It’s convenient having him around when he’s here, but I try not to ever bother him for any of that stuff. Makes times like now come in handy because he doesn’t even blink, offering to help out.
With Odin watching her kid, there’s no reason for her not to come out to the clubhouse tonight. Her one excuse is taken care of, and Princess will want her best friend there celebrating with her.
Now I just have to figure out how to get her to talk to me. I’ve done a shit job of it so far. She’s been avoiding me as if I have the fucking plague or some shit. Why do chicks have to be so complicated?
“You think me goin’ after Bethany is pointless?” I ask my brother once he finally walks out.
“Not if you want her. Just keep in mind, it’s not only B anymore. I don’t want my ol’ lady up my ass cause her best friend’s hurt by my brother. Shit won’t be fun for me or you.”
“I got you; I won’t mix my pussy in the club’s business. Shit goes south, I’ll make sure it’s not her caught in the cross fire.”
“Don’t know how you’ll manage that one, but glad you’re at least considering it could happen.”
“I need her to come tonight to the party. She’s gotta chill the fuck out at some point so I can get her to talk to me.”
“I can’t believe we’re having this fuckin’ conversation. Last time the bitch was all over you like she was in heat or something. You just glared at her, and she couldn’t get enough. What’s the issue this time around?”
“Fuck if I know. Maybe because I’m not ignoring her this time? It’s fucking with my head though. It’s like she had my cock before and doesn’t want it again. Trust me, she loved my shit, ain’t no way she can deny it.”
He chuckles. Viking flashing his teeth tells me that he’s thoroughly amused with me tripping out over this. Fucker never does it unless we’re lit off some whiskey and weed so he must be loving this a little too much.
“You sayin’ I’m gonna have to drag her ass here tonight so you can have a shot? Just show up at the house and make her come with you.”
“I can’t do that in front of the kid. It may traumatize him or something.”
He snorts, glancing heavenward. “You’re turnin’ into a pussy. That’s why she’s not after you, she can probably sense it. Chicks are smart, she thinks you’re a pussy, she won’t want your dick man.”
“I am the fuck not. Just trying to think of not messing her kid up is all. Trying to be considerate; females love that shit.”
“How would you know that? Since when do you make it a habit to notice women’s feelings?”
“I read it somewhere, and I am now; that’s all that matters.”
“If you say so, brother. You want my advice? You see her tonight, pick her ass up and carry her to your room. Show her you’re still a man. Tie the bitch up; fuck her until she can’t walk, then be all sweet and shit. My ol’ lady loves it like that.”
“Princess gets her here tonight, and I’ll take care of it.”
“Just lock it down, brother. A good dickin’ and she’ll be all over you like white on rice. Hell, you may not want it after you hit it again anyhow. Could be you forgot what it was the last time.”
“It was good, trust me.”
“Then lock it the fuck down.”
I nod, tossing back the shot of whiskey sitting on the bar waiting for me. I’m going to need about ten of them to make her feelings become invalid to me enough that if she fights me, I won’t give two shits. Viking’s right; I need to take care of business and remind her who’s in control here. She came back, and I want her. She was mine back then, and she’ll be mine again—this time for good. Once she comes to her senses, I’ll move them back down here, and we can get settled together.
I can’t believe after all the years out soul-searching, I’m ready to put down some roots. She’s a good woman, though, just wild enough to keep me on my toes. At least she used to be. I have a feeling if she gets a taste of that again, she’ll want more.
Now I’m around more and not into as much dangerous shit. Before we had our hands in dirty business, and it was a liability to care about anyone, a weakness. I wouldn’t want a woman tortured or killed so enemies could get to me. They did it to Princess and Viking was a goddamn wreck. He never let anyone know it, but the man was about to completely lose it. Not sure I’d be as strong in his situation. I’d be liable to go in, guns blazing, and murder the whole lot of them if they ever threatened my ol’ lady.
Carpe Omnia
- Seize Everything
“I hope they’ll be okay,” I repeat myself for the tenth time.
Of course, I’ve left Maverick with a babysitter before, but this isn’t the same. Odin doesn’t babysit regularly, and I’m just slightly worried he’ll do something out of the norm.
There’s a decent-sized chance we’ll come back later, and my son will be covered head to toe in fake tattoos. Generally, it wouldn’t concern me, but in two days when Princess says, “I do,” I don’t want my kid looking like a hellion in any of her photos. Although he’d fit in with the men around him, and maybe he’ll blend in more that way.
“They’re right over the field at the house if they need anything. I’m sure they won’t, though. This is good practice for Odin anyhow. The club sluts follow him around like lost puppies. He needs to see what happens if you’re not careful.”
“Thanks.” I wince.
I wasn’t careful; I was too trusting and ended up a single mom because of it.
“I didn’t mean it like that. You were older—in your twenties—when you got pregnant. He’s only eighteen and thinks he’s untouchable by anything. I don’t want a surprise to land him on his ass, at least not until he’s older. You had a chance to be free and crazy, he’s just getting to that point.”
“I know what you meant. Really, it’s fine. I was older but still living with my mom working a crap job. Things could’ve been easier. I hope Odin gets a chance to live his life some before facing the challenges I did.”
“Me too, B. I won’t let him be some shitty father, bailing on the back of his bike, either. I promise you that whichever woman he ends up with, he’ll do right by them.”
My smile’s a bit shaky as I ponder over her words. She’s turning into her mom, and she’s so lucky for that. So are the rest of the guys; Mona was good to everyone.
It’s also shaky because she still believes that Nightmare left me out to dry. I mean, he did in a way, telling me he didn’t want kids and couldn’t have them. He said it himself. What kind of father would he be and why would he want that anyhow.
Every time I begin to feel guilty or question my decisions, I have to remind myself of his words. He didn’t want me; he didn’t want Maverick. Nightmare didn’t want us. I would’ve given him everything I had, too. It wasn’t much, but I would’ve worshiped him with every beat of my heart. Too bad I wasn’t enough for him.
“Enough seriousness. You have a free pass tonight. You know what that means, right?” She pulls me to her in a side hug, grin full of mischief.
“Free pass? Hardly. I still have to function tomorrow.” Grinning, she rolls her eyes.
“Tonight, we have fun, Bethany. Suck it up and hold on sweet pea, it’s goin’ down.”
“Oh, God. Why do I feel like we’ll regret this tomorrow?”
“Let’s not think of that now. You’re trying that apple pie moonshine I told you about. That stuff is freaking amazing.”
“All right, bartender, pour me one … but only one. No puking tonight.”
She laughs and leads the way into the clubhouse, straight toward the bar. She’s full of trouble, and everyone always thought I was the bad one growing up. She was just as guilty as I was at getting us into something we weren’t supposed to be in.
First time we drank? Her fault. Yep, she opened her mom’s brandy cabinet and made us vodka and orange juice. It was disgusting, and we spilled it everywhere. Her mom had to know half the bottle of vodka was really water. She ne
ver said a word about it, but she didn’t need too. Princess and I were so paranoid that Mona knew, we didn’t enjoy it one bit. I think we walked around with our eyes wide and hands shaking for an entire month, waiting for her mom to lynch our asses.
Part of me wonders how we even survived as teens, being linked to a notorious biker club and her brother being Mr. Super Popular in school. Girls hated us for being close to him, and weird men watched us all the time. I know it was because of her father. Whether they were friend or foe, I still haven’t the slightest clue.
However it happened, we made it, and now she’s still trying to kill me—with moonshine. I love apple pie and doubt the liquor tastes anything like it, but if it does, I’m in trouble. You can’t have too much apple pie, especially if they have whipped cream behind the bar, too. Geesh.
“Hey, Blaze? Can we each have a shot of apple pie, please?” She leans over the bar, smiling at a guy our age. His arms are covered in tattoos that look like they’re on fire. So, this dude must be the cousin she’s told me about. He’s decent looking, but not on Nightmare’s level though.
Princess filled me in how he was a total dick to her the first time they met. She said he’s cool now, but for the longest, I wanted to castrate him for treating her so badly. I’m surprised Viking didn’t kill him when he found out. She said he offered to and that gave him some more brownie points in my book.
He carefully pours us a few shots from a jar and sets them in front of us, then he takes a big swig straight from the jar for himself.
“I told you only one!” I protest over the loud music filling the small room.
Blaze grins at Princess, then at me. “No way, darlin’. You'll want another, trust me.” He winks, and I understand how he’s charmed her. Manners and a cute dimple with some southern twang will no doubt make your heart flutter. Mix in some moonshine, and women don’t have a chance.
“Ugh.” I groan, knowing I’ve already lost. She’s got the freaking bartender on her side, so no doubt he’ll feed us drinks all night as long as she bats her eyelashes at him.
“Blaze, whiskey and coke, brother.” It’s grumbled from behind me.
“Brother.” Blaze nods and turns to make the drink.
My backside feels like it’s on fire and being able to make out his grumble, I know Nightmare is close. If I guess correctly, I’d say way too close knowing him. The man has been persistent for sure and doesn’t hesitate to overtake my personal space.
“You gonna say ‘hi’ at least, little daydream?” he mutters making my nipples harden in response. Traitors. The man’s voice has a straight shot to my core it seems. One hand lands on my hip, and my body falters for a moment, wanting nothing more than to lean into him and rest against his strength. I want to touch him everywhere, for him to do the same to me. God, he’s so good at it, like he knows all the perfect spots to hit.
“Princess,” he acknowledges, playing nice.
“Nightmare,” she replies, not impressed and the tension grows thicker around us. I wouldn’t be surprised if P clawed his eyes out if she was given the chance to. It’s my damn fault entirely, and I hate that I’ve created a rift between them.
“Try the shot dollface, you’ll love it.” His breath hits my neck, caressing the sensitive flesh, my eyelashes fluttering as it does. Thank God, he can’t see my face, or he’d know I’m halfway there to giving in to him.
His drink lands on the counter in front of me as Blaze’s gaze flickers over me. He’s curious no doubt, why his broody brother is hovering behind me, like an overprotective bear—like I belong to him.
Prissy shoots him an annoyed look and passes me one of the rock’s glasses with two fingers full of clear alcohol. “Come on, B; a toast to good friends and good times.”
I tap my glass to hers, lightly bumping the bottom to the counter and then bringing it to my lips. It doesn’t even smell harsh like moonshine normally does. The taste splashes over my tongue, and it’s like biting into a fresh slice of cinnamon apple pie, just like she said.
I’m fucked because I instantly love it and know I’ll want to drink it until I’m sick which is not good. I don’t get out much—like at all—and have no alcohol tolerance anymore, so I there’s no way I can hang with my bestie drinking anymore. I’ve turned into more of a chug-wine-before-bed or sip-a-beer-until-it’s-room-temperature type.
“Damn, that’s good.” I sigh, setting the empty glass in front of Blaze. Nightmare’s grip tightens on my hip briefly until I wiggle away. He and alcohol don’t mix—I’d end up pregnant again, and that’s not happening.
“Told you.” She winks, and I giggle.
I actually giggle, because I’m so happy to be here right in this moment getting to drink and relax with her. If I knew how everything was going to turn out, I would’ve cherished the time we had before, much more. I hate living away from her, but I didn’t have a choice. I had to get away and start over. I had to go somewhere where a decent apartment was cheap to rent and where we could survive on a waitress’s salary.
“Too bad Maverick’s father wasn’t in the picture to help you with him, or else we could do this more.” She glares at Night behind me, and I choke, coughing.
“Princess!” I gasp and yank her away from the bar, away from him. “You can’t say that stuff, please,” I plead, the music drowning our conversation away. I can’t believe she just said that next to him.
“Why not? I’m your best friend; of course, you’re going to tell me what happened. Does he think he can just stand right there, touching you like he owns you, without me opening my mouth? He can’t have his cake and eat it too, doesn’t work that way. He wants you, he wants Maverick. There is not one without the other.”
My eyes become watery. She has no idea what she’s talking about. I should admit everything to her, the entire story. He doesn’t know Maverick’s his, and even if he did, I don’t think anything would change. I seriously doubt he’d care, but I’m not wanting to feel that heartache in my soul as well.
Being shot down once from him is enough for me to remember for the rest of my life. I wish he wanted us both, but I’m not going to fool myself into believing that fairy tale can be mine. He doesn’t want to be a father; I won’t force him into that position.
“Please. I just want to relax and have some fun.”
“What’s going on?” Viking’s inquisitive gaze flashes over us both as he pulls Princess to his chest. Always in protection mode when it comes to his woman. She’s lucky.
“Nothing, your ol’ lady’s making me drink moonshine.”
“Ah.” He grins. “It’s good.”
“It’s amazing!”
“Then let’s have some,” he finishes, pulling Princess with him to the bar. She, in return, tugs me along with her.
We each pick up the other full shots we’d left behind, and Blaze pours Viking a tumbler that’s three-quarters full. The man’s the size of a mammoth, so naturally, his shots are supersized too.
“Come on, brother, join us in celebrating.” He includes Nightmare, and, of course, Night readily agrees, saddling up next to me as he’s poured his own super-sized shot as well. At this rate, I’ll be trashed within the hour.
“What we toasting too?” Night asks while staring down at me, his eyes saying so much but I’m unable to read him.
“To women we can’t forget,” Viking mutters, while tinking his tumbler to Princess’ shot. “To women worth being better for.”
She finishes, “And to men who’re nothing but trouble.” He sends her a curious glance but doesn’t protest. Instead, downing the alcohol in two gulps and finishing by pressing his lips to hers in a scorching kiss.
I’m happy she’s found the love of her life. I’m even slightly jealous of it. Not in a bad way; I just want that love for myself.
Nightmare’s knuckles find my chin, tipping my head up to his, but I don’t give him the chance. Turning back to Blaze, I put on a large smile. “Hey, Blaze, can I get a Sprite, please?” I need somet
hing to cool me off.
“Just a Sprite? Want me to add some vodka and cherry or anything?” I hate vodka, and even that sounds delicious. No wonder he’s the bartender.
“No thanks, just the Sprite for me, please. I need something other than alcohol in my stomach or I won’t be able to hang with this one for very long.” I tilt my head over toward my friend who’s still making out with her man. Years later and they act like two horny teenagers, never getting enough of each other.
“Hmmm, that’s not what I’ve heard. According to the boss lady, you were quite the partier back in the day.”
“Yep, I was, but I’ve calmed down since then. It’s not fun being hungover the next day I’ve learned.”
“Truth,” he agrees, handing me the large, fizzy soda. He threw a cherry on top for me, so that was sweet.
“We had fun, and I don’t remember you being so bad off that we couldn’t roll around the next day.” Nightmare pulls my face back toward him, and I lick my lips. My hand falls to his chest, attempting to keep some mandatory space between us. Any closer and I’ll melt right here in front of him.
He leans down, brushing his nose against mine as his deep voice continues to mutter, “In fact, I remember we had a great time—fucked up, posted against the side of a bar. Remember that, dollface? You had marks all over your back from the brick.” Princess’ eyes grow wide as they meet mine, and the memories flash through my mind of the night he’s talking about.
He’d pulled me outside the bar. Rushed and hot after I’d divulged my secret of having tasted Princess mere moments before he’d sucked my taste off his fingers. I wanted him so badly at that point I thought my body would explode if he held out.
It’d been like he was teasing me in the days before. Each time I’d seen him, he’d throw me a brief, irritated glance and nothing more. I knew he wanted to fuck me. I could feel it in the air, in the way his pissed-off gaze practically singed me each time it landed on me.
Daydream (Oath Keepers MC) Page 7