Mia sighed and wrapped her arms around herself. She missed Army so much that she ached all over. She wanted to grab him and kiss him and let him know how much she loved him. She was his and no matter what happened, she would always be there for him. Right or wrong, she loved Army more than life itself. How could I ever hate him? He brought light into my life, and is my strength when I feel weak.
The ringtones pushed through Mia’s thoughts, and she wiped her cheeks.
“Hello?”
“Hi, Mia,” Dean replied.
“Dean! It’s been too long. How’re things going for you?”
“Okay.”
“Tell the cunt she’s never welcomed in this house again!” her mother screamed in the background.
Mia’s stomach churned. “I heard Mom,” she said softly.
“Uh … Mom wanted me to call to say she … uh … she doesn’t want you to come to Shark’s funeral.”
“You killed him!” her mother screamed.
“Do you believe that?” Mia asked Dean.
“I dunno. I know he was a pain in the ass to you, Finn, and Tucker. I didn’t really know him. He left when I was young, but you’ve always been good to me.”
“Gimme the fucking phone, you piece of shit.”
“Bye,” Dean said quickly.
Mia braced herself for the onslaught of verbal abuse that would soon spew from her mom’s mouth.
“This is your fault, you ungrateful bitch. Shark set you up in business and this is how you repay him? You fuck his enemy? You bitch!”
“That isn’t what happened, Mom,” Mia replied.
“Shut that stupid mouth of yours! Noe told me everything. You’re nothing but a traitor slut. You’re evil. You fucked the enemy knowing it would hurt your brother.”
“I didn’t fall in love just to fuck Vic over. I don’t even know why my love life was his business in the first place.”
“Noe says you’re still fucking the bastard. You’re such a whore. I should’ve had an abortion. If I did, Shark would still be here.”
“But you didn’t abort me, Mom. And since you’re telling me how you feel, let me share some of my thoughts, okay? If you would’ve acted like a mother, our whole family wouldn’t be so fucked up.”
“None of the shit that you fucking brats bring to me is my fault. I needed to have a life, but you always held that against me—Vic never did.” Her mother’s voice cracked.
I’m done. The thought echoed through her brain and slipped into her heart. “Mom, I feel awful about Vic, but you’ll never believe that. Ever since I was young, you resented me and treated me worse than any of my brothers. I didn’t choose to be your daughter—I was born into it. So I’m going to free both of us right now. Since I make your life so miserable, I won’t contact you anymore, and you don’t ever have to talk to me again.”
“You ungrateful cunt. I gave up everything for you!”
Mia shook her head, knowing her mother would never take responsibility for any of her actions.
“Don’t you dare come to Shark’s funeral or I’ll kill you. You took my favorite child away from me!”
“Are you really telling me that in front of Dean?”
“Stop mixing me up!” her mother yelled.
“Goodbye, Mom,” Mia said softly.
She placed the phone down on the table and waited for the tears to come, but they didn’t. For the very first time, Mia felt liberated from the chains her mother had put around her. After twenty-six years, it was finally over, and Mia could breathe again. Of course, she’d be there for her brothers if they needed her, but the tug of war Mia and her mom had been playing all these years had finally ended.
* * *
The room had blue-painted concrete walls, a table, and two wooden chairs. Mia sat waiting for the guard to bring Army to the attorney room, her heart beating wildly. The door clicked open and Army entered in an orange jumpsuit emblazoned with the name of the jail on it, and her heart melted. Even though his left eye was black and blue and practically swollen shut, and there were some red abrasions dotting his face and arms, Mia thought he was the most handsome man in the world, and she was dying to kiss him, but she didn’t want to jeopardize the chance of seeing him again while he was incarcerated.
The guard closed the door and stood watch in the hallway. Army grabbed her hand and squeezed it, his blue eyes piercing into her.
“Are they treating you all right?” Mia asked.
“I’m good. Fuck, baby, things got outta control the other night. How’s Taylor?”
“He’s doing fine. I saw him yesterday. He had a shattered left femur and a concussion. The doctors fixed up his leg, but it’ll take time with the head injury.”
“Thank fuck he pulled through.” Army’s gaze swept over her face. “I didn’t mean to kill Shark. He hurt Taylor and it set me off.”
Mia nodded slightly. “Taylor said he saw Vic trying to kill you.”
“Yeah, but I only meant to keep him away from me and Taylor, not fuckin’ kill him. I didn’t think he’d die. Fuck, baby. I told you everything would be all right and it’s all fucked up. Taylor wanted to go pro.” He groaned.
Mia brushed her fingers across Army’s hand. “It was self-defense. That’s what Taylor told the detective. What the hell was your brother doing there anyway?”
Army shook his head. “I had no idea he’d do something so fuckin’ stupid. He was trying to talk to Shark about making peace with me and you. It was damn insane. I kept telling him to get the fuck outta there, but he just didn’t get it.” He ran his hand through his hair.
“That’s the way Taylor is—always trying to be the peacemaker. He’s the same way at the club. It’s amazing he can turn it off during a fight.” Mia looked around. “Should we be talking about all this in here?”
“We’re cool. You’re in the lawyer room, so no wires or shit.” Army squeezed her hand again. “I’m sorry I let you down, babe.”
“Don’t blame yourself. Life just crashed that night.”
“I guess.” Army’s lips curled up. “Damn you look beautiful, woman. I miss you.”
“I miss you too. I’ve been sleeping in one of your T-shirts pretending it’s you pressed close to my body.”
“That image will keep me going while I wait to get the fuck outta here.”
“Has bail been set?”
“Not yet. I go in front of the judge tomorrow morning. Cara—Hawk’s old lady—hooked me up with one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the county so I’m banking on him getting me out.”
“What time is the bail review? I want to be there.”
“In the morning at eight thirty. If I get bail, I’ll come over and show you what you mean to me.”
Mia licked her lips then smiled. “I can’t wait to hold you again. Don’t you think the charge against you will be dropped? You were just defending Taylor and yourself.”
“Yeah, but prosecutors don’t like dismissing cases, especially when an outlaw biker is involved. We’ll see what legal maneuverings my attorney can come up with to spring me.” Army leaned forward and entwined his fingers with hers, inhaling deeply. “I love the way you smell.” His gaze met hers, and she saw desire in his eyes as she stared at him.
“You need to come home,” Mia whispered.
“Yeah.” Army cocked his head to the side. “I know you must be going through hell—Shark was your brother,” he said in a low voice.
Mia nodded slightly as she took several deep breaths. “I’m sad that Vic’s life turned out the way it did, but I don’t blame you and I never will. Of course, I wish things wouldn’t have turned out the way they did, but I understand what happened that night and why you did what you did.” She brought a finger to her twitching eyelid and rubbed it gently. “Vic was always cruel and domineering, and he tried to make me want the things he wanted for me. I wish he would’ve understood how I felt about you.” The truth was that she was sad Vic had died but she couldn’t materialize the thoughts or
feelings into words. When she was still living at home, her brother had run the house like a tyrant, and when he’d moved out at eighteen, they rarely heard from him. Then there were times when he had been incredibly supportive of Mia like when he’d given her the money to start her own business, but then he’d kept throwing it up in her face whenever they talked. Mia had made it her mission to pay him back, and had given him more than half of what he’d loaned her. Why can’t I cry? I feel terrible that Vic’s gone.
“You gotta let it out or it’ll eat you alive.” Army grasped the back of Mia’s neck and pulled her close to him then kissed her. “I’m sorry things turned out the way they did, baby. You’ll always have me to lean on. Don’t ever forget it.”
“Army,” Mia muttered as she ran her fingers over his forearm.
A rap on the window reminded Mia where she was, and she moved her hand away quickly and leaned back in the chair as the deputy walked in. Army stood up and winked as the guard put the handcuffs on him, and then he led Army away.
A long while passed until Mia stood up and slowly exited the room. The sun’s brightness hurt her eyes and she shielded them with her hand as she walked across the parking lot to her Chevy. She slid onto the seat and fumbled around in the car console, searching for her sunglasses. Mia put them on and leaned back, looking at the cars drive by on the busy street in front of the lot. Since everything had happened, she’d pushed down the emotions which threatened to take over, keeping herself tightly under control. But as the sun streamed into the car and the birds flew high in the sky, she broke down. Tears streamed down Mia’s face as she gasped and hiccupped until her sobs died away to sniffles.
After blowing her nose several times, Mia straightened her shoulders and, and with a heavy heart, she pulled into the street, each mile tearing her farther away from the man she loved.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Six weeks later
Army held Mia’s hand and she glanced over and smiled weakly.
“Don’t be so nervous. None of the guys will say shit to you with me around.”
“That’s not exactly the most comforting thought. I want them to accept me, not hate and mistrust me.”
“Most of the brothers are cool, but the ones who aren’t will come around in time.”
“I hope so.” Mia leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I never thought the DA would dismiss the charges against you.”
“Yeah … I gotta call Hawk and tell him Cara did real good in referring Mitch. He’s a helluva lawyer.”
Mia squeezed his hand. “I know I’ve thanked you a million times for paying for Finn’s attorney, but thank you again. I talked to the lawyer earlier this morning, and Finn’s taking the plea bargain. Instead of twenty-five years in prison, he’s going to get twelve.”
Army nodded. “That’s a damn good deal considering what he was facing. With good time credits, he’ll probably be up for parole in about eight years.”
“Yeah. I’d like to visit him, but he doesn’t want me to. He didn’t even want me at any of the hearings.”
“I get that. You can write to him. He’s gonna get real bored in the pen.” He ran the back of his fingers down her face.
Since Army had made bail several weeks ago, he’d been living with Mia in Durango. One of the conditions of getting bail was not to leave the jurisdiction. Army was fine with the decision, and after the bond hearing, Mia had been outside the jail waiting for him. She’d driven straight to her house, and that was where he’d stayed until that morning when the judge dismissed all the charges against him. Army needed to get back to the Night Rebels, and he wanted to show the brothers that Mia was his woman, and she was here to stay.
“Taylor’s doing real well with his rehab,” Mia said as she ran her fingers through his hair.
“He’s a fighter—that’s for sure. I think he may even be able to get back in the ring in a year or so. I’m still pissed that I didn’t drag his ass outta there.” The guilt about that night still gave Army a sick feeling that would probably sit in the pit of his stomach for the rest of his life. He wanted nothing more than to have Taylor realize his dream and go pro. Army knew it was a long shot, but he’d told Taylor before leaving Durango that he’d be coming back regularly to make sure his brother did what the doctor ordered.
Mia ran her hand down the back of his neck and massaged it gently. “Taylor wants to get back in the ring in the worst way, so he’ll definitely follow the doctor’s orders. I’ll check up on him and report back to you.”
“My dad’s a good watchdog.” Army laughed. “Taylor’s already griping about how disorganized Dad keeps the house.” The physician had told Taylor that he couldn’t put any weight on his healing leg for at least six months, so the doctor gave him two choices: stay at the rehab center or get a caregiver. Army had suggested his brother move in with their dad, and Army paid for the caretakers. “The only thing I’m worried about is my dad’s crush on Maddie. I warned him to back off because she’s great with Taylor, and he doesn’t want to lose her. Good caregivers are hard to find.”
“Since meeting your dad, I can see where you got some of your Don Juan ways.”
Army glanced at her sparkling eyes and twitching lips, and laughed. “You probably have a point there.”
The closer they got to Alina, the harder Mia kneaded the nape of his neck. She hadn’t wanted to stay in his room due to the animosity some of the brothers had toward her, so Army had booked a room for them at the hotel Mia had stayed at when she’d come to Alina for the first time.
“I’m gonna get you settled in at the hotel then I’m going to the club. I made reservations at Flanigan’s. It’s one of the best steakhouses in town.”
“That sounds nice.” Mia fluffed his hair with her fingers.
Army caught her hand and brought it to his lips and kissed each finger. “Do you know how crazy you make me?” he asked.
“If it’s anything like what you do to me then I know,” she answered softly.
All of a sudden, Army pulled over on the shoulder of the highway and turned off the ignition.
“What’s wrong?” Mia asked. Her eyes were luminous in the sunlight, which intensified the toffee highlights in her hair.
Army slid his arm behind her back and pressed her against his chest, and crushed his mouth on hers. Mia moaned softly and kissed him back, their tongues tangling. She was lean and soft and he loved the way she felt in his arms. He loved every part of her, and as long as he lived, he’d never get enough of her.
“You’re mine,” Army whispered over her lips.
“And you’re mine,” Mia mumbled back as they kissed deeply. The soft sounds she made had his cock growing harder, and all Army wanted to do was drag her over the seat to the back and pound into her.
Army eased away from Mia, his heart pounding, his temperature soaring. “We better get going,” he rasped, turning the ignition.
“Maybe we can have some fun before you head over to the club.” Her lips curled into a wicked smile.
Army stepped on the accelerator and sped down the highway while Mia giggled and snuggled next to him, her head resting on his shoulder. He couldn’t get to Alina fast enough.
* * *
Army walked into the clubhouse amid cheers and whistles from the brothers. Before he could make it to the bar, the prospect gave him a beer in one hand and a tumbler of Jack straight up in the other.
“All fuckin’ charges dismissed!” Army yelled, holding the drinks in the air.
“Fuck yeah!” several brothers shouted, raising their fists in solidarity.
Army downed his shot and threw the glass against the wall, and the room erupted in laughter as Eagle, Chains, Brutus, and Cueball followed suit, smashing their bottles and tumblers against the back wall.
“How the hell did you get them to drop the possession of a dangerous weapon charge?” Brick asked as he brought a beer bottle to his mouth.
“My lawyer’s kickass,” Army replied, glancing at Goldie and Pac
o.
The truth was that Steel had told Army’s attorney about the drug buy between the Satan’s Pistons and the 39th Street Gang, and the lawyer used it as a negotiation tool to get the illegal knife charge dismissed. Mitch had never revealed where the information had come from, and the narcotic detectives were still patting themselves on the back for busting one of the largest drug transactions of their careers.
Tipping off badges about criminal activity wasn’t something the Night Rebels did, but it’d seemed like the only way to keep Army from doing a three-year stint in the pen and two years of mandatory parole. Added bonuses for leaking the information were that the bust had shut down the 39th Street punks for a while, and most of the Pistons at the warehouse had been arrested, crippling their club for a long time.
“I heard what happened to Shark,” Buzz said as he pulled Army into a bear hug. “I also heard you’re still going out with the sister.”
“Yeah. My woman’s here to stay.” Army narrowed his eyes. “You got a problem with that?”
Buzz jerked his head back. “No fuckin’ way, dude. I’m just trying to digest you saying my woman. Never thought I’d hear those words come outta your mouth.”
Neither did I, but Mia slipped into my life and hooked me before I even knew what had happened. Now I can’t imagine a life without her.
“Mia really came through for you and the brotherhood,” Paco said, handing Army another drink.
“She had your back, bro, even after what happened to her fuckin’ brother. She’s okay, and she’s a good asset to the club—man, can she fight. You better watch it if you piss her off,” Chains said.
The men laughed and Army glanced over at Crow, who stood off to the side drinking a beer.
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