by A. R. Breck
“Fucking steal.” One of his members mumbles. He looks high as a fucking kite.
A few of Santiago’s men open up the back of the truck and unveil blanket covered crates. They take the blanket off, and the most beautiful rifles stare back at me.
Lynx walks over and looks them over. Easton and I stand in the back and I have to say, the guns look good. Guns like this don’t normally get traded up north.
“Mmmm.” Lynx mumbles as he handles one. He checks to make sure it’s loaded, cocks it, and shoots off into the distance.
Aziel whistles. “Shit.”
Aziel nods to Cassius, who goes to his bike and grabs a large suitcase strapped to the side. Walking over to Santiago, he opens it up, revealing multiple stacks of cash. Santiago nods to one of his men, who walk over and grab the suitcase from Cassius.
West and Jex walk over to the van and grab the cases of guns. Easton pops the trunk, and they start moving the crates to the back of the car.
“Always good dealing with you, Santiago.” Lynx starts pulling on his leather gloves as he nods at Santiago.
“Lynx, I got another proposition for you.” Santiago smiles, and I immediately go on guard. I don’t like the slimy look on his face. It reminds me too much of Sanders.
“I’d like to start expanding. You know, build my zone a little bit over the border.”
Lynx frowns. “The fuck you talkin’ ‘bout, Santiago?”
“Well, with Sanders gone, there are many moving pieces. I think it’s all but fair that we shift our zones a little bit so we can expand.”
“That’s not how it works.” Easton steps forward. I don’t blame his anger. There are rules and guidelines each cartel and club have to abide by. You can’t just expand your region because you fucking want to.
Santiago holds his hands up. “That’s why I thought I’d bring it up here and now, you know, before I actually started moving forward with it.”
“You’re not coming on my territory, Santiago.”
Santiago scowls. “I don’t think you have much of a say, Lynx. My empire is building. Things are messy down south. I don’t want your entire region. I just think with Sanders gone…” He shrugs. “We can all shift around a little bit to make things work.”
“No.” Lynx growls.
Santiago laughs. “I wasn’t asking for your permission.”
Easton steps forward. “You’re lucky we even let you do business over here. Stay in your fucking lane. We’ll have your head before you stick your feet in the sand.”
Santiago leans his head back and barks out a laugh. “You, my boy, are foolish. Foolish and young. Don’t worry, you’ll learn.”
“You’ll be gut like a fish if you try expanding on my territory.”
“It’s not a try, Easton. It’s when.” Santiago turns around and barks over his shoulder. “You’ll be hearing from us soon, gentlemen. Until then, have a pleasant day.” He waves a hand to his men and they all pile back into the vehicles.
They speed off, leaving a cloud of dust much like they did when they came.
Easton looks at me. “Fuck.”
I grab a cigarette, sparking it up as I watch the vans disappear into the distance. “Fuck, indeed.”
16
Cara
This really is something else.
I watch the ocean ripple and brush against my toes, the cool water a shock on this warm day. It’s exactly like Rose said.
There’s no describing the ocean. You have to see it for yourself.
It’s big and blue. The water goes so far in front of me it’s like the end of the world. Does it go on forever? Does it eventually drop into nothingness?
This is something I never thought I’d experience, and not something I’m thinking I might ever be able to see again, so I soak up every ounce of water, curling my toes into the warm sand and loving the feel of the sun warming my skin.
“Like I said, beautiful, right?” Rose says from beside me, laid out on a towel as she soaks up the sun.
I haven’t been able to find the ability to sit down. I’m amazed of my surroundings and it does something to my insides. It’s like there’s been something missing inside of me for years, and just looking out at the ocean I’ve finally found it.
What is it, though?
I continue to stand here in one of Rose’s bikinis that somehow fit me, a coverup covering my growing stomach, and my hand curled over the bump. Even if the baby doesn’t get to see this, it still gets to experience it. I feel so overjoyed in this moment that it makes me tearful.
“Cara?” Rose says again, snapping me out of my trance.
“Huh?” I blink away the tears and look down at Rose.
She smiles knowingly. “Don’t worry. I got emotional the first time I saw the ocean, too. I said, it’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, it really is. So amazing.”
I finally sit down on the towel next to hers, and she laces her fingers through mine. “You think the guys are all right?”
I sigh.
When they left this morning, there were no worries from any of us of something going wrong. Jackson was more concerned if I was feeling better, and Easton and Rose were bickering about Rose’s swimsuit. No words were even mentioned about their run. I think I’d just rather pretend that they’re out running errands, they’ll come back later, we’ll head to a party and then come back to our hotel.
I woke up feeling refreshed. We never made it down to the beach last night. When the boys left, Rose made me eat some crackers and juice. I passed out for the night right after that. When I woke up, my migraine was gone and all I could think about was getting out to the beach.
Once the boys left, we were out the door within five minutes and have been down here ever since. It’s been hours, and the boys are due back anytime. I’m feeling a little apprehensive about heading to the clubhouse tonight.
What happens if I meet the girl who shoved me down when Jackson found out I was pregnant? I almost worry that I’ll lose my shit. Or even worse, Rose will. She’s not scrappy in the slightest, and I don’t want her to get into a fight that she shouldn’t even be involved in in the first place. That would just cause so many unnecessary issues. I’m wondering if I can stay here. Feign another migraine.
I think Jackson would see right through it. Rose definitely would, and she wouldn’t go to the clubhouse without me, so Easton would lose his shit.
Yeah, I’m trapped.
“I think they’re fine.”
“You think who’s fine?” Come a growl behind us, and we whip our heads around. There stands Easton and Jackson. Jackson’s eyes glow in the sun as he stares down at my relaxed form. His eyes zone into my stomach, and I self-consciously lay my hand over my bump.
His nostrils flare.
“Oh shit, you’re back!” Rose leaps up and jumps into Easton’s arms. “I was wondering how long you were going to be. Everything went okay? No issues?”
“None at all.” Easton says, wrapping his arms around Rose and lifting her in the air. She doesn’t notice, but I see out of the corner of my eye when he gives Jackson a look.
It’s not an alarming look, but it’s something.
I look up at Jackson, and he doesn’t notice my stare until a moment too late. He looks down at me and freezes. I narrow my eyes at him, interrogating him without saying the words.
He narrows his eyes back, blanking out his face and shutting down.
Great, no getting through that brick wall now.
“When did you want to head out?” Rose says to Easton, arms encircling his neck and legs draped over his arms.
“I’m ready whenever you are.” He smacks a kiss on her lips. He turns to me and his eyes widen. “Shit Cara, I didn’t realize you were that.” He brings his hand in front of his stomach, rounding it out like I have a fucking house attached to me. “Pregnant.” He ends.
I frown at him, sitting up so the bump isn’t so prominent. “Wow, thanks Easton. Fucking dickhead.”
I swallow down the lump of embarrassment in my throat. I know I’m not the most attractive when I’m pregnant, I’m too damn short and I feel wider than I am tall. I didn’t want to bare myself in the bikini, but Rose made me feel more comfortable.
Then Easton had to come and ruin in.
It’s honestly men. That’s all it is. They have no sense of discretion or emotions and are really just fucking idiots. Seriously.
“What the hell?” Easton barks.
“Dude.” Jackson moans.
By the time Easton responds, we’re too far up the beach to the hotel that I can’t hear his response.
“Don’t listen to him. He’s so damn dense sometimes.” Rose sighs.
“I’m not mad. I’m … I just fucking hate this, Rose. I hate being pregnant. I never feel good and I feel really uncomfortable and this just isn’t fun, at all.” I cry. “And I feel like a damn whale.”
Rose wraps her arms around me and gives me a hug. “Please stop. Just stop. Let’s go and have a good time tonight. Forget about the pregnancy and Easton and everything else. Let’s get looking hot so we can piss the guys off even more, okay?”
“Okay.”
“No.” Both Easton and Jackson say at the same time.
Rose looks over at me with a sly look on her face. Looking back towards Easton, she gives him a pitiful look. “Sorry, no can do.”
He scowls. “What do you mean, no can do? You absolutely can. Go change, now.” He points towards our suitcases and turns towards Jackson. “I need a cigarette. You comin’?”
Jackson stares at me. Stares hard. “Why the fuck are you wearin’ that?”
Rose was dead serious when she said she was having us wear something sexy tonight. Rose is wearing a crop top with black leather shorts and black pumps. Out of the clothes Rose gave me, she picked out a black jean skirt and a white ribbed top that molds to my curves. Both the skirt and the shorts are way too short and both the tops are way too tight, but they still look good.
I might feel like a whale, but looking in the mirror, I look hot. Smoking. Pregnancy has made my ass fill out and my breasts grow, and I look good. Really good. Even the top somehow makes my baby bump look more flattering instead of unflattering.
“Why not?” I shrug, picking lint off my skirt.
He narrows his eyes. “I’m just wondering… are you trying to piss me off? Is there something I’m not getting here?”
“No, why?” I play dumb, my voice light and airy against his rough and feral tone.
“Quit playing stupid, Cara. Trying to find some dick tonight? Cause I can guarantee, any dick that goes near you gets torn off with my bare hands.” He lifts his hands up, and my coy smile falls flat.
“Why do you have to get all creepy like that?” I plant my hands on my hips, watching from the corner of my eyes as Rose rolls her eyes and steps on the balcony after Easton.
“I’m not getting all anything. You let any man step within a foot of you.” He points to me, “Or it.” He points to my stomach. “I’m ripping the guy’s cock off and shoving it down his throat.”
I walk up to him and pat him on the chest, looking a lot more confident than I’m feeling. “Okay, tough guy. Let’s go.”
I walk away, and he snaps my wrist up in his grip and hauls me towards him. I fall against his chest and look up into his possessive eyes. His grip is tight around my wrist and I don’t think he has any intention of letting go. “I really don’t think it’s a good idea.”
“And I think it’s laughable that you think any guy will come anywhere near me looking like this. It’s a waste of energy to fight right now. Either you let me wear this or I’m staying here.”
“Come on, Jackson! Let the girl go and move it!” Rose barks from the doorway. I glance over at her and see Easton standing behind her with a pissed off look on his face.
Jackson releases my wrist, and I rub it with my free hand. “I’m not changing.” I whisper to him.
He brings his thumb up and brushes my lips. Leaning in, he breathes in my ear. “You really are trouble, you little fucking menace. It’s their funeral.” He presses his lips against mine in a kiss that steals my breath. I lean in for more, but he’s already gone, spinning on his heels and walking out the door.
My eyes flutter open, and I see Rose still standing in the doorway. Her eyes are wide, and his jaw is unhinged, hanging in utter shock.
“Girl, you are so fucked.”
“Holy shit.” I mumble in the backseat next to Rose.
Easton slows to a stop right in front of a building surrounded by a tall, impenetrable wall. What is this place? I mean, I get it’s for a clubhouse full of bikers, who probably are involved in a novel’s worth of criminal activity. But—this shit? This wall is like some President of the United States, the Pope, drug lord type barrier between me and whatever is behind this wall.
Just a whole lot of intimidating.
“Oh, sup guys? Hold up, I’ll let you in.” Some guy says. He looks younger than I would expect someone here to be. He has curly, sandy brown hair and an innocent baby face. Funny that he works here though, because I’m sure he’s at least a few years older than me.
“Thanks, Charlie.” Easton says as he rolls up the window. He glances over at Jackson and there’s that look again. Not like anything is wrong, but like something could be wrong.
I glance over at Rose to see if she noticed the look, but her eyes are locked on the surroundings. The gate slides open, and behind it are at least fifty bikes lined up along the building. Multiple fire pits are set up in the yard with groups of people surrounding them. Men are dressed in cuts and jeans. Women are dressed in leather so tight there’s no fucking way it’s comfortable.
Heads turn our way as we pull into park. Probably wondering why we’re in a car and not on a motorcycle.
I don’t know much about The Seven. I’ve met Aziel a few times from when he’s come to Minnesota with his dad—Link? Lynx?
The Seven.
Seven Sins.
I’m not sure what or who represent each sin. Maybe it’s just a general name? Or maybe each of them are named after a certain sin.
Which sin is Aziel, I wonder?
Easton turns off the car and we all hop out.
“Easton! Jackson!” Comes a booming voice from across the yard.
Aziel’s dad, Link/Lynx comes over with a beaming smile. “Glad you guys could make it!” He looks us over, his eyes only slightly widening when he sees my bump. “These must be the ladies you guys were keeping from us. Hi, I’m Lynx.” Ahh, Lynx.
He reaches his hand out, and Rose takes his large paw in her dainty grip. “Rose.”
He rolls her name around in his mouth, his dimples popping out and making me soften. Shit, isn’t this like the president or something? I bet he has women swarming all over him.
Oh yeah, that’s the other thing I heard about The Seven. None of them have women. Wives, old ladies, whatever they’re called.
Nope. None of them have ever held a woman down. Whether it’s on them or the women, I don’t know. I’ve never really paid much attention, but now that I look around, I’m finding myself increasingly curious.
He sticks his hand out in front of me and I place my hand in his. “Cara.”
“Rose. Cara.” He smiles again, and whistles. “You two look like you got your hands full. Good luck with them.”
Easton walks over and drapes his arm over Rose’s shoulders. Staring into Rose’s eyes, he gives he a look that even I can’t read. Some secret conversation passes between them until Rose looks back at Lynx. “You could say that.”
Lynx laughs and slaps him on the back. “Grab yourself a beer. Jex is grilling, so go get yourself something to eat and chill out.” He slaps Jackson on the back and walk
s off.
Jackson comes and stands suspiciously close to me. Tension thickens the air to the point it’s hard to breathe. I look around and see a group of men staring at us.
Ah ha.
I roll my eyes as we start walking towards the grill. The man called Jex has a freaky looking scar down the side of his face. He’s talking to someone who I can’t see because his back is turned to me. But every time Jex smiles, his lips curve in an unnatural way because of the scar. It’s oddly… sexy. You think that having such an alarming scar on half of your face would make you into something out of a horror movie, but there’s just something about his aura that makes him seem attractive.
Jex spots us and nods his head at the man in front of him. He turns around, and I see it’s Aziel Jex is talking to.
Aziel.
Another good-looking guy. Or is it all of them? Aziel with his dark features and intimidating presence, he reminds me a lot of Easton in that sense.
“Easton. Jackson.” He lifts his beer. Much more subdued than his father.
“Aziel.” Easton says.
Aziel nods his head towards a cooler off to the side. “Help yourself to some beer. The hard stuff is inside if you want it. Barbi is manning the bar.”
Barbi? Is that the slut from The Pit?
Aziel spots my scowl and smiles. “Cara, is it?” He looks down at my stomach. “How are you feelin’?”
“Okay, I guess.” My irritation gets the best of me. “Is that slut from The Pit here? Cause I’m sayin’, I’m really not in the mood to fight tonight. And I don’t think Jackson would like it too much if I were to start scrappin’ when I’m pregnant.”
Silence.
Easton bites his lip and looks down at Rose.
Rose looks at me in laughter.
Jackson scowls in anger.
Aziel bursts out laughing, tipping his head back as he lets out howling laughter.
“You really do have a feisty one, don’t you Jackson?” He lays his hand on Jackson’s shoulder. “Babe, I don’t know if Taylor is coming tonight or not, but if I happen to see her, I’ll gladly kick her whore ass out, so you and Jackson don’t start World War III up in this clubhouse, all right?” He keeps laughing and shakes his head. “Fuck, you’re feisty.”