by Sam Crescent
“Why would anything concern him?”
“I’m married to him and I’m sleeping with his dad.”
Bear scrunched up his face. “No, no. I don’t need to hear that shit. You’re still my little girl. You don’t even know what sex is all about.”
She winced. “Sorry. I guess I wasn’t delicate enough for you.” She still had to feel that connection with Bear. The one that made her really believe he was her father.
“Delicate enough? Try not at all. Wow, you do know I need time and space to build into that kind of chaos. I’m now going to be thinking about killing Preacher. Not a thought I need when we’ve got church.”
“You go to church? How come you didn’t invite me?”
“It’s special for the club. It doesn’t concern you.”
“Oh, how charming.”
“I don’t mean it like that.”
“Exactly how do you mean it?” she asked.
“Can we move on?”
“Did you know about Preacher and me before I … you know, came back?”
“I knew about you on the night you were taken. Up until that point, I figured you’d both developed a friendship, which was expected. You were always close, especially with … you know.”
“The baby?”
“Have you remembered this or is this Preacher trying to cut out the middleman?” he asked.
“I don’t remember, but Preacher did tell me some things. Not a lot, but some.”
“Can we move on? Preacher and I, we have an agreement, and I don’t want to go and kill him.”
“What kind of agreement?”
“You want to cause a fight?”
“No, I’m just, me and my curious mind is all.”
“If you must know, he’s agreed to keep it clean. I don’t have to witness you making out, or post-fucking or pre-fucking. It works for us. I don’t want to think of the two of you together. Let’s move on. What is all of this about Bishop?”
“I’m sure it doesn’t come as a shock that I really don’t want to be married to him anymore.”
“Oh.”
“And I don’t know how to go about finding the right paperwork or anything, but I want to annul the marriage. Unless we did it before?” She was a little dark on all the details and no one was forthcoming with how she went about becoming her own person. It felt right to end things once and for all with Bishop. They didn’t have anything real, so she didn’t see a reason to prolong their relationship.
“I’m going to have to talk with Preacher about this,” he said. “Why didn’t you ask him?”
“It didn’t come up and I figured if you were there to give me away, you would be able to help me along the way. Don’t you think?” She didn’t know what other options she had, only that these were the ones open to her.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this?” he asked.
“Yes, I don’t see any other reason why I’m married to one man but falling for another. It’s time to end things and to move on as best as I can.”
“You’re falling for him?” Bear asked.
“I … I … is it too soon?”
“I know you and Preacher were close before you were taken. I mean, obviously I never saw you both kissing or doing anything like that, but when I did see you together as friends, it worked, for the both of you.”
“Do you think I was in love with him?” she asked.
“You had feelings for him, deep feelings. It must have been to piss off Bishop.”
“Does he hate being in Preacher’s shadow?”
Bear sighed. “Sweetheart, believe it or not, you’d be the best person to know that information. You and Bishop were always tight.”
“Do you think I can do this, though? Get my marriage annulled? I don’t know if Bishop and I were ever together. It doesn’t feel like we ever were, but again, I really don’t know the answer to that. I’m babbling.”
Bear rubbed the back of his head, turned away with a wince. “I know Bishop was with a lot of other women even when you were together. I guess you can end the marriage and if that doesn’t work, divorce his cheating ass.”
She smiled. “Has there been any sign of him?”
“No. He’s not exactly welcome right now at the club.”
“Why?”
“I can’t tell you.”
“Club stuff?”
“You got it.”
“So, let’s talk about something else. How about you? Have you met anyone yet?”
“You want to know if I’m dating someone? Me? At my age?”
“You’re the same age as Preacher. Why not? Love doesn’t stop.”
“Honey, I don’t believe in love.”
“You never felt anything for my mom?”
“Nothing. Not even a shred of happiness with her.” He shrugged. “Again, let’s move on from this as well.”
“We keep bouncing around topics.”
“It’s easier this way.”
She didn’t know what else to say. It wasn’t an awkward silence, but they didn’t talk about anything important. They settled on easy conversation about their days and their plans. Nothing too taxing on the mind.
Chapter Ten
Her time with Reaper
“I can’t believe you made me do that,” Robin said. The pain in her back radiated, making the burn even more intense.
She lifted her shirt to try to keep it away from the tattoo on the base of her back. The ones around her wrists were as equally painful, but she didn’t want to look at them. This one on her back was a brand, an ownership.
Reaper had taken all the decisions away from her. Being held down, it made her feel sick.
“It’s going to look good. Trick is fucking hot and believe me, you’re going to thank me one day.” He put his hands on her hips.
She shook her head. “There’s no way I’m going to thank you for this.” She tried to pull out of his arms but he was determined to hold on to her. “Let me go.”
“Not yet. I don’t like you being pissed at me.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t hold a woman down and permanently mark her body. That would be a good start in not getting me pissed off.” She wanted some space. “I need some time alone.” She pulled out of his arms and left the hotel room. This one had a pool and rather than go outside, she went to the pool. There was possibly a chance of her sneaking away, but right now, with the ink across the base of her back, she didn’t want Preacher to see her like this.
When she got to the indoor pool, there were only a few people swimming around. Two sets of adults were making out, and another couple was swimming. She took her shoes off, sitting at the edge of the pool, staring into the bright depths below.
The pain was still there and she felt the tears close to the surface. All she wanted to do was cry, but instead, she held her tears in and just stared ahead.
Within minutes, several of Reaper’s men entered the pool room and moved all the people out.
“What’s going on?” she asked.
Reaper entered the room and his men left.
She was alone with him. He removed his shirt.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m going to go for a swim.”
She watched as he removed his boots, followed by his jeans, before he dived into the pool. He was all heavily inked muscles and strength.
Reaper came right toward her and she stayed perfectly still. He wrapped his fingers around her ankle, pressing a kiss to her flesh.
“You didn’t have to remove all the people for a swim. Normal people share things.”
“In case you didn’t notice, I don’t share well at all.”
“You’ve taken me as some kind of revenge plot. I don’t even know what you want with me, why you would even want me.” She shook her head. “You know what, there is no point in even talking about this because the truth is you don’t want me, do you?”
His hand moved up her leg, cupping her thighs and pulling her into the water.
“It’s all bandaged up and you’ll be fine.”
“You’re a doctor now?”
“I’ll talk to Trick. He handles everything.”
“Even death. For all I know, that’s what you want. Ugh! I want to hit you right now.”
“Then do it. Hit me. It will make you feel better to hit me.”
“No. I’m not going to be angry at everything like you are. I’m not going to hit you.” She tried to pull away again but he simply held her. “I don’t like being used as revenge.”
“Would you believe me if I told you I happened to like you?”
“You don’t like me. You don’t even know me.”
“I know you were pregnant with Preacher’s child. Bishop wanted you to get rid of it.”
“Don’t talk to me about him. He betrayed everyone, including his club.”
“It’s not on me, though. You have to understand that.”
“I don’t want to talk about this.” She tried to pull away from him again, but like always, he controlled her. Gritting her teeth, she forced herself to look at him. “What do you want from me?”
“You can’t tell me you’re not having a good time.”
“Because being taken against my will and raped is all about fun.”
“I know how your body responds to me. You can’t call the rape card, not anymore.”
“Do you even care?” she asked. “You took what you wanted. I didn’t have a choice in that. You forced me and I hated it.”
He looked at her and she saw the frown on his face. It made her a little uncomfortable that he kept staring at her.
“Please, don’t do what it is you’re doing.”
He chuckled. “I don’t mean to freak you out.”
“You’re doing a pretty good job of it at the moment.” She wanted to look anywhere but at him.
“Okay, I know I’ve scared you, and I’ve crossed over the line of what you can deal with. How about I compromise?”
“You know the word of compromise? You understand it?”
He chuckled. “Believe it or not, yes, I do, and I’m going to be compromising right now. So, here is what I suggest. From now on, I won’t touch you. You’ll be free to say no to me. In fact, I won’t have sex with you, touch you, fuck you, or have anything to do with you at all. You’re free to make your own choices.”
“What’s the catch?” she asked.
“There’s no catch. If you want to fuck me again, you tell me. You come to me.”
“You’re not going to let me go, are you?”
“No, I’m really not.”
She nodded her head. “I guess I should accept that. Fine. Okay. Deal.”
****
Present day
“I don’t think I should be here,” Robin said.
Preacher glanced over at her, seeing the nerves she tried to hide. “What are you afraid of?”
“Everyone. I mean, look at them. They’re all scary and I’ve been away and all this time I haven’t come back here. What if they do hate me?” she asked. “What if I don’t live up to what they expect?” She nibbled her lip and he reached out, pulling her bottom lip from between her teeth.
“You’re really cute when you’re nervous.” He looked out of his car window to see the club. It was already dark and it had been a long time since a party had happened. This one though, was special.
After nearly nine months of being at home, they were finally celebrating her return. It felt good to be doing something positive.
He had feelers out for Reaper and now Bishop. Preacher knew his son was using Reaper to stay hidden, but it was fine. With Dog on his side, and several favors being called in, it was only a matter of time before he finally found the men responsible.
After Bishop’s disappearing act, Preacher didn’t doubt for even a second the little bastard had set Robin up, had taken her nearly three years ago.
“It doesn’t stop the nerves. Look at everyone. They look like they’re having fun. I’m going to spoil it.”
“You’re not going to spoil anything. Come on. This is all for you and you will see why the moment we get there.”
He climbed out of the car and took her hand as she vacated the vehicle. Together, they walked hand-in-hand toward the clubhouse, only he didn’t go around the back. He walked straight into the main room.
The lights were all turned off and as he cleared his voice, the lights came on and everyone screamed a welcome home.
Balloons, streamers, and confetti spewed forward.
“Oh, wow,” she said.
Her hand gripped his tightly and for the first time since planning her coming-home party, he had to wonder if he’d made a mistake. Randall had advised him about crowds and he quickly recalled how he found her at the bar. This wasn’t designed to be too much for her. He expected her to be able to handle it.
“We’re so glad to see you,” Joanne said, rushing forward.
“Great.”
Men and women all came toward them, embracing her, and for the first time, Preacher knew it was a mistake.
Bear handed him a beer and he shook his head.
“Do you have any word on Bishop?” Bear asked.
Joanne and a couple of the women took Robin and he watched her go. She looked back toward him and he smiled at her, giving her a little wave.
If looks could kill, he’d be dead.
“Not yet but we’re getting close.”
“Have you spoken with Myers?” he asked.
Edward Myers was the one in charge of keeping them all out of prison. He was a grumpy guy and hated the job he’d been given, but they paid him very well to do his job. He also overlooked all the legal stuff with their clubs and businesses. Whenever they needed a lawyer, he was the one to call. So far, he’d never failed them.
“He’s getting the necessary paperwork. However, he warned me Bishop needs to be alive to sign them.”
“Oh, dear.”
“Yeah.”
“Then what are you going with? Making her a widow?” Bear asked.
Preacher didn’t say anything. He looked over the party and it no longer felt right to him. He’d fucked up big and he was going to have to make it up to her.
“I hate to be the party pooper here,” Bear said.
“You’re going to, anyway. May as well get it done,” Preacher said, drinking his beer.
“Fine. He’s your son, Preacher. I know I’ve only had a girl and you and Bishop have had your difficulties. He’s still your boy.”
“Your point being?” He wasn’t stupid. He simply didn’t want to have to answer any more questions.
“Will you kill him?”
Preacher turned to his friend. He and Bear had always been close.
“I love Robin, but I don’t think even if she was to turn rat, I don’t think I could kill her. She’s my flesh and blood.”
Preacher nodded. “I understand that, but that’s why I’m president and you’re VP. I can do what no one else does.”
“You’d kill Bishop?” Bear asked.
“He’s a rat. He turned Robin over to our enemies. That’s the kind of shit you never forgive or forget. He’ll pay for what he’s done. Robin, if she wants an annulment, she’ll get it. She’s been through enough.”
“What if she wants Bishop to live?”
“Then I’ll make sure she gets something else. Bishop will die.” He couldn’t see Robin anymore and he didn’t like it.
Bear grabbed his arm as he attempted to go find her, stopping him from moving. “You know, I’m really getting tempted to break your hand,” he said.
“What would you do if Robin’s a rat? Would you kill her?”
Preacher turned to look at Bear. “That would never happen.”
He wasn’t about to answer Bear. There was no reason for him to find an answer.
As he left his friend, he made his way through the main part of the club, but there was no sign of Robin. He spotted several of the club pussy. They were on the arms of his men but still nothing of his woman.
He left the clubhouse, looking outside and finding nothing. Next, he made his way back inside, stopping Grave. “You seen Robin?”
“She went to the bathroom.”
He nodded his thanks and went toward the bathroom. There was no one outside and he walked in.
The bathroom was clean and he made a note to give the club cleaner a pay rise. He’d used the bathrooms a couple of times and his boys were not the cleanest.
He heard the unmistakable sound of sniffling.
“Robin, baby?” he asked.
“It’s okay. I’ll be right out.” Her voice was croaky.
He leaned up against the sink, arms folded, waiting. Fuck, he had a bad feeling. Running a hand down his face, he tried to clear his thoughts.
“You’re still here, aren’t you?”
“I’m not leaving.”
“I want you to leave.”
“Are you pissed at me?”
“No. I don’t even know if I can get pissed at you.”
He laughed. “Of course, you can. It’s a rite of passage. Every girlfriend has a right to be mad at their boyfriend.”
“You’re my boyfriend?”
Preacher hesitated. “I guess I am. You’re mine and I’m yours. I’ve never had a girlfriend before.”
“But, Bishop…?”
“I was never dating his mother. I never liked her. She was a fucking rat.”
“I don’t know what that means.”
“It means something,” he said. “You don’t ever have to worry. Do you want to tell me why you’ve locked yourself in the bathroom, crying? I can’t hold you. I can’t help you.”
“I don’t need any help. I just need a few minutes.”
“Okay.”
He waited.
“You still haven’t left, have you?”
“Sorry, baby girl. I’m not leaving.”
“I don’t know what to do,” she said. “Everyone is so nice and they are all acting like they know me and I don’t have a clue who they are.” She sniffled. “I’m sorry. It’s not worth crying over.”