by Elle Rease
Swiping her lashes with mascara, she decided she didn’t want to look like she was trying too hard. She shook her damp hair out, loving the soft curls it made around her face. Then, taking a deep breath, she grabbed a small sling bag for her phone, wallet and Brennan’s Old Lady patch and sauntered to the garage.
She found her Harley easily enough, since it was covered with a white sheet and shoved into the one corner, close to the storage cupboards her father had had installed a few years ago. A quick search through the closet rewarded her with her leather gloves, jacket and helmet.
Then, bracing herself, she threw the sheet aside.
“Looking good, baby,” she murmured, stroking the pearl paint job. Her ‘57 Sportster was exactly like she remembered, though a little dusty. The key was still in the ignition, where she’d left it. She doubted that her parents or brother would’ve taken it for a ride in her absence.
She patted the leather seat clean and sat down, unable to contain her smile. She turned the key in the ignition and gave a girly squeal as it roared to life. Putting it in neutral, she quickly donned her jacket, helmet and sunglasses and pressed the button on the remote to open the garage door.
The fuel gauge informed her that she needed to fill up, so she left in the direction of the closest station. She’d had an amazing time riding Brennan’s Blackline all the way back home, yet there was a distinct difference in how she was feeling right now.
This was her Harley: chosen and tailored to satisfy her. And boy, did it ever.
“I’m sorry for leaving you alone so long, baby,” she whispered, as if the motorcycle had a personality and was a living, breathing being. She parked at the gas station and did a routine check of the oil, water and tires before she filled the tank.
So far, all was good. That might change once she saw Brennan’s mother.
Quit stalling, she chided herself, getting back on the bike and heading towards Drummond’s Tailors, who provided the whole town with 100% leather products, among other exclusive boutique items. Mysie had been an intern at a famous fashion brand before she’d married Reade Drummond, so she’d brought all that talent with her. Luckily, Reade wasn’t the type of man to tell her to stay home.
Drummond’s Tailors had swallowed up its two neighboring shops since Cinnia’s rapid departure. She pulled over in the parking lot and gazed at the renovations, happy that business was so good to Brennan’s family. She knew that it helped keep the club out of trouble and dangerous business deals.
Reade had tried his best to clean up his father’s legacy. Cinnia will always respect him for that.
With a sigh, she took her helmet off and hooked it around the handle bars. She shook her jacket off, draped it over the bag—which was hanging by her side—and walked into the shop.
The air-conditioning was a welcome relief. She glanced at the racks of high-end garments while she made her way to the counter. She steeled herself once she saw who was manning it: Farrah, another one of Brennan’s close friends.
“You know, I didn’t believe Jemma when she told me,” Farrah said by way of greeting, a sneer on her otherwise pretty face. She’d gained weight but, if the current trend in town was anything to go on, it was probably due to her popping out a few babies. “I didn’t think you’d have the guts to come back.”
“Surprise,” Cinnia said with faux cheer. “It’s good to see you, Farrah.”
“I wish I could say the same.” Farrah crossed her arms over her ample chest. “By the way you’re walking, I’m assuming you’ve already wormed your way into Brennan’s bed.”
Cinnia knew for a fact that there wasn’t anything different in her gait. Sure, Brennan had given her a workout of note, and his size definitely made things uncomfortable downstairs, but she was a trooper and made an effort not to show it.
No, Farrah’s remark was meant to rattle Cinnia, to test the waters.
Cinnia fixed Farrah with a solid stare. “Whatever’s between Brennan and I is none of anyone else’s business.”
“You actually believe that,” Farrah laughed. “That’s cute.”
Cinnia cleared her throat, not wanting to get in a fight. Especially not the catty kind. “Is Mysie here?”
“She’s at the back, though she’ll be interested to know you’re here. What do you want?”
Cinnia put her bag on the counter and took off her cut. Then she extracted the new patch from her bag and slid the two items to Farrah. “I need this added, and then I need to talk to Mysie about what I can do to help with tonight’s barbecue.”
Farrah gazed at Cinnia in what could only be described as complete astonishment. Then, with another laugh, she muttered: “You have balls of steel, I’ll tell you that much. I’ll call Mysie and put the patch on myself.” She dropped her eyes to it, tracing it with a finger. “I should’ve known something was up when Brennan came to get this made last week.”
She hadn’t known that but, to save face, Cinnia only nodded and watched Farrah go out. A girl Cinnia didn’t know, in her late teens, came out to man the counter, giving Cinnia a polite smile.
“What’s your name?” Cinnia asked.
“Piper,” the girl replied.
“I’m Cinnia.”
Piper’s eyes widened. “Oh, you’re Brennan’s old lady!”
Amused, Cinnia nodded. “Yeah. Do you know him?”
“Of course,” Piper blushed. “He’s… Mysie’s son.”
“It’s okay if you find him attractive.” Cinnia winked. “You’ll find your own Brennan.”
“I don’t know if I like all those tattoos and piercings, but he’s always so nice.”
“I’m sure a lot of boys are nice to you. You’re stunning.”
Piper fidgeted with her hands. “Thanks, Cinnia.”
“Are you going to be at the barbecue tonight?”
She nodded slowly. “Yeah, Mysie always lets me help out at the club. I like it.”
Cinnia would’ve kept up with the conversation, but just then Mysie appeared, a blank expression on her face. Cinnia’s palms grew sweaty, yet she kept her eyes on Brennan’s mother, not wanting to appear weak or frightened.
“Cin,” Mysie greeted.
“Hi, Mrs. Drummond,” Cinnia said respectfully.
“Brennan told me you’ll be back in town soon. Farrah showed me what you brought over here.”
Cinnia nodded. “I know you’re the best and that he prefers for you to do it.”
Mysie glanced up when another customer entered the store and waved Cinnia over. “Let’s talk.”
Nerves shot to hell, Cinnia went behind the counter and followed Mysie to the back of the shop. She knew the red stains on her cheeks gave her anxiety away, but she hoped Mysie wouldn’t mention anything. That would make it worse.
“I should probably welcome you back,” Mysie muttered.
“You don’t have to do anything you don’t want to.”
“That’s good, I’m glad you said that.” Mysie’s blue eyes flashed as she clenched her jaw. “There’s a very big part of me that doesn’t think you deserve him. I used to love you like a daughter, Cin, and I couldn’t wait for the two of you to walk down the aisle so that you could be. But then you broke my son’s heart, left like a coward and found someone else. I don’t even care that your actions were justified by Brennan’s antics with Dawn, either: a real old lady tries to sort shit out before she gives up. What are you going to do once you two have your next fight?”
“I understand that, but I’m not going anywhere, or I wouldn’t have brought that patch over here.”
“I’m not convinced. This could purely be because Brennan’s putting pressure on you.”
Cinnia allowed that.
“I’ll do it, because it’s what Brennan wants. It’s going to take time for me to trust you again, Cin. I don’t want to fight with you and I don’t want to cause a scene, but I’d prefer it if you stayed out of my way.”
“Okay,” Cinnia whispered, tears burning her eyes. “Uhm, the other
reason I came—”
“Farrah already told me,” Mysie interjected. “You can head to the club and start helping the other old ladies.”
Trust Mysie to make things difficult. Cinnia had secretly hoped she’d get off easy by driving around doing errands for Mysie, not actually jumping into the thick of it back at the club. There were so many people she was trying to avoid… She should’ve known it wouldn’t work out that way.
“How long will the patching take?”
“About half an hour,” Mysie replied. “I’ll bring it as soon as I’m done.”
Cinnia nodded and turned on her heels. “Thanks, Mrs. Drummond.”
“Cin?”
She looked over her shoulder, hope flaring in her chest. “Yeah?”
Mysie chewed on her thought for a while, giving Cinnia a thorough head-to-toe perusal. “Leather looks better on you than corporate suits.” And, with that, the queen bee sashayed to her office, shutting the door firmly.
Laughing softly, Cinnia walked to the front, greeting Piper along the way. Her phone began ringing, and she sat on her Harley before she answered.
“Hey, honey.”
“Hi, mom,” Cinnia said, frowning. “Is everything okay?”
“Yup, your father’s doing great,” Loraine responded, a smile in her voice. “I heard about the barbecue.”
“News travels fast.”
“Only if it involves you,” Loraine teased. “We’ll be there a bit later. They’re letting your father go for a few hours.”
“That’s great! Do you need any help?” Cinnia asked hopefully.
“Oh no, you don’t. I didn’t raise a coward, did I? You’ll go help the others.”
Cinnia groaned theatrically. “Why do you have to know me so well?”
“Because I squeezed you out of my hoo-ha, that’s why.”
She burst out laughing. “Mom!”
“It’s true.” Loraine giggled. “I just wanted to let you know the good news. How’s Brennan?”
Cinnia smiled shyly. “Brennan’s Brennan, you know?”
“It’s good to hear that you’re so happy. It’s been a while, honey. You know he’s The One, right?”
“He’s made that perfectly clear.”
“Then I’m glad you’re not fighting it anymore.”
“So am I,” Cinnia admitted quietly.
“Good,” her mother said. “Well, have fun with the girls! I’ll see you later.”
Loraine hung up before Cinnia could ask whether there was such a thing as having “fun with the girls”. She stuffed her phone in her bag, a little affronted that none of her city friends had called to find out where she was. Then again, people in the urban areas tended to avoid each other like the plague most of the time.
She put her safety gear on and revved the Harley a few times before riding towards the club. Reade Drummond ran a customs shop that was on a large industrial stand, with a warehouse at the back that they used for parties.
There was already quite the collection of SUV’s and Harleys at the club. She parked right at the end, next to the one that belonged to Brennan. She hadn’t been aware that he still worked here: with his new and improved living situation, she would’ve assumed he did something else for money.
She had a spring in her step as she headed to the main entrance. Knowing Brennan was around put her mind at ease and made her feel like she belonged. She decided to go hunting for his father, shrieking in fright when someone grabbed her from behind.
“What’s got you in such a good mood, lass?” Brennan asked, his chest vibrating against her back.
Her eyes closed in bliss and she relaxed. “You,” she answered honestly.
“Good to know.” He carried her into the club, but made a beeline for a hidden corner before he put her down. He pressed her to the wall, not allowing her to turn around. “You just had to wear a skirt, didn’t you?”
Heart banging like the double bass of a fast heavy metal song, she cleared her throat before she spoke. “It’s one of the only things that fit me. I’m… bigger than I used to be.”
“Thank God for small miracles.” He bent a little, his hands following the velvet of her boots up her thighs. “You look good enough to eat, Cinnia.”
“I’m glad, ‘cause I love the way you eat me,” she countered hoarsely.
Brennan swung her around, hiking her skirt up before he hooked her legs around his hips. “Hmm, lace,” he approved, fingering the edges of her panties. “Black or white?”
What was he on about? She couldn’t think. It took her a while to realize that he wanted to know the color of her underwear. “Candy-floss pink,” she murmured.
“Even better, the color of teenage innocence.” He rubbed his crotch against hers, grinning widely when she moaned in response. “Fuck, Cin, I want you.”
“Then take me.” She loved the feel of his leather-clad erection; loved knowing that he was bare beneath his pants. She shifted up a little to reach his ear, giving it a soft tug and whispering: “I want your cock inside me.”
He bucked against her as she sucked his earlobe and shivered. “Christ,” he muttered, claiming her mouth for a second. “You’ll make me forget where we are.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” She was already consumed by desire. “We’ll be quick.”
“Fuck,” he swore, “stop talking, please.”
Bewildered, she stared at him. She saw the muscle that jumped in his cheek every time he bit down harshly; saw the flames in his eyes slowly flickering before they died. “Brennan?” she asked carefully. “Did I do something wrong?”
“Lass, you do everything right.” He helped her to her feet and sighed. “I’m sorry. I got a bit carried away.”
“Did it sound like I minded?”
“We can’t do this here, Cinnia. At least not now.” He touched her hair with a fond smile. “As much as I want you, you have other duties here, and so do I. Besides, you’re not the world’s most silent lover,” he added with a chuckle.
She punched him in the ribs. “Can’t help it you make me loud.”
He burst out laughing and hugged her lovingly. “I’m happy about that, too. Come on, I’ll take you to my dad.”
“How’d you know that’s where I’m going?”
He took her hand and led the way. “I guess I know you that well.”
She squeezed his hand happily, tugging at her skirt with the other. “Do you still work here?”
“Nah, I’m on lunch, so I thought I’d pop in to make sure they’ve got everything they need for tonight.” Tension was slowly creeping back into his shoulders. “Everyone’s going to be here. The hospital’s even given your father the permission for a few hours.”
“Yeah, mom phoned before I came here.” She was suspicious of this shift from his playful mood. “Should I be worried?”
“You survived my mother?”
“She told me to stay out of her way, that it’ll take a while before she trusts me again.”
“That’s surprisingly civil.” He frowned. “I hope she’s not going to do something to embarrass me tonight, or there’ll be hell to pay.”
“Brennan, start talking,” she insisted. “Why did you sound so stressed after church?”
He stopped just outside his father’s office, raking his fingers through his loose hair. “They’re supporting our relationship because I’m their VP, but most of the guys don’t want you back. They won’t do anything to jeopardize us. They’ll just pretend as if you don’t exist.”
Cinnia felt as if the carpet has been wrenched from under her. “I guess I deserve that.”
“Don’t,” he warned, touching the side of her face. “They’re acting like a bunch of crybabies. Family is supposed to forgive, yet they’re stuck on the fact that you left in the first place. I’m sorry, Cin.”
She shook her head. “No, Brennan, it’s okay. I get it. I really do deserve it.”
There was pain in his eyes, but he didn’t argue. He knew she wa
s right: he simply didn’t want her to be. “Time to say hi to dad,” he mumbled. “He’ll be happy to see you.”
She didn’t have to fake her smile once they were over the threshold. She’s always had a soft spot for Reade, treating him like her second father. He was behind his desk with his frameless glasses—such fragile-looking things when compared to the amount of tattoos covering his body—and was staring at a handful of paperwork.
“Hey, Reade,” she said.
He glanced up and smiled. “Cinnia Sloane, Ah cannae believe it.” He put the papers down and walked to her, taking her in his arms. His accent was one of the many things that had made her childhood so colorful. Sure, she had a Scottish family, too, but he’d never fully modernized his English. “It’s good tae see ye, lass.”
“You too.” She hugged him tightly. “You look good.”
“So ye say,” he chuckled. He held her at arm’s length. “Ah’m happy yer back.”
“Apparently, that’s a pretty exclusive club.”
He waved her comment away. “The others’ll come round, dinnae worry, lass.”
Brennan kissed her cheek. “I’ve got to go, but I’ll see you later, okay?”
She nodded, her gaze on his ass as he left. She turned back to Reade. “Brennan mentioned that you might have a job for me here?”
“Of course Ah do!” He clapped jovially. “Ye’ve always been good with numbers. Ye can do the books.”
“I’ll be happy to help,” she smiled. “Thank you for being so kind to me.”
“Aye, lass. Ye’re one of ma own.”
Great, she was going to burst into tears. She coughed and shifted on her feet. “I, uh, just wanted to say hi. I’ve got to help the other old ladies. Your wife’s orders.”
“She’s a good lass. She’ll come round, too.” He winked at her. “None could resist ye for long, Cinnia.”
She laughed. “Here’s to hoping. See you later, Reade.”
“Awrite, lass!”
Sure, she was about to walk into the firing range, but at least the leader of the pack still liked her. She hated herself for cowering behind her boyfriend and his father’s protection. Then again, she was outnumbered and could use the support.