by Anne Malcom
“What the fuck is this?” Amy hissed, gesturing to the men.
I gave her a look, telling her to reign it in.
“Cade wouldn’t let us leave without babysitters.” She opened her mouth to protest.
“No complaining lets just get out of here.” I nodded to the men and we walked out to my car. Luckily I was allowed my car, the guys were going to follow behind. As we got in, I caught a glimpse of Cade sitting on his bike. I felt his stare burning into me but I quickly got in the car avoiding his gaze.
“Uh oh trouble in paradise?” Amy asked, catching the exchange.
I reversed, resisting the urge to hit his stupid motorbike, and sped off out the gate.
I glanced at Amy over my sunglasses. “I’ll tell you mine if you tell me yours?”
She laughed. “Biker men are assholes, no way I am breathing Brock’s air if I can help it. There’s nothing to tell.” She lied, inspecting her manicure.
“Bullshit. There is definitely something going on. Does that mean you and Ian are over?” I was hoping to finally get something out of her.
She sighed, looking out the window.
“We were never even properly together, I don’t know what to think. I finally start getting over him, with someone that drives me crazy and is a polar opposite. Then he comes back fucking my head up then dropping a bomb that he’s quitting the army. I can’t deal, it’s too much to handle. I told him we’d talk when he came home, if he really is leaving, but I don’t know if I can do it Gwennie.”
I gave her a look filled with sympathy, she really was in a prick of a situation. I loved my brother and didn’t want him getting hurt, but there was so much in play here, especially adding Brock in the mix, the waters were definitely muddy.
She gave me a sideways glance. “I feel weird talking to you about this, there’s nothing going on so can we just drop it?” She pleaded.
I didn’t believe her but I nodded. “I’m always here if you need me though Abrams.”
She smiled. “I know, now are you going to tell me what’s going on between you and your delicious man?”
“Not a chance in hell. Lets just forget about men for the day okay?” I asked as if it was even possible.
“Best suggestion I’ve heard in ages.” Amy replied.
The day passed by quickly, there was no more creepy deliveries or car bombs or drive bys or anything dramatic. Although I was jumpy for most of the day, convinced a spider would crawl out of somewhere. We tried to keep the incident quiet, but this was a small town and the cat was out of the bag. Or the spider was out of the box. I thought it would keep people away but it had the opposite effect. Everyone stopped by to see if I was okay and get their fill of the towns latest gossip. I expected more anger at the club for bringing this kind of thing into town but everyone spoke reasonably highly of the club, talking about how they organized charity runs and helped fund the children’s center down the road.
Rosco and Skeet haven’t left the store all day, they looked vigilant, always scanning the street. I bet it got boring, hanging out in a women’s clothing shop all day, so I made an effort to buy them lunch and coffees to get them through the day. I also gave them magazines but they had gone unopened, I guess there’s no time for leisurely reading when one is guarding against a possible gang attack.
I sighed, letting the last of the customers out before locking the door behind them. I had let Lily go early because she had a test to study for, and she had been about as jumpy as me, steeling worried glances at Rosco and Skeet all day.
I turned to Amy who was counting the till, then glanced to Rosco and Skeet who were lounging on the couches.
“Who’s keen for pizza?” I rubbed my hands together at the thought of the carby goodness.
Amy screwed her face up. “Cheese, grease and about a thousand calories?” She replied, then a light sparked in her face. “Count me in, maybe if I gained 100 pounds I wouldn’t have to worry about the unwanted advances of some biker idiot. As long as we get ice cream too.”
I laughed. “Awesome.”
The men were smirking at Amy’s latest comment. “Are we allowed to stop by the pizza place and grocery store without you two getting raked over the coals?” I asked sarcastically.
Neither said a word, they just stood still grinning. I guess that was a yes.
“Holy crap, I feel like I am about to explode.” Amy groaned as she tossed the empty ice cream carton into the direction of the trash can then flopped back down onto Cades bed.
I lay down beside her, unbuttoning my pants. “Yes I feel like I may just slip into a food coma.”
We had just consumed a huge pizza and a carton of ice cream, which did nothing to quell the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach I had had since this morning. If ice cream doesn’t cure it you know shit is serious. After getting back to the club with our goodies, we had managed to slip through the women and children and escape to Cade’s room. Not before Steg had approached me. We were almost to the stairs when he and one of the older men had emerged from ‘church’. He spotted me and made a beeline.
“Shit.” I muttered under my breath.
Amy followed my gaze. “Uh oh, biker prez 12 o’clock.”
Steg had a surprisingly soft look on his harsh face when he approached. His hand cupped my chin and my eyes flared in surprise.
“Gwen, you okay?” He asked softly, and my stomach dropped. Had Cade said something to him about this morning? Surely not, they barely got along. At a loss of what to do, I nodded awkwardly.
“You’re strong.” He stated, his tone sounding like he almost respected me. “Yesterday, you held it together. Other bitches would’ve reacted possibly causing even more shit. You did good, did right by the club.”
Whoa. Had I just gained the approval of someone who I suspected may or may not be an evil man? My question was answered when he bent down to kiss my cheek, gave me a firm nod then disappeared. I was so shocked I was pretty sure my mouth was wide open.
“What the fuck?” Amy sounded just as confused as I was. I grabbed her hand and dragged her towards the stairs.
“I will not be even attempting to figure out what just happened, my head is too full.” I decided.
We had spent the rest of the night hiding in Cade’s room, I had learnt that he and the boys were away doing something (I wouldn’t like to think what) and were not expected back for a long while. I had mixed feelings about this, one part of me was relieved. I had spent the day avoiding all thoughts about this morning, and I needed time to get my mind straight. I was scared, seeing Cade lose control like that reminded me a little too much of the violence that had been unleashed on me a year earlier. I didn’t want that to happen again. I was sure Cade wouldn’t hurt me, the look of disgust at himself this morning showed how much he obviously hated himself for his moment of anger. I loved him, a lot. I couldn’t just write off this incident though, seeing him that angry had been scary, but I knew he had a temper and it had been from worrying about me. I didn’t want to justify his behavior, but I knew how much he hated feeling powerless. Crap.
“Earth to Gwen.” Amy was staring at me looking slightly concerned.
“Sorry Ames, was a million miles away.” I replied, hoping to sound breezy. I didn’t fool my BFF though.
“What happened with you and Cade this morning? I know it must have been serious, you’ve been off all day.”
I sighed, not wanting to lie to her “We had a fight this morning, it got…intense.” I told her vaguely.
Her eyes flared in anger and she pushed up onto her elbows. “He didn’t hurt you did he? My threat still stands, I will de ball that man, even if it would be a crime not to let the world see how beautiful your babies would be.”
My friend was protective, I knew she would want to get involved in this and I didn’t have the energy.
“No he didn’t hurt me, he is just protective. He didn’t want me going anywhere. I disagreed, it got heated. You know me, I hate being told what to do it�
�ll be fine.” I tried to reassure her and myself at the same time.
Amy left not long after our talk about Cade, receiving a text from Rosie saying they could bunk together. Obviously whatever had happened with Brock had been serious and he didn’t want her in his room anymore. I was infinitely curious about this, but Amy was locked tight and I didn’t want to push her.
I found it hard to find sleep, not having Cade next to me and not wanting this to be permanent, and then questioning myself for yearning for Cade. I finally drifted off, into a restless slumber, waking up and reaching for Cade. Sometime during the night I woke yet again, but this time I had firm arms wrapped around me and I was tucked into Cade’s chest. I looked up at him, groggy, trying to decide whether I was dreaming or not. He must have sensed my gaze because his arms tightened. “Sleep baby.” His voice was rough.
Still half asleep I burrowed back into him, trying to get as close as I could. “I love you Cade.” I whispered, feeling his body go tight around me, I drifted off before he could reply.
I woke to an empty bed, I looked around, and deduced I was alone. Had I dreamt him? I sighed, trying to gather my thoughts and figure out the disaster that seemed to be my life. I felt sick about the way things were with Cade, he was out doing god knows what, obviously in danger and things were weird with us. I didn’t want that, no matter how out of hand things got yesterday, I couldn’t be without him. Period. If that made me a stupid woman who was blinded by love, then I guess I had better get used to those rose tinted glasses, cause I wasn’t going to bolt and spend the rest of my life wondering what if. Yeah a sensible man that wore a suit to work and had zero risk of coming home riddled with bullets was probably the best option. But that wasn’t me, unfortunately I wasn’t sensible. I did crazy shit, I needed a man that could handle that, handle me. And I needed Cade like I needed Chanel, so I would work something out. On that thought, my phone rang I reached to the nightstand glanced at the display and answered.
“Hey Mum.” I greeted, happy to hear from my mother.
“Hi there sweetheart, not catching you at a bad time am I?”
I sat up in bed, leaning against the headboard. “No I just woke up.”
“Oh that’s good dear, how are you? How’s Amy? How is your brother? Gosh I miss him, we hardly ever hear from him. The day he retires from the Army will be the day I sleep sounder.” She stated, sounding emotional, after her quick-fire questions.
I sighed and set out to quell my mother’s worry if that was humanely possible.
After a long conversation and a quick talk with my father who was a man of few words I rang off, feeling emotionally lighter. Talking with my family somehow made me feel better even if I hadn’t told them what’s going on.
“I think I’m ready for a beer. Or five. And I need to sleep in my own bed, how long is this lockdown shit going to last? My patience is like worn the fuck out.” Amy complained collapsing on the couch at the store. It had been another busy day, and we were exhausted. I looked up from counting the till with sympathy.
“I feel you sister. There is only so much time a girl can spend in a biker clubhouse especially with limited wardrobe options.” I sighed, thinking of my walk in back home.
“If we don’t get this shit sorted by tonight I am going to hunt down these fuckers and give them a beat down.” I declared, feeling feisty.
This earned a snort from one of the prospects, who had pulled babysitting duty for the day. I glared at him, not for the first time. I didn’t like him, at all. He leered at Amy all day as well as anything walking into the store wearing a skirt. He had a shaved head, beady eyes and a gross goatee that made him look like a sleazebag, which by his actions today was a right assumption. He had ignored my glare to take a phone call.
Amy met my eyes. “Before we beat down any rival gangbangers, can we start with him?” She asked pointing her eyes in Taylor’s direction, who was currently outside talking heatedly with someone.
“He is seriously sleazy, his beady little eyes have been creeping me out all day.”
“You and me both.” I replied, gathering up the cash I had counted. “I’ll go put this in the safe then we will get to those beers.” I called over my shoulder walking out the back. I started towards my office, then noticed the back door which lead to the back alleyway was open. Something settled in my gut. I didn’t leave that open, in fact it had been locked. Shit. I turned to call to Amy and I came face to face with the scariest looking guy I have ever seen. Tattoos, everywhere, even on his face and a distinct spider crawling up his neck. I had never seen someone with tattoos pretty much covering his entire face, they were meant to intimidate, and by the look on his face, this guy definitely meant me harm. I dropped the cash, opening my mouth to scream as well as preparing to kick him in the nuts. None of this happened however, the goon just smiled holding something up to my neck, and then everything went black.
Chapter 14
I woke up slowly, feeling groggy and confused. It took me a moment to remember what happened, and another second to realize I was tied up. My hands were bound over my head and I was somehow hanging off the ceiling, my feet barely touching the ground. I also realized that my dress had been taken off and I was clad only in my bra and underwear. Panic began to set in, and memories started flooding back to the last time I had all my power taken away from me. It took all of my effort not to hyperventilate. I slowly lifted my head to survey my surroundings. I was in a garage by the looks of it, a tool bench was directly across from me, scary looking instruments are scattered atop of it and I gulped seeing what looked like dried blood on them.
“I see the princess has awoken.” Scary man strolled into my vision and a couple of equally scary guys stood behind him, arms crossed glaring at me.
Fuck, this situation was all too familiar, I felt terrified beyond belief. I took a breath. No, this time I had someone who would come for me. Cade would come for me. Scary guy stood so close to me I could smell his rancid breath. He stroked my cheek and I flinched away, trying to stay balanced even though my wrists were burning and my legs felt like jelly.
“Don’t know how Cade landed a high class piece like you, can’t wait to find out what you taste like.” He drawled.
I felt my stomach lurch as he ran a hand down my torso. “Well basic hygiene was a start, you seriously need a tic tac.” I replied sarcastically with false confidence.
He glared at me, pulling my torso flush towards his, so I could feel his erection.
“You’re not going to be so smart after I’m done with you bitch. Although I do hope you have a little more fight than the last one, the fun was over far too quickly for our liking.” He leaned in and licked my cheek.
Bile rose up in my throat and I struggled not to throw up. Fire ran through my veins as I realized he was talking about Laurie. This is the man that killed that poor girl, the man that almost killed Bull and scarred the club. The fucker. Fury replaced my terror, fury at this disgusting excuse for a human, someone who thought he had the right to hurt people, to ruin lives. I brought my knee up to connect with his crotch with as much force as possible. He doubled over, grunting in pain.
“Get your filthy hands off me you piece of scum.” I hissed, relishing in the fact I caused that sick man pain.
He straightened and without me realizing it was happening, his fist connected with my face. My head cracked to the side and pain pulsed through my skull.
“You bitch!” He snarled, punching me again and I felt my lip split. My eyes watered, but I’d had worse than this, I could handle this. I spat out some blood that had been flooding into my mouth.
“That the best you can do you pussy? My grandmother hits harder than that.” I smiled at him and watched as his tattooed face turned red.
I was prepared for the next punch that landed at my ribs, but the pain still surprised me. I hope he hadn’t cracked a rib, those take ages to heal. I was forced to stay upright, my binds making me unable to fall. My ribs were on fire, but I didn’t let
it show. He smiled, the same smile he gave me back at the store before turning his back to me.
“You obviously have some problems learning when to shut the fuck up, don’t worry I’ll teach you, and I’ll enjoy it too.” He turned, holding a very scary looking pair of pliers. “Maybe I’ll start by ripping some teeth out, then you won’t be so inclined to mouth off.” His voice was ice.
I began to tremble. Shit, this is bad. This guy was obviously a psychopath by the looks of those bloody pliers he has done this before. Before he could take another step towards me, all hell broke loose.
The doors, which must’ve lead into a house crashed open and the two goons who had been quietly watching pulled guns. The sound of gunfire rang in my ears and I saw the two men go down. I watched in horror as Scary guy pulled a gun and started shooting at the door where Bull, Brock and Cade were standing, guns drawn. Scary guy was standing in front of me, which I guessed was why none of them shot back, in fear of missing him and hitting me. Instead, Bull rushed forward, in the path of bullets and tackled my would be torturer to the ground. He wrestled the gun out of his hands and commenced in beating the shit out of him. Cade appeared in front of me taking my scantily clad body and battered face in with a mask of fury and concern. Quick as anything his face changed and he gazed at me with an expression so gentle I almost cried. Yes this is what made me cry, not the man who had just punched me in the face and was about to pull put my teeth. I was so weird.
“I’m going to get you down okay baby.” He murmured in a voice so soft it was hard to believe he had possibly killed two men.
He reached up with a long knife and cut me free of the rope holding me to the ceiling. I collapsed into his arms, unable to hold my weight. His arms circled around me, holding me tight. Brock appeared in front of us, shrugging off his cut then his shirt, handing it to Cade who grunted thanks.
“Arms up baby.” Cade ordered quietly.