by Vera Quinn
I hear a gasp, and I see Jade has heard everything and she looks pissed. I do what I do best. I turn into an asshole. “Did you get that Jade? Gracie is my ol’ lady. That means you will pull your weight around here or get out. You have anything to say about it?” I watch her and wait. Yep, she is going to be trouble. Don’t have time to deal with her ass right now. I turn back to my brothers.
“Spinner was shot but not life-threatening. Both prospects are dead. We’ll have a memorial when this shit is over. Gunny’s son Chris was prospecting for him, and he was killed. Gunny is losing his shit. We are going to ride hard and then handle everything thrown at us and get back home. Any questions?”
No one speaks up. “Then let’s kick rocks. We needed to be there an hour ago.” I look at Jade again, and I see the hurt in her eyes, but there is nothing I can do about it. I have always been straight with her. I nod at Salty, and we are out of here. My mind has to be on club business now, or some of us won’t be coming back.
Chapter Ten
Gracie
I wake up with an aching in my core. I feel a tongue circling my clit, and I think Rebel really has talent with that tongue of his but then I feel a hand on my leg and there is no way that is Rebel. It’s too small and soft. I shriek and jump up and fall straight on my ass on the floor and pull whoever is under the cover with me.
I pull the cover off, and there is that Jade woman. I jump to my feet, but I am still completely naked. I grab one of Rebel’s shirts on the floor and pull it over my head. I am scrambling to find my panties. I don’t even remember losing them last night. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Where’s Rebel?” I yell at her.
“Calm down, honey. You didn’t like my tongue? You’ll get used to me. Rebel sent me in here to keep you company until he gets back. None of the guys can touch you, but since we’ll be sharing Rebel, he wants us to get used to each other while he’s gone. Come on, sweetie. You’ll like my tongue while Rebel fucks you in the ass and I’ll teach you exactly how to eat my pussy just the way I like it. He knows you’re inexperienced and he wants me to teach you while he’s gone.” Jade says while trying to touch me.
“I am not into women, and I do not share. I don’t know what Rebel is thinking, but this is not happening.” I am trying to back away from Jade. I don’t like to fight. I don’t think violence settles anything, but if this woman does not back away from me, I am going to lay her out.
“Rebel will get rid of you if you don’t do as he asks. We all share. Didn’t he tell you? Do you really think you could satisfy Rebel by yourself? He has a very insatiable sexual appetite, and he likes it all and a wide variety of women. Trust when he’s on the road he’ll be fucking any club girl that climbs on his lap or spreads her legs for him and he is one fine fuck, and all the girls know.” What the hell did I get myself into? Jade looks like she is proud of herself. I have had enough.
“Get the hell out until I’m dressed, and then you can have him. I am out of here. I’ll get someone to take me home.” I am so furious.
“I’ll let the prospect know you’ll be ready to leave soon.” Jade watches me, but she walks out with just a t-shirt on with no panties and no bra. I could never be that way. I will not be that way. I go and lock the door when she leaves. I am gathering my clothes up when I hear my phone going off. I look for my jean shorts I had on the day before, and I see it is Audie.
“Hello.” I hear the concern in Audie’s voice.
“Gracie, you need to get here. Tell Rebel to bring you home. I have been trying to call his phone, and he doesn’t answer.” I am trying to think where Rebel might be but then I have a fuzzy memory of Rebel telling me something about Houston. Her next words make me freeze. “Mrs. Giles is here, and she wants you and Shelby. I sent her away, but she said she’s coming back and she had some bodyguards with her. I had to call Kaden to come over here, but he says you need to get home. Gladys and Charlie are here with me.” I can’t even comprehend what she is saying, but the momma in me kicks in.
“A prospect is bringing me home. Will you get her things together so I can go home as soon as I get there? I need to call Mr. Lemons and speak to him.” I get it all out, but my heart is beating a mile a minute. I get my clothes on, and I wait for Audie to answer me.
“I will. She left you a letter and she is really upset. She said her son might sign his rights away, but Shelby is her granddaughter, so she is taking her to raise.”
I knew everything was going too smooth and now I have Rebel and Jade to deal with. No, I won’t deal with them. If I am not enough for Rebel, then he doesn’t need me. What am I thinking? I need to just get out of here and get to my daughter. I open the door, and when I get to the bar I don’t see Jade anywhere, but I see Salty and I see a prospect, or I think that is what he is… Tim. Yes, Tim is his name.
“I need to get to Audie’s. I have trouble with Shelby’s grandmother. Can one of you take me or do I need to call Kaden?” Salty looks at me like I am crazy.
“We got you, babe. We don’t call the law around here. Rebel already said you would need a ride this morning.” That’s all I can take. First Rebel sends Jade into his bed with me, and now he left me so someone else can take me home.
“You can tell Rebel I won’t be back. I just need that ride now, please.” I feel like I am about to cry but Tim finally comes out from behind the bar, and I follow him out. Texting on my phone as I go.
Mr. Lemons is up and ready to talk. I text him everything I know, and he said he would get some phone calls made. The ride home isn’t that long, but it seems like it takes forever.
I run into Audie’s, and there is Audie, Gladys, and Charlie. Shelby is playing, not even aware of what is going on around her. I go to her and give her a hug and a kiss. I take the letter from Audie and gather all of Shelby’s things. I hug Audie and Gladys, then Charlie says he is walking me home. Kaden had been there and said he would be back if we had any problems.
Once I am inside my house, I make sure everything is locked up, and I put Shelby in her bed with some toys. Fortunately, I have not put her in the toddler bed that I had bought yet, so I know she’ll be safe while I shower away last night and this morning.
I let the water run as hot as I can stand it and I cry. I cry for what I thought I had with Rebel, I cry for the humiliation I felt this morning and finding Jade in bed with me, I cry for everything I have been through, I cry for the friends I know I am going to have to leave behind, and I cry for this loneliness taking over my soul. I let it all out because I will not have this luxury for a long time to come.
When the water finally runs cold, I get out and dry off. When I go to check on Shelby, she is asleep hugging her rag doll to her. She is so sweet and innocent. I get dressed and read the letter.
Mrs. Giles wants Shelby, full custody, and me to walk away or she is coming after me legally. I can’t fight her. I don’t have the money. Legal help costs too much.
I kiss Shelby’s head and get my phone and text Mr. Lemons. It’s not long until I have an answer. No paperwork that he knows of has been filed. I make a quick decision. No paperwork means legally I am okay. If they can’t find me, then they can’t file.
I’d be leaving everything I have accomplished. I hate it. I have done nothing wrong, but I don’t have the money for a legal battle. The Giles’ do. I won’t lose my daughter to that cold family. Mind made up. I drag out our bags. The first thing being the money I have hidden for just this type of emergency. All our important papers. Shelby’s baby book. Next, clothes for all weather.
I go out to the garage and put the bag in my car. I do all this with each bag, making sure I leave nothing out that is a necessity. Next, I get my laptop out and download everything to flash drives then delete everything else. I write out a note to leave on the table.
I look around the house and then fill Shelby’s diaper bag with food and drinks for her. I know I have to stay close to get to my bank tomorrow. I get Shelby dressed and give her a snack. When I am done
I look around. I hate leaving here, but I have to. I get Shelby in her car seat and when I turn to get in the front seat of my car I nearly jump out of my skin. Audie is standing right behind me.
“Child, where are you going? You can’t keep running. What about what you and Rebel are starting?” The thought of Rebel makes me want to cry and scream at the same time.
“I have to leave to protect Shelby and Rebel doesn’t want just me.” Audie looks hesitant.
“What are you talking about, child? Where is my son and what has he done?” I don’t know how to tell this woman what I need to say so I just go for brutal honesty.
“Last night Rebel and I had a great night together but this morning he had to go somewhere and Jade was in bed with me. She was doing things to me, and I am not okay with that. I can’t share my man with anyone. That is what Rebel wants, and I can’t do it. I won’t subject my daughter to that kind of life. I’m sorry Audie, but I don’t have the money to fight these people, but if they can’t find me then they can’t take Shelby. We are all each other has. Please understand.” I can’t start crying now. I may never stop. Audie walks up to me and puts her arms around me and hugs me.
“I love you child, and I’m sorry for what happened with Jade. I’m sorry for what part Rebel played in it. Gladys, Charlie, and I are here if you ever feel safe enough to come back. I know Brody feels the same way. Kaden, Jilly, and Kevin, too. You’re not alone anymore. I understand your fear of losing Shelby. Take this.” She shoves money in my hand.
“Take it. It’s only my rainy-day money. It’s only a couple of thousand.” She shoves my hand away. “Rebel gave me most of it when he has gone out of town on those runs, and I never spent it, and he never asks for it back. He owes it to you. Don’t forget to get you a prepaid phone and put our numbers in it and then get rid of the one you have. You’ll have to get another car at some point. I’ve never been on the run, but that’s what they always do in the movies.” Audie is trying to make me laugh.
“Audie, I may never see you again.” The thought makes me sad, but there is nothing I can do.
“Take it, Gracie. Be safe. Get in the car and give me the garage door opener. I’ll close it when you’re gone. Did you leave the keys in the house?” I see the tears in Audie’s eyes and just shake my head yes. I hug her one more time and get in the car. She hits the garage door opener, and it opens.
I leave Audie standing there. She has tears running down her cheeks and so do I. I keep my eyes on the road. I check the mirror behind me to make sure I am not being followed, and then I look at Shelby. She is being such a good girl in her car seat playing with the little steering wheel. I know where we are staying tonight.
There is a branch of my bank nearby, and I can go there first thing in the morning. It only takes us an hour to get there. Before I check in, I go through to get us some fast food for lunch and something to warm up for dinner. Once we are in that room, we won’t come out until I go to the bank.
It doesn’t take long until we are in the room and Shelby is happy to be down and playing. I get the map out of my bag and plan our big trip. The rest of the day is made up of playing on the floor and watching cartoons. Shelby eats her dinner, and I give her a bath, and she is finally asleep. I recheck my route for tomorrow, shower and fall into bed exhausted.
I think of everything that has happened in the last twenty-four hours, and I am just overwhelmed. First thing in the morning I need to go and get a prepaid phone, and then I will get my money out of the bank. Then I can drive two states away and ditch my car and get on a bus. It’s the reason I packed everything so compact. The day after that, I can buy a car and then drive two more states, and then maybe I can breathe. The thought makes me tired. I look at Shelby, and she is sleeping soundly. My baby girl can sleep anywhere. Just the way it should be. Then I drift off to sleep.
Chapter Eleven
Brody
I’ve been gone longer than I thought I would be but when dad called last night, I made it home in ten hours when it should have been a thirteen-hour drive. When dad said Gracie was gone it made my heart hurt and that can only mean one thing. Gracie has definitely found her way into my heart. Dad warned me that Gracie and Rebel seemed to have some sort of relationship starting but if that is what sent her running then it’s time that I stepped up. I know this will be the start of another fight between Rebel and I, but I don’t care if that means Gracie and Shelby are mine.
I pull up in my drive, and I am out of my truck, and I see Dad and Mom at Ms. Audie’s so I walk over there. “What happened to send Gracie running?” I look at dad but he looks at Ms. Audie, and mom is looking at her, too. This has Rebel written all over it.
“Let’s go in the house, and I will tell you what I know.” Ms. Audie tells us. Dad lets the women go ahead, and he pats me on my back.
“Keep your head about you son and think about what you’re doing.” I am not going to like this. We get in the house, and I stop right inside and wait. Ms. Audie never looks me in the eyes, so I know it is bad.
“Rebel, Gracie, Shelby, and I spent Saturday at the festival and fair in Quitman. Afterward we went to the clubhouse for a family cookout.” I already knew this was happening. “As it got late, I brought Shelby home with me, and Gracie stayed with Rebel.” She hesitates.
“She was going to stay the night, and she did. Gracie did not tell me exactly what happened with Rebel and her but I know he had to go on a run the next morning and he left. When Gracie woke up in his bed, Jade was there with her and from the way Gracie acted she was not doing appropriate things to Gracie when she woke up.”
What the hell. My head can’t even wrap around this. Gracie is an innocent, and I am pissed enough she spent the night with Rebel, but for her to be left alone in his bed and for Jade to be there and doing who knows what to her. Then it sinks in that Rebel probably fucked Gracie.
I turn and look out the door, and then I realize this is Jilly all over again but I am not stepping back this time. I am going after the woman I want. Rebel might have left her to run but I won’t. I turn back around. The three must have known I needed a minute, but by the looks on their faces, I know they are not done yet. Something else is up.
“What are you not telling me?” I look at all three of them.
“Kendall’s mom visited and left a letter for Gracie. She said she wanted custody of Shelby. Gracie said she didn’t have the money to fight her in court. Gracie was scared to lose her and after what happened with Rebel she wanted to run, so she did. I gave her some money I had saved to go with what she had. She’s been gone since yesterday morning.”
I look at my watch, and it is late afternoon Monday. She has a good head start, but I know I can find her. I will not roll over for Rebel again. I am going after Gracie and Shelby, and I am bringing them home. They are going to be mine. I do not have to have more than one girl. I only want one woman, and that is Gracie. I will go to the end of the earth to find her.
“I am going to find her and bring her home.” I look at Ms. Audie. “Rebel better stay away. I was trying to do the right thing and give Gracie time, but when I find her and bring her back, she is going to be mine.” I know I sound like Rebel now, but I feel it in my bones. “I’ll help her fight the Giles.” I think about it, and I know I am right. “I’ll find her.” I go out the door and across the yard to my house and prepare for the hunt of my life.
Chapter Twelve
Rebel
It’s been nearly a week since I have been home. We finally run down the street gang that killed Gunny’s son and our prospects. We dealt with every one of them bastards. It’s been a long trip back. I have tried to call Gracie repeatedly but no answer.
We pull up in front of the clubhouse. Salty and Cue Ball are here. I need a shower and Gracie. It has been one fucked up week. I walk in the front door, seeing Cue Ball and Salty are both at the bar. I look at my watch, and it is after midnight. Salty should be at home. I don’t like the looks on their faces. The brothers coming
in behind me see it, too.
Spinner hits the bar so one of the prospects will bring us a drink. I wait, but neither one of them say anything. “What is it now? It better be good. I can’t take more bad.” They look at each other.
“Your Ma told Angie that Gracie took off. Mrs. Giles was at your ma’s early Sunday morning, and she has been returned every day since.” Why wouldn’t Gracie trust me to protect us? Trust the club to protect her. I told her we were a family. We protect our own and she is mine. Her and Shelby.
“Why the hell isn’t my ol’ lady here then and why is this the first I’ve heard of it?” I look at Cue Ball and then Salty.
“Angie just got your ma to tell her today. Your ma is madder than hell right now. It seems that when you left on Sunday morning Jade snuck her ass into your room and she was in bed with Gracie when she woke up. Your ma didn’t say what Jade was doing, but she said it was inappropriate. Those are Gracie’s words to your ma and Gracie was under the impression that you sent Jade in there to her. Jade hasn’t been around since then either.” What the hell? That bitch snuck into bed with my Gracie? I don’t even know what to do with that.
“How the hell did Jade get a fucking key to my room? I locked that door when I left, and I would never let that bitch touch my ol’ lady.” This is not going to go over well with Gracie. That’s why she went on the run. She would never accept sharing. I knew that when I met her.
I can’t go to my ma’s tonight; it’s too late. The best thing I can do is get a shower and some sleep and then face my ma tomorrow morning. Then I will find and bring my girls home. “I want Jade found and brought to me. Leave no fucking rock unturned. I claimed Gracie and Jade fucked with my ol’ lady. She will pay for it. If you find her put her out back in the shed and be sure she can’t get away. Tie her ass down.” I wipe my hand down my face.