by K E Osborn
As I make my way out to the vending machine to grab Phantom and me some snacks, my cell vibrates in my jeans. I yank it out seeing my brother’s name pop up on the screen. Every part of me wants to not answer, but with him in town, it won’t take much for him and the Heathens to find out where Defiance is staying, and I don’t want the Heathens to come knocking.
So I rush around the back of the motel and swipe to answer the call. “What? What the fuck do you want?”
He chuckles. “Oh, I see. Growing balls now you have the big, bad Phantom protecting you, huh?”
“What you did today was stupid and reckless.”
“What I did today was to remind you where you come from. But Phantom is definitely protective of you, so it’s obvious to me now you’re doing a great job of letting them think you’re a part of them.”
“This is crazy! You could have blown everything. Blown my cov—”
“Maybe you’re starting to like it there a little too much. You’re getting far too fucking comfortable. Maybe I need to pull you from this little operation?”
The thought of leaving sends a chill right through my body, freezing my veins, making my breath catch. “No!” Abruptly, I end the call and shove my cell into my pocket with a little more aggression than is necessary. My hands visibly shake as I lean against the side of the motel, just taking a few deep breaths.
I stood up to Rage.
For the first time in a long time.
There will be ramifications.
But I don’t want to be pulled out or more importantly, outed.
I don’t want to leave.
I don’t want to talk to Rage.
Ever again!
Gathering myself into some kind of normal state, I pull my shit together and walk back around to the main area of the motel to see everyone standing out the front of their rooms.
What in the hell?
Making my way up to Phantom, I snuggle into his side, and he leans in pressing his lips to the top of my head. “What’s going on?” I ask.
“I have no idea. We got told to come outside for a briefing.”
The entire club is standing outside, but I can’t help but notice that Kevlar, Thayleah, and the two kids are missing. Sunshine glances around everywhere for them, too, when Zero takes a step forward.
“Yo shut the fuck up. There is something important I need to tell everyone. It might be concerning, and I don’t want to shock you all—”
“Where’s Kevlar and the kids?” Sunshine calls out, fear etched deeply in the lines on her forehead.
He raises his hands to placate her. “That’s what we’re here to discuss, Sunshine. They went missing an hour ago.”
Her hand snaps to her mouth in shock while everyone else gasps.
Koda steps forward. “Where the fuck is Thayleah?”
“She’s gone too.”
“Jesus Christ! We have to go find them,” Koda blurts out.
They don’t know who took them, but I bet I do.
Suddenly, music starts playing from behind us all. “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi blares from behind us, and we all spin to see Thayleah walking toward us with the kids on little mini motorbikes either side of her. She’s there to make sure they don’t fall by the looks of it.
“The fuck, Zero?” Koda blurts out in anger.
Sunshine steps forward to meet her stepchildren as they ride up to her. Sadie hands Sunshine a single yellow rose, and as Lucas jumps off his bike, he hands her a little gift bag.
Bon Jovi continues to sing while Kevlar walks down from the back, carrying a huge bunch of yellow roses, with the biggest smile on his face while we all widen our eyes.
Oh shit! This was all staged, and Zero was in on it.
Asshole.
Sunshine lets out a small sob as Kevlar steps up to her, handing her the flowers and leans in kissing her hard. “I fucking love you.”
She whimpers, holding on tight. “I love you, too… so much.”
Thayleah moves in, grabbing the flowers from Sunshine, so Kevlar can take the small gift bag and pulls out a ring box. I slide my hand into Phantom’s, squeezing his tighter. He leans into me as Kevlar bends down on one knee, displaying the ring to Sunshine. “Jovie, you brighten my world with sunshine. You are the best mother my kids could ever want or need. You came into my life right when I needed you. Puke on the streets of Nawlin’s and all…”
Everyone laughs, even me, though I am yet to hear that story, but boy do I want to because it sounds like a doozy.
“I thought I would never do this again. I would never move on from Em, but sometimes people are lucky enough to have two great loves. And you, Jovie, are my second great love… will you marry me?”
She bounces on her toes, nodding her head dramatically, and places her hand out. “Of course!”
Sadie and Lucas both jump up and down, rushing into Sunshine and Kevlar while they embrace, hugging together as a family while the rest of us cheer.
Leaning in, I plant a kiss on Phantom’s cheek. He chuckles. “You getting all girly on me?”
“It’s just so sweet.”
“I’m pregnant!” Someone yells over the chaos, and we all turn to see where that came from.
Cherry stands, white as a sheet, panting for breath like she’s been dying to get that news out for a long time. Everyone slowly turns to look at Zero, whose expression is unreadable. He clears his throat, walking over to his Old Lady, then taking her hands in his.
Cherry’s eyes flood with tears as she slowly shakes her head. “I’m sorry. I’ve been meaning to tell you. I just didn’t know how. Then with all this excitement, it just came flying out!”
“That’s why you’ve been unwell, the dizziness, the feeling sick?” he asks.
She shoots her eyes to Chills.
Zero follows her line of sight and he exhales. “You knew?”
Chills shrugs. “I’m the club doctor, it’s my job to know when people aren’t well. I could tell she wasn’t right, so we ran some tests and—”
“When did you find out?”
Cherry hesitates, then he glares at her. “Three weeks ago—”
“Rayne!”
“I know, but you’re always saying we need to wait because the club comes first… and…” she places her hand on her stomach, her eyes glistening, “… I’m already attached.”
Zero’s hand slides out, shifting over Cherry’s on her stomach. It’s like something in him clicks. A lightbulb goes off that he’s going to be a father. She moves her hand from beneath his, his fingers splay out on her stomach. “I’m going to be a dad?”
Cherry nods her head. “Yeah… we’re pregnant.”
Zero’s face lights up, and that’s when he bends down to her stomach as if he’s trying to see inside. “You stay healthy in there.” He plants a kiss on her stomach, then comes back up to kiss her briefly on the lips. Then he spins around, throwing his hands in the air. “Well, fuck! I’m gonna be a dad!”
We all cheer again, all of us laughing as Wraith pulls Zero in for a father-to-father, back-slapping, man hug, and I turn to Phantom. “Your club really loves to celebrate the wins y’all have, don’t you?”
He bobs his head. “We’re family. Whatever any one of us is going through, we feel it as a collective. If one of us is celebrating, we all are. If one of us is hurting, we all hurt.”
A sense of home.
Of warmth.
Of love.
It flows through me.
“I’m so glad I’m here with you guys.”
He leans in pressing his lips to mine. “I wouldn’t want you anywhere else.”
I just hope that somehow it stays that way.
BILLIE
Two Weeks Later
The last two weeks have been peaceful. I thought I’d have heard something from Rage after hanging up on him like I did, have some kind of blowback like I was expecting for my insolence, but there’s been nothing.
I’m sure it’s coming, though.
Cherry has been keeping me occupied. We’ve been going over baby things together with Prinie, and I feel like I’m a real part of the family now. Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without these people by my side every day.
I love them.
All of them.
That’s why this hurts so much.
As I sit out the back, Phantom and a couple of the other guys work out, and I sigh in appreciation.
Damn, he looks good. The way his muscles move with every lift of the weights, it’s no wonder I am falling for him, hard.
My pocket starts vibrating, so I pull out my cell to see Rage’s number flashing on my screen.
I guess this was inevitable.
Briefly, I think about not answering.
About pulling out the sim card and throwing my cell in a glass of water.
But that could do more damage than good.
I know I have to answer him.
Standing, I walk around to the old elm tree, lean back against it, and answer the call. “Brother?”
“At least that’s a little more accommodating than last time.”
“I’m assuming you want something?”
“More like need.”
Huffing, I roll my eyes. “What do you need?”
“For you to tell Zero that one of their shipments of Snow White has been compromised and the product has been tainted.”
Scoffing, I shake my head. “And why the hell would someone like me know something like that? How can I go to him with information like that without blowing my cover?”
Rage snickers. “You’re a smart little cookie, find a way.”
“And if I don’t?”
“Are you really willing to take that gamble with me at this stage, Billie? You’ve been there for how long now? Three months. They’ve seen us in the same proximity, and you still said nothing. You’re willing to bet they are going to take you back in after I tell them who you are?”
The problem is, I’m not willing to take that risk.
He knows he has all the damn power over me.
Fucker.
“Fine, I’ll find a way.”
“Let me know when it’s done and when the men are going to check the Slavers’ distribution center.”
My skin riddles in sweat. He’s planning something, I just can’t tell what at this point. “Okay.” I end the call with my hands shaking as I place the cell in my pocket.
Fuck Rage!
Fuck what he has turned me into.
I hate that he has made me into this person.
I hate him!
Taking in a deep, steadying breath, I walk back toward the clubhouse, seeing all the brothers finishing up their workout. Phantom slides his shirt back on and smiles at me while I walk inside to find Zero.
It turns out to be an easy task because Zero is sitting at a table, flicking that fucking pen through his fingers. Fuck that pen. I have to find a time to steal it back and throw it into a glass of water. Striding over to him, his eyes shoot to me, and I gesture to take a seat. He nods, and I sit, placing my hands on the table.
He hums under his breath. “Okay, serious chat, then. What’s on your mind, Billie?”
How the hell am I going to play this?
There is only one way I believe I can. So, I go for it and hope it works. “I just got a call from an old cuddling client.”
“Okay?”
“He is a biker, and he told me to give you a warning.”
He sits taller, his brows pulling together in hard focus. “I’m listening.”
“He said that a shipment at the Slavers’ distribution center has basically been compromised, and you need to go and tend to it.”
“And by compromised, you mean?”
“He used the word ‘tainted.’”
“I see… and who is this biker source of yours?”
“They sign NDAs, so I legally can’t tell you. I’m sorry. Even telling you he was a biker is in breach of that NDA.”
“Mm-hmm. How did they know you were here?”
“I don’t know. Maybe from the Daytona Event? There were a lot of clubs hanging around, although I didn’t see him there. Maybe word got around I’m with you guys?”
Zero rubs the back of his neck, letting out a long exhale. “Fuck! I’ll send a couple of guys to check on it.”
“I’m glad I could help. I wasn’t sure whether to tell you or not.”
“Hopefully, it’s nothing,” Zero states, standing from the chair, then walks away. Glancing over my shoulder, he’s not paying attention, so I reach for the pen, grab it, click it so it is deactivated and shove it in my pocket. Then I stand and walk over to the bar to grab a drink.
Because I need one right now!
Zero strides back inside with Phantom and Ax, and they walk together heading for the door. Phantom spots me and jogs over. “I just gotta head over to the distribution center for a second. I’ll be back in a bit. You’ll be okay, right?”
My stomach churns. Out of all the people to be sent to the Slavers’ center, it has to be Phantom! I don’t say anything for fear of my voice cracking under the immense pressure I am feeling right now. He pulls my head to his lips and kisses my temple.
I want to tell him not to go.
I want to open up and tell him everything.
But I don’t.
Because I’m weak as shit.
“Be safe,” I tell him because they are the only words I can get out.
He grins at me mischievously. “Always, baby,” he replies, then he presses his lips to mine again. That tingle surges through me, igniting my insides like a rush of adrenaline coursing through me. I don’t know how one person can make me feel so alive inside when my soul is completely dead.
He pulls back, winks at me, then jogs off toward Ax. Then just like that, he’s out of the clubhouse, and the roar of two Harleys sends a chill right through my soul. Knowing Phantom is heading off when Rage is setting something up, makes my whole body shake with uncertainty. I’m supposed to tell Rage when Defiance is on their way, but maybe if it just happens to slip my mind, and I mention it by the time they get back, it might just work out okay.
All I know is, I can’t find it in myself to tell Rage that Phantom is the one heading down to the distribution center. So, for now, I will be radio silent and hope like hell this all plays out like I hope it will.
If, at the end of it, Rage outs me to the club, at least Phantom is safe.
That’s all I care about right now.
Even more than whether I get to stay here or not.
Tapping the bar, Nessie slides a beer my way. “You doing okay, hon? You seem a little frazzled.”
Taking the beer, I guzzle it down, then wipe my mouth with the back of my arm. “Feeling a little off today, Nessie, to be honest.”
She grimaces. “Anything I can help you with?”
“You got a time machine?”
“Unfortunately, no. But I have something that helps.”
“Oh, yeah?”
She leans under the bar, then pulls up an old bottle of tequila.
I snort out a laugh. “Hit me!”
She begins pouring out the shot glass as Cherry steps up to my side. “Well, you look like you’re having a fun afternoon?”
“I’d ask you to join me, but…” I stare down at her stomach.
“Oh dear… what’s Phantom done now?”
Running my hand through my hair, I shake my head. “No, nothing. He’s this amazingly perfect guy. Honestly, I don’t know what I’ve done to deserve him.”
She pulls out the stool beside me and takes a seat. “So why the long face?”
“I just don’t know how feasible it is for me to keep staying here.” I sigh. “I had a job, I just kind of up and left. I had an apartment, I just up and left that too. I turned my life upside down and haven’t look
ed back. But I had responsibilities, and maybe I’m kidding myself if I think I can just live like a queen here.”
Cherry raises her brow. “You think that’s what we do? Live like queens?”
“No, shit, that’s not what I mean. I meant no disrespect. I just mean… it’s so fucking great here for the women. Everything is handed to you. It’s a free ride… I just don’t know if that’s me, you know?”
Cherry scoffs under her breath. “I don’t think you’re seeing the big picture here, Billie. If you think being an Old Lady is a free ride, you’re sorely mistaken. For starters, all the old ladies have jobs, we’re not freeloaders, and the hardest job of all is sitting around here waiting for our men to walk into the ring of fire. Every damn day we wake up not knowing if this day is going to be it. If this fight they’re walking into will be the one to make us a widow, or a single mom, or dead ourselves. Being an Old Lady is not a free-fucking-ride… it’s a long, painful, torturous hell…” A slow smile crosses her face, breaking the seriousness from her expression. “But it’s also the most rewarding hell you’ll ever go through. A double-edged sword. But don’t for a second think it’s an easy pass because it’s fucking not.”
Exhaling, I rest my head in my hands and let out a long sigh. “I’m sorry for offending you. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
Cherry rubs my back soothingly and sits forward. “What’s this really about, Billie. You’ve been doing so well here. Why the sudden cold feet?”
A fat tear slides down my cheek, and I quickly wipe it away. “I really care about Phantom.”
Cherry’s compassionate eyes meet mine. “I know, everyone can see that.”
“I just think he deserves someone so much better than me.”
She exhales. “Oh, Billie, he adores you. You don’t give yourself enough credit.”
“Y’all give me too much credit. I mean… what kind of woman has a career as a professional cuddler? I’m an idiot.”
Cherry tries to hide her smirk, but she can’t hold it in. “It is kind of an odd one, but each to their own.”
I let out a snicker. “Right? What the hell was I thinking!”
“At least you’re seeing the funny side of it now, though.”
“And Phantom does love my hugs.”