by Sarah Bale
“Hi,” I babble, nervously. “Can I help you?”
He eyes the contents in my hands. “Making a sandwich?”
“Yeah. Jas said I could eat before it got busy. I hope that’s okay.”
He nods. “Of course. Mind making me one?”
“Sure.” I look around. “Do you know where the utensils are?”
“I’ll grab a knife. Bread’s in the box on the counter.”
I put my items on the island and go to the box. “White or wheat?”
“Surprise me.”
I grab the wheat and take it back to the island. He’s waiting with a knife. I take it and open the mayo. He’s silent while I make the sandwiches, which is kind of unnerving. When I’m finished, I hand him one.
He takes a bite and lets out a little moan that makes my stomach flutter. “God. Can’t remember the last time I had a turkey sandwich.”
“Really?”
He grins. “Scout’s honor.”
“Well, I’m glad you like it.” I smile. “I’m Olivia, by the way.”
“The new bartender, right?”
“Yes.” I pause. “I’m sorry, if I met you last night, I’ve forgotten your name.”
“I’m King, Saint’s right-hand man. Got a last name, Olivia?” At my look, he says, “I’m assuming you didn’t fill out your new hire paperwork?”
“Oh. No, I guess I didn’t. My last name is Mayhem.”
“Mayhem? That’s fucking awesome.”
It’s not, not really. It’s not even my parents’ last name. They thought they were being super clever when they gave me an original last name. Of course, that’s just the first thing of many that they did to me that was fucked up.
“Do you need anything else for the paperwork? I can bring my license in tomorrow.”
He replies, “Nope. Thanks for the sandwich, Olivia.”
He leaves, so I grab my sandwich, eating as fast as I can. It hits the spot and I wash my hands when I’m finished. Loud laughter comes from the main room, so I know my break is over. I go back out and find Jas leaning over the bar kissing a very hairy man. When he pulls back, I’m surprised to see it’s Grizzly, the guy from the other night. He says something to Jas and then goes to a table where a group of men sit. Jas sees me staring and grins.
“Isn’t he hot? Way better than the dickhead I was dating before.”
“I think I’ve seen him at another bar before.”
She nods, wiping the bar top down. “He’s usually at a bar on the other side of town, but he’s here tonight, since the club had Church.”
I join her side. “I hope I don’t sound dumb, but why did they have Church today? It’s not Sunday.”
She throws her head back, laughing loudly. “Oh god. You’re cute, you know that, Olivia? It’s not church church. It’s when the Prez holds a meeting. All the club members have to come.”
It’s all Greek to me, so I nod.
“I’m going to work the floor. You good over here?”
“Yeah, I’m fine.”
She grabs a tray and towel and sashays to a table where the men give her the appropriate whistles and catcalls. I shake my head, smiling.
Bash comes over and sits. “Hey Olivia. Can I have a beer?”
I grab him the brand he asked for last night and hand it to him. He takes a long sip, his throat working as he swallows.
“Damn, that’s good.”
“I’ll take your word for it. Beer’s not my thing.”
He grins. “Let me guess, you like fruity drinks with little umbrellas in them?”
“I’m more of a root beer kind of girl, to be honest.”
I never drink. I can’t afford to lose control. Ever.
“Root beer?” His eyebrow lifts. “I can’t even remember the last time I had root beer.”
I shrug. “I won’t say no to cream soda, either.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
There’s a loud commotion from across the room, and Bash sighs.
“Guess I better get those fuckers in line.”
He finishes his beer and crosses the room to where two men stand, looking like they want to rip each other head’s off. Bash says something and both men back down, even though they’re both bigger than him. One of the guys hands him a drink and then they’re all laughing. Guys are weird.
Jas comes behind the bar, grabbing a bottle of tequila. “Damn, the guys are ready to party tonight.”
She takes the bottle to the table where Bash is, and they all take sips, passing it around. Someone cranks up the music and the room grows wilder, if that’s possible, but I feel safe behind the bar. Until Psycho comes up, eyeing me.
“Get me a beer, bitch.”
My eyes widen. “Excuse me?”
He leans over the bar. “Did I stutter? Get me a beer. Now.”
My hands shake as I reach down, getting a bottle of the brand he’s been guzzling all night. When I put it in front of him, his expression changes.
“What in the fuck is this?” He swipes his hand, knocking the bottle off the bar, where it shatters.
“I-I’m sorry. I thought that’s what you wanted.”
“You thought wrong, you little bitch.” He gives me a disgusted look. “Guess I’m going to have to train you.”
Fear explodes in my body, and I back away from him. But I think he must like the fact that he’s scared me, because he leans over the bar even more. I back up until my back is touching the wall, but it’s still not far enough.
“You’ll be kneeling by the time I’m finished with you.”
I try to form words, but my throat is too dry. My hand touches the wall behind me and I wish I had a weapon. Anything to protect myself.
Psycho opens his mouth to say something else at the same time a hand connects with his jaw. His head swings to the side in slow motion. Blood and spit spray into the air and he makes a sound as he falls to the floor. I look up and see Saint standing over Psycho. He’s saying something to him, but I can’t make out the words. Then he turns to me, the look on his face softening.
“Olivia. Are you okay?”
I nod. “Yeah. I-I…”
Psycho still hasn’t stood up.
Saint comes around the bar, moving slowly toward me.
“I’m sorry he upset you.”
“How did you know?”
He moves closer, reaching out to steady me with his strong hands. “I was watching the security cameras.”
“Oh.” I let out a shaky breath. “Thank you.”
“There’s no need to thank me.”
“Is he- is he okay?”
Saint glances over his shoulder. “He’ll be fine. Are you okay?”
I nod again. My pulse is slowing and I don’t feel as scared as before.
He looks me over and says, “We’re not very busy. Why don’t you head on out.”
“Are you firing me?”
“No. But you’re upset. You should take the rest of the night off.”
I start to protest, but he holds up his hand. “Don’t argue. You’ll still get paid for tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.” He calls out, “Bash.”
Bash looks over, eyes widening. He crosses the room in large strides, stepping over Psycho.
“What happened?”
Saint ignores his question. “Can you give her a ride back to her place?”
“Sure thing.” He looks at me. “You ready?”
“Uh, sure?” I’m not sure why it comes out as a question.
“Come on.”
He leads me toward the hallway, away from where Psycho is on the floor, and takes me out the side door.
“My car is this way.”
“You have a car?”
He smiles. “Of course. Can’t ride the bike year-round. Gets too cold during the winter.”
We go to a large building with several garage doors. He punches a code into a keypad and one of the doors open.
I gasp when is see the beauty sitting in the spot. “Is that a ‘65
GTO?”
He stops right in his tracks. “You know cars? Olivia, I think we might be soulmates.”
I make a full circle around the black beauty, admiring the car. The way the light bounces off the glossy paint. The attention to details. The black leather seats.
“Bash, this car is amazing.”
He points over his shoulder. “Some of the guys are into refurbishing old cars. This was my first project and I couldn’t part with her when I was finished.”
“Her?” I grin. “Does she have a name?”
“Big Easy.”
“Wow. That’s… interesting.”
He laughs. “I like to keep things interesting.”
He opens my door and I slide onto the leather seat. When he gets in, he smiles.
“I think I’ve died and gone to heaven,” I say, patting the cushioned seat.
He starts the engine, and I gasp.
“Yeah, definitely dead.”
“I rebuilt the motor with original parts. She’s not as fast as some of the other cars I’ve built, but she gets the job done.”
The engine hums as we take off. I wish I had more time to look at the other cars in the shop, but I’m starting to feel tired. Must be an adrenaline crash.
As if sensing my thoughts, Bash asks, “What happened with Psycho?”
“He came up to the bar and told me to get him a beer. When I gave him the same brand he’d been drinking all night, he knocked it to the floor. And then he said he guessed he was going to have to train me.” I swallow. “I feel silly, but he really scared me.”
My voice quivers and I have to stop talking. Otherwise, I’m going to cry.
“Shit.”
“I’m not sure if I overreacted or if he was even serious, but I backed up to get away from him. The next thing I know, Saint was there and Psycho was on the floor.”
“That doesn’t surprise me. Saint’s not a fan of Psy. There’s been beef there for years, from what I understand.” He snorts. “Probably all goes back to a chick or a bike.”
“Chick? I thought he was…” I pause, flushing. “Anyway, I just hope I didn’t overreact.”
“You didn’t. Psycho… well, he comes by his nickname honestly. He’s reckless and has a temper.”
“Well, I guess that makes me feel a bit better.”
“I’m just glad you weren’t hurt. He’s been known to throw bottles at people.”
“Why does he get away with behavior like that?”
Bash shrugs. “Loyal men are hard to come by.”
We turn down a road and I’m shocked to realize we’re already to the campus.
“How did you know where I live?”
“Saint texted me before we left the club.” He smiles. “You’re the first college girl I’ve ever taken home before.”
I notice he didn’t say whether he’s taken a college guy home before. It’s not my business, so I don’t ask. He pulls up in front of my dorm, coming to a stop.
“Looks pretty dead around here. Shouldn’t there be people having frat parties or something?”
“It’s dead because everyone is moving out since the semester is over.” I pause, feeling depressed. “I haven’t even started looking for a place to stay for the summer.”
He eyes me. “A place to stay? How long is your summer break?”
“Two and a half months.” I open the door. “I shouldn’t be complaining. I could be worse off.”
But it still sucks.
“Well, thanks for the ride, Bash. See you tomorrow.”
He nods and waits until I reach the door before taking off. When I get into my room, Lucy is gone. I notice she’s packed up most of her stuff and there’s a pile of empty boxes on my side of the room. I should start packing, but I just don’t have it in me, so I flop belly first onto my bed, putting my face in my pillow.
My thoughts go to Saint and the club. Maybe I’m crazy for working there. In two nights, I’ve had two separate things trigger me. Saint’s been there both times to help, but I can’t rely on him forever. Plus, it’s not good for me to feel so… out of control.
Sitting, I pull my phone out and send a text. The sense of relief I feel is amazing, so I know I’m doing the right thing.
Next on my list: find a place to stay for the summer.
7
Bash
I try not to make it obvious as I watch Olivia go inside, but she glances over her shoulder right before she gets to her door and gives me a shy smile. She’s not much younger than me, but right now I feel a million times older. She’s doing things people our age ought to do. I, on the other hand, am a poster-child for what not to do.
Join the military and then going AWOL after deciding I didn’t want to kill innocent people, which led to being locked up for two years and being dishonorably discharged? Check.
Join a motorcycle club because my family disowned me for the above reason? Check.
Miss out on dating sweet as hell college girls for both reasons above?
I look in my rearview mirror.
Double Check.
I get back to the club a little after midnight. Things are in full swing and it makes me glad that I didn’t go out on my bike. Otherwise I’d have to park in Bumfuck, Nowhere. When I enter the club, Razor’s at the door with a chick on each arm. They’re both topless and practically humping his leg. He grins when he sees me.
“Want to join?”
Wouldn’t be the first time we’ve share chicks before, but I’m not in the mood.
“Nah, man. I need a drink.”
For some reason I can’t shake the ball of stress that’s right between my shoulder blades. Jas isn’t at the bar, so I go behind, grabbing a bottle of tequila. Unscrewing the lid, I take a long swing that leaves a trail of fire burning down my throat. When that doesn’t do the job, I take another swig. And another. And another, until I feel the numbing sensation I’ve been craving.
Someone calls me over, so I head their way. I’m surprised to find my legs are a bit wobbly, but I man up and push through. I’m almost to the table when King comes to my side.
“The Prez wants to speak to you.”
“Prez?”
Fuck.
“He’s not happy.”
“I gathered that much when you didn’t say his name.” I take another long drink and put the bottle down. “Let’s get this over with.”
King slaps me on the shoulder. “That’s the spirit.”
I’m glad I have him to lean on as we walk. Maybe I drank more than I realized. We reach Saint’s office, and King goes in first.
“Is he with you?” Saint snaps.
“Right behind me.”
I stumble in and lean against the wall for support. Saint eyes me before standing. If I were smarter, I’d feel some sense of fear with the way he’s looking at me right now. He stops in front of me and the next thing I know I’m on the floor, holding my jaw, where pain radiates as if my fucking face is busted open.
I close my eyes.
Yeah. I probably deserved that.
Saint
Bash slumps over, passing out. His jaw is bright red from where I decked him, but he’ll live.
King curses and goes to the fridge in the corner of my office, grabbing an ice pack. “Dude, what in the fuck’s gotten into you?”
“Bash said he’d keep Psy away from her.”
Bash comes to at the sound of his name and groans as he sits. King tosses him the ice pack, and Bash cradles it against his jaw.
“I was doing my job and breaking up a fight on the floor, Saint. I wasn’t out there, dicking around.”
The logical side of my brain knows he’s right, but fuck that. The look of terror etched on Olivia’s face might be burned into my memory forever.
Bash says, “She’s fine, man. He didn’t even touch her.”
Ignoring him, I turn to King. “I want Psycho out of here.”
King’s eyes widen. “Saint-”
“I mean it. He’s been fucking up lef
t and right and I’m tired of dealing with him. Call one of the chapters and see who has an opening.” I think for a moment. “Start out with the clubs on the west coast.”
Because I want that fucker out of my hair. The farther the better. The only reason I’ve kept him around this long is because his old man was friends with mine. But I don’t owe any of them shit.
King’s jaw ticks, but he nods. “I’ll take care of it.”
I’m sure he’s only thinking of what kind favors we’ll owe to get another club to take Psycho, but it’s well worth it in my mind.
I look at Bash. “We good?”
“Of course we are.”
He stands and holds out his hand, so I slap my palm into his.
“Did you drop her off at her dorm?”
A look flickers across his face, but he nods. “Yeah.”
“Good. I’m going to check on her.”
“Saint.”
I turn to King. “What?”
“If she means this much to you, you need to brand her. That will stop anything else like this from happening.”
I swear to fucking god the air solidifies in my fucking throat. “I’ll take it under advisement.”
King rolls his eyes, and Bash looks a little shell-shocked. I’ve never put my brand on a woman. Hell, I’ve never even considered it with anyone. Not even my-
Suddenly, I need to get the fuck out of here.
“I’ll be back tomorrow. Call if you need me.”
I head outside to the shop and grab my helmet. A few of the guys try to talk to me, but I ignore them. I pull out and let loose once I’m on the main road. The cool air whips across my face as I speed out of town, until I’m the only soul in sight.
I don’t know what in the fuck King is thinking, suggesting I brand Olivia. I just met her. And she’s too fucking young for me. But there’s something about her that’s gotten to me - I can admit that much. That doesn’t mean I’m going to act on my urges though. No, I won’t make that mistake ever again.
The club is silent when I roll up early the next morning. I’m tired as fuck, but my mind is crystal clear. I go to Bash’s room and enter without knocking. You’d think he’d learn to lock his door by now, or change the code to something I don’t know. He’s spread out on his bed, totally nude. I’m actually surprised that he doesn’t have a chick in bed with him.