by K. T Fisher
The meeting is taking place at a bar on Carnal’s turf. Scalp is already here with three of his guys when we arrive.
We all manage to fit into a booth in the back corner of the bar. It’s too early for serious drinking, although Cowboy looks tempted. There are only a handful of other patrons, finishing off a late lunch. The smell of stale fried food fills the air. The floor is sticky with spilled beer. It’s not a classy joint that’s for sure.
“Prez.”
“Scalp”
The two presidents greet each other in that biker hug thing we all do. One arm clasped around the other’s shoulder, pulling them in and using the other to pat them on the back. It’s a greeting that shows respect. The rest of us nod at each other before taking our seats. Severed on one side of the table, Carnal on the other.
Prez takes the now crumpled letter out of his pocket and passes it over to Scalp. I almost laugh when Scalp takes out a pair of reading glasses before inspecting the letter. Here’s this big, tough ass biker wearing tiny old man reading frames. I don’t laugh though. Last man that did that to Scalp lost his hand over it. Scalp doesn’t have a great sense of humor.
Scalp shakes his head. “None of this makes sense.” He mutters to himself, and then looks up at us. “I’ve spoken to the guys, we haven’t come up with any leads,” he gestures to the three men sitting with him. “Satan didn’t have anyone. You know as well as us what a cruel fucker he was. No one ever got close to him.” He’s right. None of us can think of anyone who’d go to bat for him. The only family he had left was Angel. He almost killed Angel and Eve. Disney only ratted us out to him because he’d threatened his sister. But Satan’s dead. I know the fucker’s dead because four of us emptied guns into him that night before we buried him.
“We can’t think of anyone either.” Prez offers. “That said, we can’t risk taking this as an empty threat. Not after the last few months.”
Scalp nods in agreement. “I’ll ask around among the chapters, see if anyone’s heard any rumors. We’ve had nothing arrive yet, but who knows. This crazy fucker might think we’re part of it all and come after us as well. You’ve upped security I take it?”
“Yep, doubled security and all the old ladies are being escorted for now. I don’t wanna call lockdown if we don’t need to. Causes too much misery for everyone.” Prez looks troubled. This could all be nothing, some sick prank. But we’ve learned the hard way not to take anything at face value any more.
“I’ll keep in touch.” Scalp turns to Angel. “How’s that house of yours coming along? Can’t believe you’ve done the whole white picket thing.” He laughs.
Angel looks surprised by the question. For so long we’ve been at loggerheads with Carnal, but that was down to Satan. Scalp always was a reasonable guy till Satan joined Carnal. Looks like Scalp’s trying to go back to how things were back in the old days.
“Going well. We’ve almost finished remodeling. We’re having a party for Elizabeth’s birthday soon.” He stops and looks at Prez for reassurance.
“I don’t see why you shouldn’t still go ahead VP. We’ll have some prospects on duty just in case. Besides my old lady would kill me if I asked you to cancel it. It’s all she’s been talking about for the last two fucking weeks.” We all laugh.
This bloody birthday party is going to be way over the top thanks to the old ladies. Elizabeth has stolen everyone’s hearts as it is, but they’re using this party as an excuse to try and get us back to how things were before. It’s never going to be the same though. We’ve lost too many good people in the crossfire. That said, we’ve also welcomed some new people to the family.
Angel looks over to Scalp, mulling something over he makes a decision. “Your little boy is just a bit older than Elizabeth isn’t he? Why don’t you and your old lady come and bring him with you. Elizabeth will enjoy his company.” I look between Prez and Angel. That’s a fucking big olive branch that he just offered there. I’m not sure how Prez will react.
“Sounds good to me VP.” Prez nods. I’m instantly relieved. “Would be good to see you there, Scalp. It’s about time we put the past to rest and looked to the future.”
“Look forward to it.” Scalp smiles. I never can get the image of him as a family man in my head. He’s a bad assed biker. Granted he’s not much older than us, but he’s tough. Rumor has it he earned his nickname from scalping his enemies in the early days of his club. He’s not a guy you’d want to meet in a dark alley any time that’s for sure.
Business done we settle in for some drinking. There’s no rush to get back. The old ladies are having a ‘girls’ night out tonight and we’re politely banned from turning up. What that means is that Angel and I will be driving over to pick up their drunken asses come closing time. I smile. I love drunk sex with Elle, she’s so fucking horny.
Chapter Eleven
Danni
I finish handing over the beers to the men standing at the bar, and then make my way over to where Eve’s standing. “Are you sure you don’t mind us having girls night here?” She’s looking absolutely stunning in a little black dress, and I have to admit, I’m jealous of her. Who wouldn’t be?
She’s a gorgeous woman with a beautiful daughter. She also has her man. Yes, their story has been full of danger and heartbreak, but they’ve finally got their happy ending. Even Elle, with all her anger issues towards Emma, has got her biker. Meanwhile, I’m still not sure what I’ve got. I’m afraid that I’m falling for Justice. Unfortunately, asking if I’m okay with him sleeping with Emma, just proves he doesn’t feel the same way about me.
“No problem.” I smile at Eve. I really don’t mind the old ladies having their night out at the bar. I love working here, and it’s the perfect place for them. They’re having a great night away from their men. There are some Severed members in here, keeping a distant but watchful eye on the girls. The members of Severed MC have started dropping by of late, it’s almost home away from home for some of them, after the clubhouse. I love seeing them in here. It certainly keeps my days interesting; I always have a good laugh. After the stress these women have been through lately, they need to let their hair down.
Teresa runs up to the bar and orders another drink. “Enjoying yourself?” I ask her.
“Hell, yes!” She shouts. “Don’t you think we all look hot?” She gives me a twirl, although she’s barely wearing that dress she has on, it’s so short.
I laugh and look over at the rest of them, enjoying being on the tiny dance floor. Normally they’re dressed in casual jeans and shirts, as I am now, but tonight they’re all decked out in fancy dresses and high heels. Their faces made up, hair shiny and styled. Yeah, they all look fucking hot. Including Sue bless her, who’s also joining in with the dancing. It’s nice to see her having a good time after the shit she’s been through.
“Come on.” Eve giggles. “Diane’s waving us back to the dance floor.”
“The woman can wait.” Elle smiles, moving to stand by Teresa’s side. “I need another drink.”
Once they’ve returned to the dance floor I serve some more customers before noticing the man sitting in a dark corner at the back of the bar. He’s sitting on his own, a drink in hand. I leave the bar and walk over to him. As I get closer I can see the table already a handful of empty glasses.
“Hello stranger.” I greet him.
He glances up at me, returning my smile. He looks troubled, and my heart sinks for him. I collect the empty glasses.
“Are you ok?” I ask him.
“I will be when you fetch me a fresh drink, babe.” He hands me his now empty glass, and I take it.
He didn’t mean anything by it; he’s a good man. He’s just going through some bad shit.
“Will do. Have it over to you in a mo.” I walk back to the bar and send another waitress to deliver his drink. I don’t want to be near Cowboy while he’s in this strange mood, especially when he’s drunk and sitting on his own.
*dpgroup.org*
Emma
My friend Lucy has noticed that I haven’t been myself of late. So, in traditional Lucy style, she’s dragging me out tonight. There’s this bar she’s become obsessed with lately, and she wants to take me there. I’d normally decline her invitation as I’m kind of a hermit, but this time she wouldn’t let me. To be honest, I do feel like having some fun after the crap I’ve had to deal with lately.
Lucy is really excited in the taxi. “Oh my god, Em. You’re going to love this place.” She squeals. “It’s full of delicious men, great music and there’s even some hot bikers that hang out there too.”
I cringe at her last words. I’ve had enough of bikers and their old ladies to last me a lifetime.
When we step in, it’s exactly as she described it to me. It’s quite dark inside, but that doesn’t mean I can’t see the people in here. Holy crap! Is this the local hang out for sexy men? Why have I not been to this place before?
Lucy drags me to the bar, eager to get our first round of drinks. That’s where the night takes a turn for the worse. Standing behind the bar ready to take our order, is Danni. She smiles widely, leaning over the bar. “Hey, Emma.”
“Hi, I didn’t know you worked here.” I’m shocked. From what I know of Danni, which isn’t much, she’s quiet. Finding her working here is a little surprising.
“It pays the bills.” She laughs. “I really love it here.”
“Who wouldn’t?” Lucy laughs. She rolls her eyes at the men surrounding us, and we all laugh. Danni is just serving us our drinks when we hear someone shouting. Danni’s smile quickly fades. I turn to see why. Shit.
Elle is walking towards us. She comes to stand by me, giving me a small smile. I almost fall over in shock, where the fuck did that come from? She’s never smiled at me.
Danni looks uncomfortable. Lucy, obviously not noticing the awkwardness between us, greets Elle loudly. “Hi!”
Danni and Elle both smile at her. “This is my friend Lucy.” I introduce her.
They quickly exchange greetings. What the hell is happening here?
“We’re having a girl’s night out.” Elle explains, almost answering my unspoken question. I look at her, wondering what’s changed. She’s not scowling at me anymore, nor do I feel the usual anger pooling off her.
Just then, some of the other girls head over.
“Everything good over here?” A gorgeous brunette asks Elle, before looking at me. It’s obvious they know who I am.
Elle nods her head. “This is Teresa, Teresa this is Emma and her friend Lucy.”
Teresa takes a last look at Elle before smiling at me. “Nice to meet you.”
Another dark haired beauty steps closer. “I’m Eve, nice to finally meet you.”
Finally, because they have obviously heard all about me.
An older woman with red hair stands in the middle of us all. “Right it’s girl’s night ladies! Let’s put aside all this bullshit drama caused by our men and have some fun!”
Everyone laughs, instantly making me feel better.
Elle motions her head to an area, away from the group. I follow her, and once we’re in a quieter part of the bar, she turns to face me.
“I’m not going to start any trouble, “ She reassures me. “I’m just here to have some fun with my girls.” She pauses. “I just wanna say, I’m no longer angry with you. I’m still angry at the situation, but it’s over. I know that Ink and I are solid. He’s the one who made a mistake, and you genuinely didn’t know about me.” It’s as close to an olive branch as I’m going to get and I take it.
I manage a smile. “Thank you.”
She nods her head. “Just thought I’d let you know. So, you want to join in our party?” She surprises me with her invitation.
We look over at the dance floor where the others are dancing and singing along to the song that’s currently playing. I look back at Elle. “You sure you’re ok with this?”
“I’m not gonna lie and say it’s easy, because it’s not, but I’m gonna try.” I respect her honesty.
“Okay then.” We smile at each other, making our way over to to the bar where the red head shoves a drink in front of both of us. “Drink up girls, and no fighting tonight, you hear me?” She commands.
Elle laughs. “There’s going to be no fighting tonight, Diane.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Diane smiles at Elle before looking at me. “Let’s have some fun shall we?”
For the rest of the night we drink and dance together. I get introduced to the Severed ladies. Some are old ladies, there are a few daughters and others are friends of the club. They’re all friendly and welcoming to Lucy and me, so much so that I am able to relax and enjoy myself.
Elle
As the night continues, it becomes less awkward for me. It’s hard to be here with Emma; acting like everything’s hunky dory, but it’s something that I need to do.
I’m ready for another drink, so head towards the bar. Whilst I’m waiting for Danni to come serve me, Eve joins me. She doesn’t say anything. We just watch while a guy tries to flirt with Danni who’s been serving him. “Get a drink for yourself, gorgeous.”
I can see her blush from here. She shakes her head at him. “No thank you.”
I laugh; Danni is one of those women who you can’t help but love. No matter who you are. She’s one of those women who you’d describe as adorable, because that’s just how she is. I don’t think the girl ever does anything wrong, and if she did, you wouldn’t be able to stay angry with her.
“How are you holding up?” Eve asks me, just as Danni notices us and starts to prepare our drinks. She knows us all well enough by now to know what we drink without being asked.
I look back to where Emma’s dancing with the rest of our group. “I’m okay actually, it’s hard, but I can do this.”
Eve nods her head, throwing her arm around me. “That’s my girl. I know you’re hurting, but Emma’s not to blame. She didn’t know Ink was taken. If she did it would be a whole different story, but here we are. You forgave Ink, and now it’s over.”
Her words are true, but it still doesn’t mean it’s not hard to look at Emma. When I see her I can’t help thinking about her with my man. I turn back to the bar as I feel the warning sting of tears in my eyes. Danni places my drink on the bar, smiling kindly at me.
“Oh honey, it’s going to be ok.”
“I know.” I whisper back.
She pats my hand then goes off to continue working the bar. Eve looks at me, a question in her eyes.
“Just give me a minute okay?” I ask Eve, and with a reluctant look she plants a soft kiss on my forehead before leaving me alone.
I take a deep, calming breath. Swallowing back my tears, I pull myself together. Eve is right. Emma knew nothing about Ink and me. She was just there for a tattoo and took advantage of what was offered. Ink was the one in the wrong, and I chose to forgive him. I love him. After telling me he loves me last night, I couldn’t be happier.
I take my drink, walking back towards the girls, a genuine smile on my face. It’s about time I enjoyed this night with everyone, including Emma.
***
A couple of hours later, we’re all way the wrong side of drunk. We’re happy, laughing loudly, and acting like we’re best friends. That includes Emma and me. Everyone keeps flashing me smiles, encouraging me to soldier on.
Sue starts to complain that her feet are hurting, and I don’t blame her. My heels are starting to dig in as well. We walk over to a large table with enough seats for all of us. The conversation takes an interesting turn as Diane sits down, placing a tray of drinks on the table in front of her.
“So ladies. Who here’s got a kinky man?” Nobody answers. “Oh come on. Sex talk is a huge part of girl’s night.”
“My Elvis sure liked to give me a spanking.” Sue offers, laughing her head off.
Eve and Teresa look at her in shock and a little bit of disgust, which only causes Diane and Sue to laugh even more loudly.
<
br /> “I knew he had it in him.” Diane grins. “Dragon loves to spank me, and a whole lot more!”
Emma’s eyebrows rise. “What do you mean?”
“Oh honey, he loves using his whip, and other stuff, on me.”
Her eyes widen. “But doesn’t that hurt?”
“Sure it does, but it also makes me come.” Diane replies, straight faced.
Sue and Diane start to laugh, a lot. The rest of us just exchange looks, some of humor, others of pure shock. Personally, I’m interested and want to know more.
“Does it hurt a lot?” I ask.
Diane smirks at me. “Depends what whip he uses darling. But let me tell you, when you feel that burn, you feel it everywhere.”