from when I was a kid after our mom died. Now, I’m thankful she’s here and we’ve been reunited and all that but . . . when we pulled her out of that car she had bruises all over her face and arms.”
As he’s telling me everything I’m blown away, thinking this is truly some sort of miracle for them to be reunited after all this time. “Of course, she would. Just from the accident alone she’d be bruised.” I try to say.
“No, Indra. She got into the car with those bruises. Someone did that to her and she won’t tell me who it is. I don’t know what the fuck she’s doin’ . . . besides pissin’ me off. Some asshole hurt her, put his fist against her flesh and beat her up like a damn bag in the boxin’ gym. You just don’t do that to women. It’s inexcusable. She told me she was tryin’ to protect me and I might’ve screamed at her. Then I got told off by Sakura and . . .” All of a sudden Dixon stops talking, wipes his hand over his face and overall looks very stressed.
“And what?” I ask.
“I was a dick to Mouser. That’s why Sakura’s pissed. I pretty much took my dick out and compared it to his in a manner of speakin’.” Great, they had a pissing contest. What is it with men doing things like that?
“Dick!” Jalen shouts, causing both Dixon and I to fight back smiles and laughter.
“No sweetie, you can’t say that word. Only when you’re big, like Dixon and I.”
“Dick, dick, dick!” Jalen continues on. I’m forced to cover my face so my little man can’t see how he just took a completely stressful situation and turned it into a hysterical one. Though, I can see Dixon’s expression and he’s biting his lip so hard in the mere attempt to stop Jalen from saying it again.
I doubt my conversation with Dixon is finished, but I know it’s going to be one long night. Honestly, it’ll probably be so tense because of what happened earlier too. Regardless, I know we’ll get through it.
Chapter Seven
teen
I am not impressed by beauty anymore. It is not difficult or extraordinary to turn someone on. However, if you have the ability to inspire me, if you have the ability to stimulate my mind and stir my thoughts— well, that makes you magic.
~ Unknown
Dixon
I knew the first day I met her she had a magnetic personality. From the first moment she slid across the booth I was enamored by her. She had a story and I could tell there was some rough shit in there. I have a tough past too, so it’s nice to be with a woman who’s experienced the shittier parts life has to offer. Although, she’s gone through a series of positive things too. Look at her now, she has Jalen after all.
“I take it my matchmaking services are on par,” Sakura says from beside me. I’m standin’ right behind the pool table, watching Indra chat with Kat and Ivy. We’ve turned the corner of the room into a masculine type of playroom. It has those padded mats you put on top of the floor. With the twins we know they’ll be crawling around and walkin’ before we can blink. Figurin’ there are many more kids to come over the comin’ years, it seemed like a smart move.
“They’re not too shabby,” I mutter in response, crossin’ my arms. She and I haven’t spoken since earlier, which isn’t typical for us. As much as I don’t want to, I know I have to apologize.
Turnin’ my head to the right, I look down at her. “Listen, I’m sorry for bein’ an ass earlier.”
Sakura rolls her eyes and scoffs. “You realize you shouldn’t be apologizing to me, right? I can handle your attitude.”
If she’s insinuating I need to apologize to Mouser, tough shit. He has two sisters. The bastard should understand what came over me. If one of his sisters was in this position, he would’ve reacted in the same way. “Don’t stand here and act like you two would’ve reacted differently,” I grumble, keepin’ my eyes right on her.
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