by A. C. Bextor
“Sounds good hit me with it, sister!” I’m finishing up my first drink and licking the salt from the rim, giggling like a little teenager in anticipation of how my brother was wooed into finally giving it up to Sadey. Although he is my brother and I hate to think about it, I just can’t see Hem allowing some girl to woo him. He doesn’t have to try to get a woman on him, they flock to him and Sadey is the only person I know that has had to work to get him.
“Well, as you know I was pissed as all hell at you for ruining my time with Ace….”
I cut her off cause I see where she’s headed; I owe her a half apology. I’m not telling her I’m sorry for ruining the moment with Ace, but I was probably a little over the top.
“In your car Sade, I didn’t interrupt some romantic gathering so stop with those angry eyes you are pulling at me. I did it only because I was thinking of you and how your decision to sleep with him would affect you, later.”
“Yes, yes I know. I am thankful for you stopping that, but I was so pissed at you before I found Hem that night.”
She continues and I’m hanging on every word. “After I left you and stormed into the Club, I was so angry at everyone. When I walked inside I saw that Hem was sitting on a bar stool with Cherry on his lap and right away he noticed my mood. I froze because I was certain I could not handle watching him with Cherry after you had just lost my chance with Ace. I started to turn around and head back out the door, Hem yelled for me. Of course I ignored him and kept walking back outside but you know Hem, never to be ignored. He started yelling louder, repeating for me to stop moving. So, sucking it up I turned to find him lifting Cherry from his lap and then he whispered something in her ear. She looked at me and frowned but left the room alone. Then he walked up to me and had asked if I was okay. He looked so thoughtful and gentle. He wasn’t the MC Hem, he was the teenage Hem. I told him what I was up to that night with Ace. I didn’t even censor it, Mace. I laid it on heavy too, I had his attention for the first time in a long time so I just let it all go. Even told him how wet my panties were just thinking about having sex with Ace. He did not like it, oh my God Mace I thought he was going to spring a leak. His face got all scrunched up and red. That vein he has at his temple was throbbing and his jaw was ticking, hard. But I knew he didn’t want me like that so what did it matter to him, right? Let him be pissed about a man touching me, he only thinks of me like a little sister anyway.”
I nod in agreement but say nothing because I want her to finish. “Anyway, before I know what is happening he steps back from me a bit and he grabs my arm and pulls me outside and dismisses the brothers that are lingering around. They scatter in fear of course because Hem looks enraged. He pulls me to him and Mace and I’m telling you right now I will never forget that kiss. I felt like I was his whiskey and he hadn’t had a drink in weeks. I know that sounds corny but there is just no other way to describe it. Then he asked me if I had really thought about losing my virginity and he wanted to be sure I thought I was ready. When I said yes I wanted to lose it and I was willing to lose it to Ace, he told me that no one was going to give me that, but him.” She’s looking down at her drink in memory, it is so sweet.
“So, then you went back to our place and did the deed?”
Rolling her eyes she answers me curtly, “Mace, it wasn’t even like that. Sure, I almost even thought that this was going to be just Hem doing me some favor, as if he were coming over to fix the stove or something. Ended up though not being anything that I thought it would be with him. I expected a ‘wham bam’ kind of deal but when we got back to the house, we talked for a bit about the emotional part of being with someone and how the first time should be special. At one point I thought he had changed his mind, he was distant and lost in his own thoughts. Then Hem put on some music, took my hand in his and asked me to dance with him. He was seducing me with every move, Mace. I will never ever forget holding him while Ed Sheeran said all the words Hem wasn’t saying.”
“What was the song? Do you remember?” Nope, not just Hem who is soft and romantic. Oh, now look at me being all sappy, still knowing it was my brother but who can blame me? Brother or not, that was an incredible moment for her.
“Yes, of course I do. He played ‘Kiss me’ and I swooned in his arms, Mace. It was beautiful. I knew Hem had a soft heart and gentle soul but he was more than I could have ever imagined. We danced for a while longer then he asked again if I were sure this is what I wanted and once I reassured him, he picked me up and carried me to my room and that’s when the most breathtaking moments that I’ve ever experienced happened. I’ve never felt that type that closeness and Mace I’m so so so glad I waited and it was Hem that I finally gave myself too. It hurt a bit at first ya know, but he was very careful with me. I know you don’t need all the mechanical details so just know I was handled with care.”
She’s lost in thought again; I can’t imagine a more romantic first time for anyone. I’m thankful for my brothers’ sweet nature and his love for Sadey. He gave her that, how beautiful.
“So, then how did you guys end up staying together that night? I mean, surely it wasn’t just assumed right? Anyone can have sex, so how did it go after?” I’m being so nosey but I’m just as caught up in this as she is now. It isn’t just the alcohol, I’ve waiting seriously forever to hear this news and now that I am, I want to enjoy it with her.
“So when we finished the first time, he went to the bathroom and he had left me there. I thought for a few minutes maybe he was regretting it and trying to take some space. When he came back with a warm cloth to ease my ache and clean me up, I knew I had finally gotten to him. I think I finally really have him, Mace. All the pieces of us finally clicked together and there we were, in my bed. Large, tattooed, and heart sick romantic Hem, in my bed. It was so hard to comprehend, to process. All I said after was that he could go and he didn’t have to stay and that he had done what I asked and so much more. I thanked him for his gentleness and the fact that this was something I would always remember, no one would come close to making me feel this way again. I was honest and told him that he probably ruined me for my next boyfriend. Told him I knew what I was doing with him but because of who he was and how he lived, I wasn’t going to get clingy for him to stay. Then he said the words that changed it all. He had looked down at me from where he was standing beside my bed and he whispered to me softly, ‘No Sadey Girl, I’m never leaving you again’ and then he came down on top of me, using his body to get me open for him again. We were just getting to another good slice of the evening when you stormed in and started screaming through the door.”
I have tears in my eyes, I don’t even care. We are sitting here sharing with each other how amazing our lives are and I’m overwhelmed with happiness. My cup has runneth over.
After lunch and hearing Sadey’s plan for us today I am both nervous and excited. I cannot believe she thought of this and I didn’t. She’s never one to be this forward and daring in using her body as expression, but I am and I can’t wait.
We pull up to the tattoo shop ‘Ink Me’ and both of us stop, look at each other, and bust out laughing. We head into the building looking around for someone we know, we are doing something crazy so having anyone be witness to this is probably not smart.
Opening the door I usher her in before me but since I’m lost in my own giggles I don’t see her stop in her tracks and in my clumsy slip I run right smack into her backside. My giggling comes to an end immediately when I see what, no that would be who, she’s looking at.
Shit.
“Oh yeah, look who the cat has dragged in now. Mace and Sadey, well if it isn’t trouble walking. This is a pleasant and unexpected visit. I just saw Hem and Shame the other night when I stopped by the club to get my cut. How are you guys?” Honor says innocently.
He is one of the new prospects that Hem has just authorized. He’s so sweet. He has a southern accent so strong that you really have to listen close or you miss what he’s saying. He’s all about the quiet
charm. He’s tall, blue eyed, blondish hair, and has a clean boy like complexion. Furthermore, he doesn’t look at women like they are his next meal. Very courteous and sweet, not just because we are the old ladies of the club VIP’s but because we are women. I cannot even believe we walk in here and bam, there he is.
“Ummm, hi Honor. I’m good, very good. How are you? I heard about your acceptance into Peril, congrats to you. I didn’t realize you worked here though. Are you an artist?” Sadey sounds cool and unaffected. Good damn thing cause I’m about to pee right here in my spot. How did this just happen?
“Thanks, Sadey.” He lets out a small laugh. “No, I’m not an artist. I’m a piercer. I only work a few days a week when Steph has something she needs to take off for or an appointment for the baby.”
Steph is who we actually came here to see not Honor, is a friend of ours from high school. She knows all of us from the Club too. She has a new baby and she’s a single and amazing mom. Once I thought she and Honor had a thing. Maybe they do. They would be good together; apparently they carry the same interest of poking holes through people for cash. Sadist folk is what they are.
“No offense Honor but we need her, not you.” Shit, I’m being rude.
“I’m sorry; I didn’t mean it like that! I’m nervous is all. We came here to get a piercing done and I’m more comfortable with Steph inflicting the pain than anyone else. When is she due back?”
“She’s on her way now, and no I’m not offended. Since now I’m going to be a prospect I would rather not suffer at the hands of Hem for hurting his kid sister anyway. You can wait here for her though, I like the company. It gets too quiet here during this part of the day, evening and into the night is when it gets rowdy.”
Oh he’s so sweet I want to put him in my pocket and take his sweet ass home for Cherry to meet. Yes, I’m growing soft towards the woman.
“So, what do you want done and I can write up the order while we wait and have you sign the release forms and get you out of here faster and on to enjoying your day.”
“Nope, not going there with you, Honor. This is not something I want you thinking about when you look at me, ever. You’re cute and sweet and I like you too much to avoid you when I’m done here. Believe me, you would not ever look at me the same.”
Sadey is so serious as she says that. I let out a sigh because she’s so composed and still, I’m about to pee!
“Sadey! Mace! There are my girls. How’s are things?” Thank God the cavalry is here. “I actually have heard how things are but it is better to hear it firsthand, right? So dish it, are you girls really finally with who this town was always certain you should be with? Mace, you finally dumped Drip for that luscious man, Shame?”
I frown in reference to Greyson. “Ya know, a lot of women are in mourning this week, once the news hit the gossip ring ‘Bag and Drag’ sold straight out of tissues. Is it really true?” Steph never was one to hold back. I’m fairly sure this tattoo establishment could give the hair stylist group a run for their money with meddling and drama.
“Yepp, I’m with Shame. Well, meaning we are together. We just committed actually, I cannot even believe the news has traveled that fast. It’s just been days, what the heck? People must be bored, I’m pretty sure that my relationship should not be of anyone’s interest.”
“Oh huneeee! Girl, it isn’t you that we all are fascinated by, I mean sure we all wondered from time to time what the girl who stole Shame from us would be like, but being honest we also were well prepared for it to be you, and you just didn’t see it yourselves yet.”
“It is still new; we are still working things out.”
I end this conversation so I can get what I came for and get back to my luscious man before he forgets about me and changes his mind. I don’t care for my insecurity but we’ve just started and already the eagles are circling around from above waiting for us to fail.
Sadey pipes up, she’s defending me to Steph but there is no need. Steph isn’t like that.
“She and Shame were made for each other and now they are happy, dare anyone to try and change that and they will have 60 of the state’s biggest and angriest bikers knocking on their door. People need to shut up and mind their own damn business.”
“Calm down little woman, I’m with you. I also hear some congratulations are in order for you and Hem as well.” Sadey breaks from her scowl and smiles softly at Steph. Damn, the woman is mentally replaying her and Hem together physically in her head.
“Okay Steph, so Sadey and I are here for some body art in form of piercings. This is something I don’t want shared outside of us though; Shame and Hem have no idea that we are even here so can you help?”
“Absofuckinglutely my friends! Let me release Honor, getting his ass outta here and I will be right back at ya.” She’s so easy going, I just love her.
Honor comes back out with a small grin. Although he’s my age, he sure looks younger and there’s a distinct innocence about him.
“See you ladies this weekend; I’m assuming you will be at the Club party right? Hem suggested I go before committing to be sure I can handle all aspects of the guys in motion.” Oh gross, I can picture Hem explaining about those parties to him in detail. You can claim a man’s heart but a man’s mind will always be his own.
“Yes, Honor honey, we will be there and we will both see you then. Thanks for the help, and the um… discretion.” Sadey and her inability to be coy. Honor just smiles and heads out the door, taking her cue for confidentiality.
“Let’s get you gals pierced!” Steph looks a little too excited but, off we go.
Sadey opted to get her nipples pierced. Since she went first and having hearing and seeing what she just went through, I skipped the nipple decor and just went with one in my nose.
Steph is really good at her job, making us comfortable and continuing to chit chat about the people in this town and asking about the Club, my mom, and Greyson. Not all of the discussion was uncomfortable, at least not compared to our precarious position laid out on her table.
“I have an idea if you guys want to hear it, it really is the latest man crave.” This sounds like trouble but of course Sadey and I are listening, ears up and ready to hear what all the young folks are doing.
After it is over, we are headed home. We are so excited to get back to the boys that we decide to surpass on the shopping for today.
*****
“I’ve missed you, woman. Only been a few hours but I feel as though I haven’t seen you in days.”
Shame missed me, I love that more than I know I should. It makes him hungry for me that I was away from him. I missed him too but I want to show him what I had done today with Sadey and Steph. All of a sudden I’m nervous though, what if he gets pissed or he doesn’t like it.
We are sitting in his room and I’m watching him clean his boots and his cut. He’s so engrossed in what he’s doing he hasn’t really looked at me after giving me that chaste kiss to say hello.
“So, did you buy me anything?” I can see he is rushing to finish his task now, he has an agenda and I’m game for it, so I just start in.
“Nope, just for me.” Oh he’s looking at me now, he has just spotted the nose ring.
I’ve never been one to get something so dramatic and daring quite like this, so being that it’s so out of character for me I’m worried he’s going to be upset about it. Now he’s waiting for me to continue, in for a penny, in for a pound I guess.
“Do you like it? I know you see it, you’re staring at it. I have never did anything this crazy but I thought maybe you would like it. It’s still swollen and it hurts but it will get better they said in a few days. I’ve um… seen some of girls around here with nose rings and was hoping you would find it just as sexy on me, maybe? I mean, if you don’t like it I can take it out or go back to ‘Ink’ and have them remove it maybe they would even get my money back…”
I’m expelling words for no other reason than just to fill the room with somethi
ng because he hasn’t said anything at all. Damn, he’s mad. He stops my word purge before I can keep going.
“Shut up, Mace. Let me look at you. First of all, you were beautiful before, you do not even compare to ‘the girls around here’ so don’t put yourself in their league again, do you hear me? That trash talk will get you spanked and not for my pleasure. It pisses me off.” His tone is quick and to the point. “Now, to what I’m really fuckin wondering is who touched you at ‘Ink’? Let’s get to that point because right now baby, hurting someone is all I can see. Someone had to get real fucking close to your face and have his hands on you to get this done. I swear to Christ baby, if you say it was Honor working you over I will fucking break him.” His mind is bouncing everywhere and I’m trying to navigate where I’m supposed to be in all this.
“Geez, relax for a minute would you? Honor was there, but he left before Steph took Sadey and me to the back. He knew Hem would break him for touching Sadey and everyone knows it goes unsaid with you, my crazy crazy troglodyte. You are worse than Hem ya know, and I didn’t ever think that possible. I do think though that before I go anywhere next time you should hike your leg and just pee on me so that no male within 300 feet attempts to get close to me. Is that a chill I feel, I mean, are we living in the wild? Is the cave door open? Because I’m starting to feel a draft. Between you and Hem dammit, you are making me insane. Do you fuckin like or not?” I know I’m dropping the F bomb for effect, I’m pissed and he needs to know he’s hurting my feelings.
“Okay I get it, alright? The thought of Honor putting his southern hand anywhere on my woman just pisses me off though. I’m sorry. No, there’s no need for me to piss on you baby, I think the ‘I’m with Shame’ bumper sticker I put on your car and the ‘Don’t fuck with my girl’ sandwich board that I’m going to require you to have to wear when you’re not with me from now on should cover it.” He’s smiling a little now but he still has things to say. “Jesus, you said you were just going shopping! Not out to get body alterations, do you women even acknowledge the difference? Getting a hole through your fucking nose isn’t exactly what I consider adding to the certainty of the economy. Now c’mere and let me get a better look.”