Lady Guardians: Back Off

by Toye Lawson Brown

  “Jonah,” Brick whispers. “You can’t hit her in front of witnesses.”

  “Let me handle it, Brick,” I say. I keep my eye on Tequeela’s movements. I know she has a weapon hidden somewhere, and I’m not leaving until Carrie is safe.

  Cliff would never forgive me if anything happened to his sister.

  He and I became friends fast once we met. I was riding my bike one night. It was well past the season for riding, but the weather had been decent, and I had an urge to get out. A little rain never stood in my way of riding, but it was raining hard. The temperature had dropped to almost freezing, and few cars traveled the desolate area of Chagrin where I decided to take a ride.

  Bad timing on my part since my bike decided to die on me. My leather was soaked as I sat stranded on the side of the road trying to get my bike running. After working on my dead bike for hours, I gave up and started to walk the twenty miles home.

  A truck drove up next to me and the driver offered me a ride. Desperate to get out of the cold rain, I accepted his offer. Once we got to talking, we discovered we had a lot in common, the biggest being motorcycles. He drove me back to retrieve my bike and the next day came over to help me fix it. We joined B2R together. Yup, if his kid sister or parents need help—I’m on it.

  Tequeela spreads her massive arms wide and walks toward me. “We can do this, douchebag. When I kick your ass, you’ll need another nickname other than ‘fuckboy,’ ‘cause I’m gonna rip your dick off and shove it down your throat.”

  I sigh. I don’t know how I got that moniker. Until recently, I’d been with the same girl for two years. Our relationship was never perfect, and Darla walked out after an argument three weeks ago. But I never cheated; can’t say the same for her, though.

  “Really, Tequeela? I think you want me sexually.” I cup my junk, shaking it. I hear the guys laugh.

  “I don’t do white meat,” she says, turning her thumbs down.

  “I don’t think you do men period, but that’s just my opinion. Anyhow, I’m a busy man. Make your move or get off the lake.”

  “Cops are here,” one of the members of the Hell Dolls yell.

  I turn my head and see a park ranger cruise slowly down the pathway. The Hell Dolls jump on their bikes and split. The ranger doesn’t pursue but sits and keeps watch on us. Let them; we aren’t going to tattle on the Hell Dolls—we’ll settle that ourselves.

  Behind me, I hear Carrie release a deep breath and say, “Thank you. Thank you, Jonah.”

  Her hair is sticking out in different directions as she tries to lasso it into a ponytail. Blood smears are on her face. I can’t tell if it came from her nose or lip. Probably both since her nose is red and her bottom lip is swollen. “No thanks needed. Are you okay? Your lip is pretty swollen.”

  Carrie touches it with her finger and cringes. “I hope it goes down before Monday. It’ll be hard to explain a fat lip at work.”

  “What were you thinking going up against Tequeela? She’s a freaking gorilla masquerading as a woman.”

  Specks of sunlight fill her hazel eyes when she smiles. My stomach suddenly has a funny feeling. I’ve always thought Carrie was attractive, but never felt any odd stirrings when around her, until she really blossomed. Besides, she was dating a loser who Cliff hated. I don’t know if they are still together.

  “Yeah it was stupid to fight her, but I’m sick of her, Jonah. She is always in my face about something. I had to show her I can’t be bullied,” she says tossing the broken rubber band in the trashcan.

  Her hair falls freely around her shoulders. Beautiful. I hear her talking but can’t stop staring at her. All I can think about is kissing those sexy lips. I want to kiss the booboo on her lower lip and make it feel better.

  “Oh my God, Carrie, are you okay?”

  My fantasy is interrupted by a member of her crew. I step back letting her have a moment with Carrie.

  Carrie smiles. “I’m fine, Millie. Hey, girls, I want you to meet Jonah Richards. He’s my brother's best friend, and also my friend. His crew saved our butts today.”

  I raise my hands to hold any applause, though there isn’t any. The blonde still looks like she wants to kill me. “You should know B2R has your back,” I say. “Just give us a call if you need us.”

  “Wait,” the blonde says, sounding confused. “Your club has our back? So, we’re affiliated with you guys?”

  I nod. “Yep. To welcome you, drop by Nutty’s tonight for a party. You’ll meet other bikers and make a lot of new friends.”

  “Nutty’s is where B2R hangs out, like your clubhouse, right?” Carrie asks.

  I nod. “Yeah, that’s our spot.”

  “Hells yeah, I’ll be there,” Dawn replies ecstatically.

  Carrie and another woman don’t show the same enthusiasm as the blonde. Carrie pulls her aside. They begin to talk, but I can’t hear the conversation. The sidebar didn’t last long, and Carrie walks over to me.

  “Apparently Dawn wants to attend the party. What time and where?”

  She said Dawn wants to attend. Does that mean Carrie doesn’t want to come? “What about you?”

  “I don’t think I’ll make it. I need to nurse my wounds,” she says, touching her lip.

  I tilt my head, scanning her pretty face. “You shouldn’t have any scars.” I take a card from my pocket. “Here’s the address in case you change your mind.”

  “Okay,” she says, taking the card. “Jonah, are parties mandatory? You know I’m new to motorcycle clubs and don’t know all the rules yet.”

  “Let’s say it’s nice to get to know the folks who have your back.”

  She looks up at me and says, “All right. I’ll come too.”

  The words from my mouth come out of nowhere: “I’ll pick you up.”

  “You don’t have to do that. I’ll probably ride with one of my girls.”

  “Are you sure? You’ve had a traumatic day, and I wouldn’t want Cliff to think I abandoned you.” Good move to throw in her brother to make my point.

  “Cliff sent you? How did he know about Tequeela? I haven’t talked to him in days. I intentionally didn’t tell him what was going on with Tequeela.”

  I hate lying to her but won’t turn on Cliff. “We have a way of knowing about stuff, Carrie.”

  I follow her to her bike. I like the Low Rider; it has a lot of guts. If not for the pinkish colors brushed on the exterior and the girlish emblem, I’d take it for a spin. But the best view is her walking in front of me. Damn! I’ll stop there before my thoughts turn nasty.

  Carrie mounts the bike, starting it up. The roar of the engine sends a thrill through me. There is no better rush than a beautiful woman straddling a hog.

  “What time should I be ready?” Carrie asks. She lowers the helmet over her head and flips up the visor.

  I run my hand through my hair. “Um, I’ll swing by around ten, unless that’s too late for you.”

  “No, that’s fine. I’ll text you my address,” she says.

  My mind is in overdrive. I walk to my bike, as I have to get back to the shop to close it for the day. Who am I fooling? I’m excited about tonight.

  “What are you doing?” Brick asks.

  I knew Brick saw the exchange between Carrie and me. At my bike, I avoid his stare and ask. “What are you talking about?”

  “You and Cliff’s sister is what I’m talking about.”

  “Don’t blow shit out of proportion, Brick. We’re helping our brother.”

  His brows lower. “Looks like you’re helping yourself to Cliff’s sister. Don’t forget about Darla; she’s your road dog.”

  I lift the stand on my bike, balancing it with my weight. “My situation with Darla is not your concern. I’ll see you tonight.” I peel out of the parking lot, concentrating on the road but thinking I need to do something about my situation with Darla soon. We are toxic together and need to end it once and for all.

  3

  Carrie

  Later that Night

/>   I check my watch—ten minutes to make a decision. Either keep on what I’m wearing or change. I survey myself in the mirror; there is nothing wrong with my skinny jeans and off-the-shoulder pastel peach blouse. I’ve been to parties with Cliff before. The men and women were dressed casually but wore their vests to represent their clubs.

  I smack my lips, remembering both events were held at decent party centers, keeping the B2R boys on good behavior. I’ve never been to Nutty’s. Cliff claimed it wasn’t a place for women like me. I know my brother and believe that is their playground where things get wild and dirty. I’m excited and can’t wait to be a part of that life. Not that I want to be known as a bad girl—but maybe a girl with an edge.

  However, Cliff protects me like my parents do. He’s made a deal with Jonah to keep an eye on me. I love my brother but don’t want him meddling in how I operate my club. I’ve done the research and feel as long as I stay loyal to my missions and keep my sisters in line, we’ll be okay. I just need the Hell Dolls to back off.

  The doorbell rings. Looking out my window, I see Jonah standing at the front door. His bike is parked in the lot. What was I thinking? It’s a club—of course we’re supposed to ride and not drive a car. No time to change now. A quick squirt of my favorite perfume and I’m done.

  Opening the door, I’m surprised at how Jonah is dressed. A button-down denim shirt and jeans with a chain hanging down to his thigh. His heavy boots are well-worn. The only thing missing is the leather chaps he had on earlier today.

  “Hi. Come on in,” I say.

  “Thanks.”

  I live in a townhouse, so there isn’t a lot of space between rooms. The front door opens right to the living area. I try to keep it neat, but there are days when my mess settles wherever it falls.

  “Excuse the clutter. I haven’t had much time to clean.” I move my work bag from the chair so he can sit.

  “Much neater than my place. By the way, you look great, Carrie. Wow, your lip went down too.”

  “Thank you. I put ice on it,” I say, tapping my finger on the still-sore spot. “Do you think I’m overdressed?”

  Jonah nods. “A little. Next time just grunge it up with a little leather and fringe.”

  “Okay, I’ll keep that in mind. I plan to have a party before it gets cold. I’m putting together a ride to raise money for the holidays for kids. I’m calling it Christmas for Tots. Would you be interested in participating?”

  “Sure. Tonight you’ll meet members from other clubs. Pitch them the idea and see what happens. When we band together as brothers and sisters, we get more done.”

  “Good idea.” I don’t get the awkwardness I’m feeling around Jonah. Maybe because Cliff isn’t around. And I vaguely remember a girlfriend claiming him.

  “We should get going,” he suggests.

  “I’m ready. We can take my car since you rode your bike.”

  He smiles, and my insides melt. “Hmm. You aren’t exactly dressed to ride shotgun. We’ll take your car, but I’ll drive.”

  “Wait. If you have to pick up your girlfriend, I’ll meet you there.”

  His brows knit and he crosses his arms over his chest. “I wouldn’t have offered to pick you up on my bike if that was the case, Carrie.”

  I raise a brow, partly ready to put him in his place, but I don’t, since I asked the stupid question. Instead, I say sarcastically, “Can you handle a powerful stick?”

  He looks at me and replies, “Can you?”

  My body responds in a way it shouldn’t. Tonight is not about hooking up with Jonah or any man. I’m networking and want tips on how to handle the Hell Dolls.

  “Haven’t had a problem since the day I got it.”

  “Wha’cha working with?”

  “A 2015 Dodge Charger.” My favorite part of revealing my toys to a man: their reactions are usually priceless.

  “Tricked out?”

  “Not finished with it yet. Cliff was doing most of the work for me. I have to find a customizer in my budget.”

  “I’m pretty good with customizing cars too.”

  “I know. I remember you all working on cars and bikes in my parents’ backyard.”

  He chuckles. “Weird I own a pet shop, huh?”

  “Yes, but I think it sweet you have a soft spot for animals.”

  “Keep that secret to yourself.”

  The way he tilts his head to the side and narrows those baby blues drives up my blood pressure. Why does he have to be so darn hot? I pretend to lock my lips. “The secret is safe with me.”

  He winks. “Let me know if you want my help with the car. I’d be more than happy to get my hands on that baby.”

  “You’re helping me with the Hell Dolls; I can’t take advantage of your kindness or the fact you’re my brother’s best friend.”

  “Cliff is family. So that makes you family too. Take me to the car. I can’t wait to see what he did to it.”

  “Follow me.” I open the garage, and his eyes light up.

  “Sweet! She is hot.”

  I stand back and let him swoon over the car. I know it’s a beauty and the body is in mint condition. The chrome work Cliff’s done on the car only enhances the appearance.

  “I love the cherry red and polished chrome together, but I’m thinking of painting it pink and grey to match the Lady Guardians colors.”

  “No, don’t do that,” he says, running his hands across the hood. “She’s a beauty in red. You don’t have to have everything match your MC life, Carrie. Let the car have its own identity.”

  Relaxing on one foot, I sigh. “I thought the color would look good on a powerful car. Maybe my truck will be pink and grey.”

  He laughs. “I’ve never met a female gear-head who smells and looks as pretty as you.”

  My heart warms. “Keep giving me compliments and my head might explode.”

  “Toss me the keys and I’ll shut up.”

  Jonah drives my Charger fearlessly. He pushes the car to the maximum. I’m scared it will blow up on the highway, since it is a used car and I drive it more gently. But I don’t say anything. He dropped the top, and I actually like the feel of the wind blowing through my hair and seeing the stars shining in the clear sky above.

  If Cliff knew what was happening, he’d have a fit. I smile thinking what happens in Cleveland, stays in Cleveland.

  After a drive through the streets of the city, Jonah pulls into the parking lot, where bikes of all sizes, shapes, and colors outnumber the cars. Music and people are spilling outside and mingling all over the place. I’m a little surprised the building looks more like a run- down bar than a clubhouse.

  Flipping down the visor, I fix my hair and makeup. Don’t know why I bother to primp. Some women appear to have rolled out of bed making no effort to clean up at all.

  Jonah lifts the top and locks it in place. “Ready to meet the life you signed up for?”

  The sight out the window makes me cringe inside. Women kissing women and men touching women inappropriately can happen anywhere. I wasn’t prepared to see it happening here. I can’t see Cliff or Jonah acting in such a manner.

  My hand pauses on the door handle. “Jonah, will I be judged if these people find my club is not hardcore or raunchy?”

  He leans over, focusing on what I was looking at. “Don’t worry about them; they are guests. And no, you won’t be judged. Be yourself, Carrie. Either they’ll like you or won’t. But don’t let that stop what you’re doing.”

  He’s right. Sick kids will benefit if my rides are successful. I can’t let them down. “I see why you and Cliff are friends,” I say, opening the car door.

  “Why is that?”

  “Because you both keep it real with me.”

  “That’s the only way I know how to be.”

  I get out of the car and wait for him. “You buy the first round of drinks and the second round is on me.”

  “Deal.” He takes my hand, and we walk toward the bar. “Carrie, don’t let some of the stuf
f you see tonight discourage you. Not all bikers are trashy or troublemakers. You’ll meet people who have the same goals as you.”

  “I’m not saying I’m better than anyone, Jonah. I’m only a secretary.”

  “Believe it or not, you’ll meet other professionals who like to ride, have fun and throw back a few beers in their downtime.”

  My fear eases. “Sounds like I’ll have fun.”

  “It will be my job to make sure you do.”

  4

  Jonah

  I should’ve warned Carrie what to expect. A lot of drunk members and skanky women hanging over them can be a shock to someone like her. I call those women club whores because that’s what most of them are. The guys in real relationships don’t partake in the sex offered. However, some good men have fallen under the spell of a no-strings night of unbridled sex, with a woman willing to do anything.

  We can be a little rough, but for the most part, we are a group of good guys. But don’t mistake our kindness for anything but what it is. Mess with us, and we’ll show just how tough we can be.

  I walk through the doors with Carrie. Her eyes are wider than saucers as she scans the room. Rap music blares from the speakers, and the air is thick with cigarette and marijuana smoke. There are couples scattered everywhere, but most of the crowd is gathered around the one community pool table in a far corner.

  With Carrie closely behind me, I see Brick getting drilled by Fawn while flipping the finger to Mita, who’s leaning against the pool table. Brick is worried about my love life, but he needs to keep a finger on the pulse of his own relationship. Mita’s a hot, fake blonde, and relatively new to B2R. She has a nice body. Big, unnatural boobs and thick in all the right places. Brick’s been trying to hit that for months but Fawn ain’t having it.

  Carrie tugs on my hand. “Dawn and Millie are here. I’ll be back.”