Once we were ready to go, I sent Marcus a quick message letting him know the pick up was complete and we were heading out. Tick had a weird look on his face, the same he got when something didn’t sit right with him. I tried to get his attention, but he shook his head, probably trying to shake off the feeling.
The highway was pretty empty. Not many people headed the way we were going. Nothing touristy or exciting to see. Just a whole lot of nothingness really. So when the first cop car passed us, I took notice pretty quickly. Tick saw the cruiser, too, and sped up to get in front of the truck.
We hadn’t heard anything from Jasper about trouble up ahead, so we pressed on, but I kept an eye out for any other cruisers. When the second one passed us, I gave a worried glance over at Tick. He sped up ahead, leaving our little train behind. Fuck.
I waved Burner up to the front and kept the back of the truck covered. Whatever the fuck was going on, it made my skin tingle. Not much good ever happened when my skin tingled. Tick sensed something, no other reason for him to break his position.
After hours of riding, we finally came up to the Disciples. Tick stood with them at the rest stop, his hands fisted and his face red from yelling. The truck parked, and I rode over to where he stood. I scanned the small group but found no trace of our guys.
“What the fuck happened?” I hopped off my bike and stood at Tick’s side.
“Fuck if I know.” Sting waved hand in the air at Tick. “This fucker just barreled in here throwing accusations.”
“Where’s our guy?” I demanded, signing Tick’s rage for the moment.
“I don’t know. He saw those cruisers and freaked. Took off down the first exit we came across.” Sting didn't look at me when he spat out that lie. Jasper wasn’t a seasoned member, but never would he hightail it at just the sight of a cop. Fuck, cops harassed us almost daily.
“I’ve been calling his cell. Voicemail each time.” Burner stepped up to us.
“Hey, assholes.” The driver of the truck walked over to us. “I don’t care what your internal shit is about. I’m gonna piss and we hit the road.” He shoved his way through us. I watched him walk away, then turned back to Sting.
“Who changed the pick up location at the last minute?”
“I don’t know. I wasn't doing the pick up.” He lit a smoke.
“You sat there last night. The location was changed this morning. Marcus didn't know about it, which means you fucks did.” I stepped up to him.
“Whatever. Take it up with Jayson when we get back.” He looked off into the distance, trying to dismiss me.
The driver walked past us, not even looking our way, and headed to the truck. “I guess we’re ready.” I jerked a thumb in his direction. “We’ll take the back, you take the front.” I gave Tick a nod and we headed back to our bikes.
“Who made you in charge, asshole?” Sting bit out at me. I didn’t turn around. I flicked him off and kept heading to my bike. I wasn’t going to kick his ass yet. Not here. Not with Bernardo’s guy watching. I’d wait. But an ass kicking was in his future.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
LUCY
Whatever kept those guys out on the road all day must have been really serious. When Sting and his guys walked through the door of the club that night, they all looked pissed and ready to fight. I wasn't in the mood, so I kept to the bar and helped Jessica sling beer and whiskey.
Jayson managed to leave me alone while the guys were gone. I’d gotten a solid five hours of sleep before Jessica woke me up. The longer they were gone, the more I worried for Mason. The two clubs hated each other. Even if the cartel made them play nice, how long would it last? What were they up to? I knew enough to know I didn’t want the details, but I needed to know Mason got home in one piece.
Sting left the guys at the bar and headed to Jayson’s room. If his scowl was any indication, I’d say they all had a pretty shitty day. “Just keep the liquor flowing. Most of these guys are gonna suffer whiskey dick pretty soon, just keep it coming, sweetheart.” Jessica ran a hand over my back. I nodded. That would suit me fine.
“Lucy, bring a couple of beers back to Jayson and Sting,” Lucas called out to me as he walked through the lounge.
I found them in the meeting room, Sting’s face red and Jayson looking as cool as ever. “I did what you said, tried everything. I couldn’t fucking shake them.” Sting threw a chair back from the table and plopped down in it. “Fucking Day wouldn’t give me an inch after he saw those fucking troopers on the road. What the fuck were they doing out there anyway? Today was just a trial.” He grabbed the beer I handed him and chugged it, not stopping until the bottle was empty.
Jayson eyed me when I put another bottle on the table for Sting, then put one down next to him. “Hey, sweet thing.” He reached his hand out and gave my ass a pinch.
“Knock it off, Jayson.” I swatted his hand away.
“What? You don’t like me anymore?”
“Anymore?” I laughed. His eyes narrowed, and the thin lips I could see under his thick mustache curled.
“You know, Lucy. I was gonna talk with you in private. But, we’re family.” He waved to his brother, who looked pretty confused at the change in topic.
“I’m gonna forgive your debt.” He held up a hand before I could react. “I’m gonna make you my old lady. And my old lady don’t need to pay her way.”
I nearly dropped the tray I balanced in my palm. “What?” The air left my chest with that one word. “Why would I ever agree to that? You don’t like me.”
“Like you? What does that have to do with it? I don’t even know you. It doesn't matter though, You see, as my old lady, you’ll be whatever I want you to be. If I want you to be a little housewife, that’s what you’ll be. If I want you to keep being my slut, that's what you’ll be. See?” He looked up at me from his chair, his eyes not showing an ounce of care or compassion.
“Jayson. I have plans,” I started to say, ignoring the snort that came from Sting. “I’m going to go to school. Be a nurse. Do something with myself.” I spoke, but it wasn't’ for him. It was for me. Reminding myself why I was standing up to him at that moment. Trying to make him see reason.
“You can still go to school. I’ll let you get your nurse’s hat. Lucas had a good point. We could use someone around here with medical training. Save the boys from having to go to the ER every time they split their fucking noses open.”
“How much more do I owe?” I avoided the topic at hand. I need time. An escape.
“Not sure. A lot.”
“Why me?” I whispered the question. I wasn't’ even sure I was asking him or the universe in general. When my mom got sick, I didn’t pity myself. I didn’t blame any super being for what happened. I took control of the situation and handled it. When I ran out of money from paying mom’s bills and lost my job because the store closed down, I didn’t mope about it. I picked up my shit and moved on. Now, though…now I wanted to fucking know why this was happening to me.
“Because you’re here. And I won’t lie, Lucy, you’re hot.” Jayson ran his fingers over my stomach, over the tight knit dress I wore. I felt nothing but repulsion at the touch. Not the electricity and fire I felt when Mason’s fingers did the same thing.
“There are a lot of hot girls out there. One who would want to be with you, with the club,” I pointed out. I tried to keep the tremble from my voice, but I could still hear it. Sting just looked on as though the entire conversation was entertaining. A sitcom instead of my death sentence.
“Yeah, all a bunch of whores and silly girls. You have spitfire.” He wrapped his hand around my hip and gave me a little shake. “No. It’s you. The only good thing to come out of that bitch Kerri bringing you here.”
I looked at Sting at the mention of Kerri’s name, hoping for some reaction. He looked almost bored. She was his girlfriend! He killed her, and he barely recognized her fucking name.
“I don't know…” I stepped back, letting his hand drop from my hip. How doe
s one gently let down the president of the club?
“Well. Let me put it this way.” His eyes darkened as he watched my retreat. “If you say no, your debt will never be paid off. You’ll be the official club Mama. We haven't’ had one of those in a while.” He shot a grin to Sting, who laughed.
“Fuck, that girl was tough. Took a train every week, that one.” He nodded as he reminisced.
“A train?” I shot a worried glance between them.
“Yeah. A train. Every member—”
“No. Stop. Never mind. I know what you mean.” I took a deep breath.
“You think about it. I’ll give you ’til tomorrow.” Jayson waved his hand at me. “Now go. I have work to do. There won't be anyone at your door tonight. You’re closed for business, Lucy. But deny me what I want, and that door will never close again. Got it?”
I nodded, suddenly mute, and headed for the door. I needed space. And time. And a way out of the nightmare that had become my life.
“And Lucy.” His voice struck a nerve in me. “If you see Mason Day again, so much as look in his direction, I’ll fucking kill him. Do you understand me? And his mother, too.”
I didn’t react. I didn’t have the capacity to at that moment. So many threats in such a small amount of time. I walked out of the room in silence. The tray I was carrying clattered on the bar when I dropped it, and then I walked through the crowded lounge and headed for my room. Jessica called out to me, but I didn’t care. I needed to get away. I knew Jayson wouldn't let me leave the compound, so I buried myself in my room.
I had to get a message to Mason. He had been so determined the last time we talked. There had to be a way to get a message to him to drop the idea. To forget me. I was dead weight at this point. Jayson didn’t let anyone touch me after he dropped his idea on me, he kept his word on that. He even didn't come to me either.
Putting all my hopes into one basket, I dressed and headed out the door. I left a message that I was getting breakfast. Jayson didn’t respond, so I took that as a go ahead. I’d conveniently left out where I’d be getting breakfast from. Mason had been at the diner the last time I ran into him outside the club. I hoped to hell he was there now.
The sun blared into my car, heating up the already humid space, and again I promised to get the air conditioner fixed before full on summer hit. The clubhouse had been empty, the guys still sleeping off their drinks from the night before, so no one seemed to be tailing me. I doubted Jayson thought I’d try to see Mason so soon after his threat to kill him. If I was lucky, Mason would be at the diner with that friend of his. Then I could get him to help me talk sense into him.
Luck was on my side for once. I saw his bike as I pulled into the lot and sighed with relief.
He sat with Tick in a corner booth, and immediately he caught my stare. I could see the tension build in his muscles and immediately he looked out the window to see who was with me. I shook my head as I walked over toward him, sliding into a chair at the table next to him.
“Sit here.” He slid over in his seat, but again I shook my head and picked up the menu.
“I can’t. I just came to tell you, Jayson is serious. You have to stay away from me. And whatever your deal is with the club—they aren’t honoring it. I don’t know any details other than they are trying to shake you guys loose.”
“We already knew that, darlin’.” Tick’s thick voice answered me. I blushed. Of course they already knew that.
“Good. I just wanted to tell you that. You have to stay away. Please.” The rev of an engine caught my attention and I looked out the window. Sting. Fuck. What was he doing? “Just stay.” I ran for the bathrooms. He was alone. He was probably just picking up some bagels. I’d wait him out.
I heard Mason call my name. But I didn't hear him move. He followed me into the bathroom, shoving the door closed and bolting the lock. “You’re going to get yourself fucking killed.” I shoved his chest.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
MASON
“What are you talking about? What’s going on?” Seeing her walk into the diner had made my morning—until she sat down and opened her mouth.
She shoved her hair behind her ear and wiped her eyes. Had she been crying? “Jayson said if he caught me so much as looking at you, he’d kill you.”
“I can take care of myself,” I assured her, reaching out to her.
She slapped my hands away and took a shaky breath. “And your mom.”
My blood ran cold. I dropped my hands back to my sides and let the sentence hang between us, refusing to grasp it just yet. “My mom?”
“Yeah. He said he’d kill you both.”
“Lucy, that fucker is a dead man,” I promised her. My teeth clenched so hard my jaw ached. Part of me wanted to rush back out into the diner and rip Sting’s throat out just for being related to that asshole.
“No.” She took another deep breath. “I came down here because I need you to back off, okay? Everything’s fucked up and I don't want you or your mom to get hurt.”
I grabbed her, wrapping my hand around her neck and pulled her to my chest. My arms captured her before she could wiggle away and held her tight. “Baby.” I rested my chin on her head. “He’s not going to lay a finger on my mom. Or you. Ever again.”
“There’s more.” I let up on my grasp enough for her to talk. “He’s taking me as his old lady.”
“Fuck no.” I let her go and began to pace the room. Seeing as it was barely large enough for me to take more than three long strides I probably looked a bit more manic than I would have liked. “That’s not going to happen.”
“He said it was either his old lady or the club’s Mama.” She said the words but I could see she didn’t fully understand them. Being the club’s Mama meant she belonged to all of them. Every member owned her and would do what they wanted with her. She’d service them any way they wanted.
“Then we go to Jayson, and I’ll pay what you owe. You come back to my club and be my old lady until I can get the funds together to retire from the club. I’ve been with them long enough; as long as I leave in good standing we won't have any problems.” She was already shaking her head at me. I wanted to bend her over the sink and spank her disagreeable ass, then sink my dick so fast into her she screamed my name. It’d been forever since I touched her.
“No. Doing that would only cause trouble between the two clubs, and I doubt you’d get your good standing badge if you did that.”
I wanted to laugh over her terminology. This woman had no business in a MC clubhouse. She was right though. Marcus made it fucking clear I was to steer clear of her. But how the fuck was I supposed to do that now? It was bad enough when Jayson had toyed with the idea of making her an old lady, but that he’d proposed it? Threatened to turn her into the club’s maid and whore if she didn’t…it was different now.
Before I could stop myself, but not that I would have, I grabbed her chin and captured her mouth under mine. Her lips trembled beneath my touch. When the kiss broke, and I looked down into her eyes, I was surprised to find her staring up at me with such sadness.
“What is it? I promise you, he won’t touch you.” I pushed her hair from her face, letting my fingers drag across her skin and down her neck.
“You can’t stop him. I can’t either.” There it was again. Sadness. For the moment she was right. My chest ached at the tension there, the helpless sensation of wanting to save and protect her, and being powerless to do it. It wouldn’t just mean being kicked from the club, it could mean our lives. Her life, my life—fuck, if Jayson was as crazed as he seemed, my mom could be in trouble, too.
“Right now, let’s look at right now.” I kissed her again, her lips, her cheeks. “Just this minute. We’ll figure out the rest later.”
Her hands pressed against my chest. “Sting is out there.” The reminder did not stifle the erection pressing against my zipper. Every second I was with Lucy was a second too long without touching her. I needed her, and right now, she needed me. I g
rasped her hands, pulling them up to my lips and pressing a kiss to both wrists.
“Put these behind your back, and don’t let me see them again. Understood?” I moved her hands behind her and waited for her nod before I let go. “Good.” I kissed her collarbone, a kiss, a nip, a lick, making my way down to where little sundress we buttoned. “Fuck, I love these cotton dresses of yours.” I unbuttoned each button, kissing my way down. Pushing the fabric aside, I freed one breast. “Fuck.” I grinned at her while I lightly flicked her nipple with the tip of my tongue. I heard her hiss, felt her body tighten. Again I flicked, then bit, a little more pressure and she rewarded me with that delicious moan of hers. “Careful, not too loud,” I playfully chastised her as I moved over to the other breast. I sucked her nipple into my mouth, toying with the peak with my tongue and sucking hard.
Mason: Inked Reapers MC Page 10