A sudden coldness hit at his core and he turned away and faced the bar. “Buzz is full of shit. He came over and talked to me yesterday and never said a damn word about it. We even talked about Mia. He’s messing with you.”
Chains sidled up next to Army. “Buzz is straight on,” he said in a low voice. “I checked it out. Victor Decelles—a.k.a. Shark—is Mia Decelles’ brother. Sorry, dude.” Chains cupped his hand over Army’s bicep, but he jerked away as if a hot poker had burned his skin.
“I don’t believe this shit!” His mind spun around like an out-of-control carousel in a nightmare.
“Why the hell would I make this up?” Chains’ calm voice asked.
Army stood there dumbfounded as a thousand emotions rushed through him. It can’t be true. Something’s fucked up. “There are probably two fighters that have the same name.” But even as he said it, he knew the chances of that were infinitesimal.
“That go by the name Stiletto in the MMA circuit?” Chains asked.
The calm quiet in his voice was getting on Army’s nerves big time, but before he could reply, Steel and Paco walked in and came over to the trio.
Steel cleared his throat. “I’m guessing by the tension I’m feeling right now, you”—he looked at Army—“must’ve found out that we know fucking Shark is that fighter’s brother. Did you know?” He looked fixedly at Army. Several other members came into the room and walked over to where Army stood.
A frown wrinkled his forehead as he slowly shook his head and mumbled, “No.” He hadn’t quite absorbed the fact that Mia and Shark were siblings and that she never once mentioned it to him.
“She knows the layout of the club and most likely has already described it to Shark,” Skull said.
“I don’t think she did that. She told me that she rarely sees or speaks with any of her brothers,” Army replied in a monotone voice.
“Of course, she’d tell you that. She wanted to gain your trust,” Skull said.
Deeper wrinkling on his brow. “I don’t believe that.”
“Then why didn’t she tell you about Shark? Why the fuck wouldn’t she have mentioned that she had a dickhead brother who was president of a loser club?” Skull gritted.
“She came on to you to spy for Shark,” Muerto said.
“She didn’t come on to me at all. I pursued her. None of you knows what the fuck you’re talking about.” He scuffed the floor with his boot.
All eyes were on Army, and they flashed with contempt and anger, yet none of them knew Mia, but … did he? He scrubbed his face with his fist. “I never got the impression that she was involved in the biker world.” As soon as he said the words, a memory crawled forward from the corner of his mind: she knew the lingo and how the outlaw world worked. Fuck. His chest tightened even more, and it was like there was a vise around his heart, squeezing it harder and harder. I can’t believe she betrayed me. I have to talk to her.
“None of us blames you. She lied to you,” Eagle said.
The rumble of voices and Eagle’s words sliced through his thoughts.
“I’ll talk to her.”
“What the fuck?” Crow slammed his fist on the bar. “About what? Lying to you? She’s scum and should be thrown out like the trash she is.” Several members hooted and voiced their agreement.
When Army heard Crow’s words, his brain was on fire with the feeling to kill. “Don’t ever call Mia scum.” His voice was low and dark.
“Then bitch or cunt or—”
Army’s fist landed right on Crow’s mouth. The brother looked shocked for a split second then his nostrils flared and he swung a punch at Army, clipping him in the jaw. Army stumbled back but then regained his balance and went ballistic. Anger and heartbreak fueled him, and he went into boxer mode and used Crow’s face as a punching bag.
“Dude, stop. Fuck!” Eagle said as he tried to pull Army away from a stunned Crow.
Army kicked backwards and sent Eagle staggering back then resumed his assault on Crow. It took five brothers to pull him away from Crow whose face looked like raw ground beef.
“What the fuck’s wrong with you?” Steel yelled. “Crow deserved a punch or two, but you would’ve killed him. Over a chick who lied and deceived you?”
“Think with your fuckin’ brains, not your cock,” Paco added.
Army glanced over at Crow and his insides twisted when he saw what he’d done to him. A tornado of emotions swirled around inside him, and he jerked out of Diablo’s and Muerto’s hold, picked up a chair, and threw it toward the back wall. The club girls scattered out of the way before it hit the wall in a loud splintering crash. He grabbed his leather jacket off the back of the chair he’d sat on earlier that morning and stormed out. Fuming, he hopped on his bike and sped off in the direction of Durango.
Chapter Twenty-One
Not finding Mia at home, Army went over to Champion and spotted her car in the parking lot. Adrenaline pumped through him as he swung open the doors and stepped into the club. He immediately saw her sparring with Kat on one of the mats in the far corner of the room. As he stalked toward her, he tried to pull back his rage that bubbled close to the surface and focus on keeping his temper in check.
Mia turned to him and flashed him a big, warm smile, and her amber eyes shimmered with excitement. “Army!” She said something to Kat then began walking to him. Bitterness and tenderness battled inside him as he watched her.
She came up to him and grabbed his hand, then her smile waned and her face clouded a bit. “Were you in a fight?” Mia put her fingers on his jaw, but he jerked his head back. Her eyes snapped to his. “What’s wrong?”
“We need to talk.” He grabbed her arm and ignored her quips as he dragged her over to the locker room. Once there, he let go of her and stood facing her, his arms folded against his chest.
“What’s going on with you?” she asked, rubbing her upper arm.
“Are you Shark’s sister?”
Her sheepish look sunk his heart. He slammed his hand on a locker. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me?” He wiped away the spittle that had formed in the corners of his mouth.
Mia looked up at him. “Calm down.”
“I have no intention of calming down. I trusted you!” He pounded and kicked the locker, the clash of metal resounding through the room. Mia flinched and he kicked the locker harder.
“I was afraid you’d stop us right when we were beginning,” she answered softly.
“So, you knew? Fuck!”
“Not when I first met you. I only knew when you told me you were a member of the Night Rebels. I really liked you a lot and decided that I’d tell you later on.”
“You decided. Did it ever occur to you that I would want to know something like that?”
“It did—that’s why I didn’t say anything. I was afraid you’d leave if you knew. I was planning on telling you when you came tomorrow. Remember, I told you I wanted to talk to you about something the other day when you had to go back to Alina? Well, I was ready to tell you then. I felt like we’d reached a place where we both trusted and cared for each other.”
“Trust? Don’t fuckin’ use that word. You deceived me.”
“Technically … yes, but it didn’t make any difference what club you belonged to. I have nothing to do with your club or my brother’s. I’m not involved with any of it. Please don’t let this affect us.”
“Did you give Shark info about the clubhouse?”
Her eyes glistened. “How could you think that?”
“Because I had to find out you were that fucker’s sister in front of the club. Everyone knew but me. I don’t know what to believe from you. You deceived me and lost my trust, sweetheart.”
“I didn’t think it mattered. Just because my brother is president of some club doesn’t mean I’m a part of it. It’s like Taylor and Asher aren’t a part of the Night Rebels. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t think it was important. Even if the Satan’s Pistons didn’t exist, I’d still be me. You’re condemning me for who my
brother is. That’s so unfair. When I found out you were a Night Rebel, I didn’t see your club—I saw you. You would still be you whether you were in the club or not.”
“You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about. The Night Rebels is who I am.”
Mia took a few steps toward him. “Okay, I understand that, but I don’t give one fuck about the Satan’s Pistons. I don’t even see or talk to my brother very often. His club doesn’t involve me, and him being my brother shouldn’t be a big deal with you, unless you’re mad because you lost face in front of your club.”
Army shook his head. “I’m pissed because you didn’t trust me enough to tell me. I gave you what I’d never given to any other woman—my trust and my love. You threw both in the goddamn trash!”
“Stop, Army, please. You’re not the only one who gave something—I love you too. I’ve never said those words to any man. Our love must supersede the hatred between your club and my brother’s. Don’t let it come between us.” She wiped her cheeks. “I don’t want to lose you.”
He pressed his lips together in a slight grimace while he rubbed his hand against the front of his shirt, near his heart. He wanted to gather her into his arms and kiss her until she pulled away, breathless and satisfied, but he just stood there watching her silently cry. “It’s not that easy. The brotherhood is who I am.”
She sniffed and took out a tissue from the pocket of her top and blew her nose. “I understand that and love you for your sense of loyalty and family, but you’re still your own person and would be with or without the club. I’m not expecting you to give up the club, but we can still be together. A lot of your members have women in their lives.”
“The club won’t accept you,” he said in a low voice. Her bottom lip trembled and he wanted to slip it between his teeth and soothe it.
“I’m not dating the club—I’m dating you.” She stared at him with those big, beautiful shimmering eyes.
“It’s just not that easy. I am the brotherhood and it’s me.”
“Do you accept me?” she asked in a voice he could barely hear.
His gaze locked with hers as he stood mutely. A plethora of emotions were going through him: how she made him feel, his anger at her deception—yet he couldn’t imagine a life without her, how he’d die for the brotherhood, and the fact her fuckin’ brother was president of the damn Pistons. It was too much. I need to get the fuck outta here and go for a ride. I have to clear my head of all this shit.
“Are you going to answer me?” she asked.
He took perverse satisfaction in the hurt that flashed through her eyes an instant before tears spilled down her face. Dammit. I hate to see her cry. He longed to wipe them away and pull her into his arms and feel the heat of her body while he told her it’d all be okay. But how can it? The club won’t recognize her. This will alienate some of the brothers from me. There’ll be tension, fights, and … no trust. It can never work.
“I guess you answered me.” Her voice hitched.
“Is everything okay?” Taylor asked, his gaze darting between Mia and Army.
Mia mumbled something Army couldn’t hear and then rushed out of the locker room. Taylor glared at him. “What the hell did you do to Mia?”
“Did she tell you her brother was the president of the Satan’s Pistons?”
Taylor shook his head. “I’m assuming that’s another motorcycle club, and she didn’t tell me. Why would she, and why does it matter?”
“The fuckers are our rivals.”
“And what does that have to do with Mia? Is she in the club too?”
Army chuckled in spite of himself. “No, dude, she’s not a damn Piston.”
“Then what’s the problem? Why should what her brother does interfere with what you and Mia have going on? It seems dumb.”
“You just don’t fuckin’ get it because you’re a citizen. It matters.”
“You can’t be serious. You’re finding Mia guilty by association just because her brother happens to be in a club the Night Rebels are feuding with?
“This doesn’t concern you,” Army grumbled.
“Mia’s my friend and she’s been hurt.”
“Then she shouldn’t have played a fuckin’ game with me. I treated her right. I didn’t keep shit from her. Go console your friend and listen to her bullshit. I’m outta here.” Army slammed his fist into locker again then stalked out while ignoring Taylor’s pleas; he disregarded the looks from the fighters, and paid absolutely no attention to Mia, whom he saw near the front door.
Fuck all of them.
He stormed into the parking lot and jumped on his bike and revved the engine, drowning all sound except the voice in his head. How the fuck did this happen? Ice ran through his veins. I know how. I fucked up by giving her my trust and my heart.
Never again.
Chapter Twenty-Two
“This is so screwed up,” Ronica said as she buttered her croissant. “I never thought this motorcycle club thing would matter. It’s so medieval. If he chooses some stupid-ass feud over you then he doesn’t deserve you. You’re an intelligent, strong, and vibrant woman who deserves so much better than all this bullshit. And what the fuck’s up with your brother?” She took a bite and looked at Mia, waiting for her response.
Mia forced a smile and played with the sugar cube that came with her café au lait. I can always count on Ronica to pull me up. “You’re right, it’s just that it hurts so bad. It’s been three days, and I thought for sure he’d call me by now. I get that he was pissed and shocked to find out that Vic’s my brother, and I know it hurt worse that the knowledge came from his club and not from me, but get over it already. I can’t believe that he’d walk away.” She crushed the cube between her thumb and forefinger, and the white powder looked like snow as it fell on the tablecloth.
“I still can’t believe it. He really seemed into you. I’m so sorry,” Ronica said.
“He told me he loved me.” Mia’s voice hitched.
“I didn’t know that.”
“I would’ve been ecstatic about it if the circumstances were different.” Mia pushed her uneaten croissant away from her. “I just don’t know what else to do. I’ve texted and called him so many times that it’s starting to feel like I’m a fucking stalker or something. He hasn’t reached out at all. I guess it’s over.” She blinked rapidly.
“I don’t know what to say. The guy’s an asshole for what he’s doing to you.”
“He’s just really hurt, but I didn’t mean to hurt him. I’d hoped he’d look past all the bullshit with my brother and his dumb club. If I wasn’t in such pain, I’d be rolling on the floor over the ridiculousness of the situation.”
“Let me know how I can help. If you want to go out and get drunk on Saturday, I’m there. I can bring you a care package of chocolates or bubble bath—or how about some red wine, and cheese and crackers?”
Mia laughed. “That sounds great, but I don’t think my trainer would agree. I guess I want to spend a few days feeling sorry for myself, but I may be sick of my self-pity by Saturday and give you a call. For the next few nights, I’m going to be sweating my grief out at Champion. I’ll bounce back … I always do.”
“Okay. I just hate that you have to go through this.”
Mia glanced at her phone, her insides twisting when she saw there were no messages or calls from Army. “It sucks, but I did love being with him.” Her bottom lip trembled and she bit it.
“I hate to leave, but I have an appointment in about fifteen minutes. Are you coming back to the salon?”
She shook her head. “I’m done for the day. I’m going to Champion. I need a good, mindless run. I’m just going to finish my coffee. See you tomorrow.”
Ronica opened her purse and laid down a ten-dollar bill. “That should cover my share and tip. I’ll call you later tonight.” She scooted the chair back and stood up then walked out of the coffee shop.
Mia stared at her phone, willing Army to contact her. It’d only been t
hree days since she’d seen him, but it felt like years. Her body ached for him and her mind craved his conversation. She missed everything about Army: his scent, his laugh, his touch, his kisses, the sound of his voice … How could you leave me … us? You told me you loved me, yet you left me. I miss you too much. She dabbed the corners of her eyes with the napkin and took several deep breaths. After all they had shared, the only thing she had left was the raw pain of an aching heart.
Mia quickly wiped the wetness from her cheeks and picked up the bill and went to the front counter. On the way to Champion, she tortured herself as she drove by the restaurants they’d gone to, the streets they’d walked down hand-in-hand, and the clubs they’d danced at. Staring at Sound Nightclub’s unlit sign, she could feel his hands skim over her body as they danced close together with her head resting on his chest as she listened to his heartbeat. Mia pulled over and placed her head on top of her hands on the steering wheel. I can’t believe it’s over. I love him and he loves me. How can it end? Several minutes later, she swallowed hard and squared her shoulders then pulled away from the curb and headed over to Champion.
No one but Taylor knew what had happened between her and Army. The day he had pounded the crap out of the lockers, no one had noticed; the music had been blaring and they’d had several mini matches going on, so most of the fighters were at the other end of the gym. Mia was grateful for that because the last thing she wanted to do was answer a bunch of questions or see the pitiful look in anyone’s eyes.
She’d just changed into her sports clothes to run a few laps around the gym before training. Mia noticed Taylor standing by the ring watching Raptor and Chainsaw spar. As soon as his gaze met hers, he gave her a wan smile. She waved at him, but before he could make his way over to her she walked up to the lap lane, put in her earbuds, and started jogging slowly. Images of Army stabbed her brain as she began to run, hoping to clear her mind. She turned up the music, desperate to not think or feel anything.
As she ran around the gym, tears poured down her face. Why am I so upset? Once he found out who my brother was, I knew he’d never stay. What had she expected? That he’d leave his club for her or risk the members’ lives just because they had something before all the chaos erupted? She wiped her cheeks, but the tears kept coming. The pounding music didn’t drown out her thoughts. She tore out her earbuds and they dangled past her waist and bumped against her thighs as she picked up the pace. Her feelings were all jumbled like hangers at the bottom of a closet. Did he really love me? Mia ran faster, ignoring the pain in her left calf. How could I never see him again? He’d crashed into her life with all the finesse of an angry bull, and now he’d walked away and shattered her life by his silence.
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