by K. T Fisher
I decide this is my chance and quickly walk away. I am so glad I’m getting out of here tonight. I’m walking that fast, looking anywhere but in front of me that I don’t see the man in front of me. I crash with surprising force and look up, dreading who I find above me.
“Watch yourself.” Bomber grins down at me, but then it disappears when he takes a good look at me. “Lauren, what’s up?”
Bomber came with us to the King’s clubhouse because unknown to me, Bomber was an undercover King’s member. He managed to fool the Devil’s and get years of inside information for them without the Devil’s knowing. That’s how Elise was found so quickly and why I sensed he was so different.
“I’m fine, just needed to go and pack.” I try not to sound as panicked as I feel.
I can tell he doesn’t buy it, but thankfully he lets it drop. “I’m happy you’re going home Lauren, you deserve it.”
“Are you staying here?” I ask him, honestly curious about what’s next for him.
“This was where I prospected, so I think so. Besides, Savage needs all the help he can get where Demon is concerned, and to not underestimate Strike.”
I nod my head in agreement, I know as good as any that Strike is probably more unhinged than his president. “So you’re not coming with us?” I ask. To be honest, I thought he might have been persuaded to. Seeing as I usually catch him thoughtfully watching Elise from time to time, I thought he might have thought about coming back with us and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I wasn’t a little let down by the news.
“No, my place is here.” He grabs me into a one armed hug, kissing me on the forehead and ushering me away to go and pack for home.
At dinner, everyone sits in the hall together for one last meal before we all leave. It’s a club thing and I can start to see why this lifestyle is so appealing. Especially to those who don’t have a real home outside the club because these members and their women have quickly become your family.
I’m sitting in between Natasha and Elise, laughing together as we’re in such a great mood. I catch Savage’s eye and look away, I don’t want to think about him any longer than I need to.
***
Later that night, I sit in the middle of Elise and Natasha again as we fly to the UK. The longer we’re flying the better I feel as I get further and further away from Demon. After talking excitedly it’s not long before they fall asleep and I look over to see Brandon watching me. He gives me a smile and I have to return it because I’m just as happy as he is in this moment.
Chapter 30
Brandon is freaking me out if I’m being brutally honest with myself. He keeps smiling at me, offering to help with my bags when we land, helping me off the plane and holding the taxi door open. I should be grateful he’s being a gentleman, but after the shit I’ve been put through I feel a little on edge every time he does something nice. Almost as if he has an ulterior motive to doing it and that I will have to somehow pay him back later.
Apart from that, I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to be in the UK. Natasha links arms with me as we wheel our small suitcases behind Elise and her dad. Natasha seems to have a little spring in her step too. Seems England is already agreeing with her.
The three of us get into the back of a taxi, Brace getting into the front and I feel guilt as I see Brandon walking to the next in line and following behind us.
“What’s going on with you two?” Elise whispers across to me so her dad doesn’t hear over the taxi’s radio.
“Who?” I ask and she tilts her head to the side with a frown. “Brandon?”
Elise eyes go wide. “Brandon?” She asks. “You call him Brandon?”
Now I start to feel stupid. “Yeah. He told me to, why?”
Natasha looks between us, looking as confused as I feel and Elise has a slight smirk.
“Well, let’s just say that nobody calls him Brandon. Only his parents, and sometimes his sister are allowed. To everyone else, he’s Grim. I’ve heard him threaten people when they call him Brandon, even his dad and he’s the fucking president.”
Well holy shit. Now I see why she’s so shocked and the weirdness I felt towards Brandon intensifies a little. I feel a little awkward now.
“Maybe I should call him Grim too.” I add and Elise shakes her head.
“If he said you can, take advantage and call him Brandon.” Her voice gets louder as she is obviously excited by this news and Brace turns around to look at us in the back of the taxi.
“What are you girls whispering about back there?” He asks.
“Nothing dad, you’re hearing things again.” Elise snaps and when he turns back around to the front Elise sends me a wink and I regret letting the information slip.
During the drive, I think about how hot Brandon is. He’s ridiculously good looking, the best looking man I have seen by far, and I’ve seen some hot men. Things have changed for me though. If everything was so simple, I would be all over him but I’m not that girl anymore. I don’t know if I’ll ever be ready to be with a man again. Still, that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate Brandon, with his thick arms that are as wide as my thighs, covered in tattoos which spread across his tanned skin.
He does seem to be a dangerous man, and I know that he got his club name for a reason. I’ve heard a few stories about him already and how he earned his name. He obviously has a dangerous side, I’m assuming most men in this life do and I feel like I’ve had enough of men like that to last me a lifetime.
When we arrive at the Kings of Rebellion British charter, it’s seven a.m. and I’m too tired but Elise is in good spirits and gives Natasha and me a weird smile. The first thing I notice is that it looks a lot different than the American clubhouse and it’s definitely for the better. This clubhouse has the same high security gates, with surrounding walls.
“If I was the president I would have trees covering the walls, they’re a bit of an eye sore” Natasha advises as the taxi stops at the gates. The driver makes it clear that he will not be going inside and I can’t say I blame him.
We get out of the car and as Brace deals with the driver, Elise turns to us. “It might look better but security wise it would be a bad choice.”
I watch Brandon get out the other taxi as I listen to Elise and Natasha. “Why not?” Natasha asks.
“Because people could climb the trees and jump the walls.” I reply, which gets me a smile from Brace.
“Clever girl.” He praises.
The gate opens and we all follow Brandon inside the grounds. I try to get as good a look as possible as we walk towards the brick building. It’s almost like a large courtyard, concrete everywhere with motorcycles to the right, and next to a large garage.
A breeze picks up my hair, wafting it in all different directions and as Natasha complains about the cold I can’t help but smile. I have missed the chilly, British breeze.
Brandon and Choke hold open the doors to the clubhouse as we all walk in. I’m shocked to see two men standing in the room we first enter. It’s quite a small room, with two sofas facing each other and three doors leading to other rooms. I’m also shocked to see anyone awake at this time in the morning. As they stand, a woman walks in holding two cups of tea in her hand and smiles wide when she sees us.
“June, they’re here!” She screams as she hurriedly passes the cups to the two men and runs up to Brandon, wrapping her arms tight around him.
The door bounds open and a woman, the spitting image of Elise, cries and runs straight for her. Holding Elise tightly and I watch Elise bury her head into her and sob.
Natasha and I huddle together, feeling happy yet a little awkward at the scenes in front of us. One of the men that was waiting for us approaches me, and I have to fight myself to not shrink back into the wall. This man is very large and intimidating, covered in tattoos and has a plain look on his face. I can tell right away that this man is Brandon’s father, the president of the Kings of Rebellion.
“Welcome to The Kings, girls.” He inclines his head i
n greeting and I relax a little when I notice his mouth has tilted up in a smile.
“Thank you for having us.” I reply.
“Where are they?” I hear a sobbing voice and suddenly Elise’s mother is holding onto Natasha and I. “Oh girls, I am so grateful for what you did. I will never be able to repay you for what you did for my Elise.”
“It was nothing.” Natasha tries to sooth her but she erratically shakes her head.
“It means everything to me.” She holds us at arm’s length, smiling with tears running down her face. “You are always welcome within these walls.”
Everyone looks at us and I feel a little embarrassed. The other woman, who ran in first appears at her shoulder. “Come on June, let these poor girls rest.”
I shoot her a grateful look and she guides us through the left door. We enter a large room that looks like it hosts a lot of entertaining. Tables, chairs, sofas and a huge TV are the main features, but we don’t stop. Instead we head for the doors on the far end.
“I’m Laura, Franky’s old lady, he’s the president around here and if you need anything you make sure to come to me.” She gently rubs my shoulder and whispers. “Thank you for Elise, she acts like a tough cookie, but we all know she’s melted chocolate really.”
I giggle at her explanation but I agree with Brandon’s mum and it’s that moment that I realize she is Brandon’s mother. I begin to feel a little weird and I have no freaking idea why!
“We have a room for you, and you will stay here as long as you need.” She opens the doors and continues to guide us along a wide corridor packed with doors. I’m assuming these are member’s bedrooms, just like back at the Kings of Rebellion USA charter. I hear footsteps behind us and see Elise’s mum June holding tightly to her daughter and Natasha walking in between us.
We approach a door with no pictures or messages on it and Laura opens to reveal a generous sized room with everything we need. Large wardrobe, two single sized beds with bedside tables and a clean attaching toilet and shower room.
June, Elise and Natasha follow us inside and Natasha and I share a happy look. Things are finally looking up. I’m far away from Demon and starting a new life.
“If you need anything, both June and I will be pottering around this place. There are other old ladies and family members all around who you will meet later today.” After making sure we’re ok, they leave us to it.
“My lockdown room is on the left if you need anything. I’ll be back later, so don’t go anywhere without me. I‘ll need you two by my side.” Elise says as she hugs us both.
“Lockdown?” Natasha asks.
“Yeah, like when we were in America. Everyone’s family comes here during lockdown to make sure they’re safe while the members sort things.” Elise explains.
“Does that happen often?” I ask, curious to the lifestyle around this place.
Elise frowns in thought, shaking her head. “No, not really but I like to be here a lot. Growing up, I wanted to always be with my dad so I stayed most nights. Now it feels like my second home.”
With one last cuddle, Elise leaves to go to her room and just a couple of minutes later we hear giggling and excited shrieking from her room. I’m guessing whoever she shares her room with is happy to see her.
After unpacking a few things to get ready for tomorrow, I decide to grab a quick shower. When I open the door I see Natasha has fallen asleep and cover her with a blanket. I don’t like to leave my hair wet when I go to sleep but I don’t want to wake Natasha. I decide to tie it in a high bun for now and change into my pyjamas. They’re the ones I took to my parents when I visited them, so they’re not very attractive, long trousers and a vest top but they’re comfy.
I lie down on the bed, sighing at how comfy I quickly become and yawn. My eyes become heavy, but at the sound of footsteps out in the corridor I recover from my tiredness. The footsteps get closer and through the light shining from under the door, I see the shadow of feet that have stopped outside my door. I know I locked it, but I double check through my memory and start to doubt myself. Could Demon have followed me back and managed to sneak into The Kings of Rebellion’s territory? I stare at the feet, my heart beating so fast and slowly sit up. I tip toe across to Natasha’s bed on the other side but freeze when there’s a knock on the door. Natasha doesn’t even stir, and I have a mini freak out to myself but for some reason my feet carry me over to the door.
“Who is it?” I whisper.
“Brandon.” I hear back and instantly the panic vanishes.
I open the door just a tiny bit, to double check that it is him and when I see him smiling through the gap I return it with one of my own.
“Did I scare you?” He asks.
“Just a little,” I honestly reply and open the door a little more. Brandon’s eyes travel down me and I realize I’m in my ugly pyjamas. “I was just about to go to sleep.”
“Yeah, I can see.” He nods, still looking me over and a funny feeling settles over me. “I wanted to check on you. I didn’t get to ask you when we got off the plane.”
I feel guilty for practically running away from him and into the nearest taxi when we landed.
“No I’m fine, your mum is lovely.” I grin as I remember her fussing earlier.
“She can be a handful.” He laughs and a man in leather passes by.
“VP.” He greets and carries on walking.
Brandon and I stare at each other in silence and I don’t know what to do. It’s a little awkward and I back away.
“Well, I’m going to get some sleep.” I smile so as not to seem rude.
“Yeah, get some rest and I’ll catch you later.” He reaches for the door handle, “Lock this when I go.” He adds, before flashing me a wink and closing the door.
Chapter 31
I wake up to hearing Natasha blow drying her hair. Typical.
I reach under my pillow, taking the second in my hand and launching it at her back.
“Hey!” She yells.
“I was sleeping.” I moan.
“It’s already six p.m., you lazy git.” She snaps and returns to drying her hair.
Six o’clock? I’ve slept for ten hours?
I sit up, groaning as I stretch. “I didn’t blow dry my hair while you were asleep.”
“I didn’t stop you.” She laughs and I stare into her giggling face, and then join her in laughter because she’s right. As silly as it sounds.
I get out of bed and regret my pyjamas again as Natasha laughs. I roll my eyes and put on the clothes I unpacked before I went to sleep. I’m still so tired, but if I don’t get up now I won’t go to sleep later tonight and my body needs to get back to the English time zone.
I pull on my skinny jeans, which don’t feel as tight as they did the last time I wore them and a long sleeved shirt with a black hoody over the top. I feel better being able to cover up as much skin as I choose and when I’ve refreshed my messy bun and applied a little make-up so I don’t look like a zombie, I’m good to go.
Natasha and I take a deep breath and decide to branch out of our room. I knock on Elise’s door as we pass but there’s no answer. When we open the door at the end of the hall, we come to the room we entered last night and see it’s full of men, women and some children. I spot a pair of sofas and only one girl is sitting there, so I decide that’s the easiest option.
Music is playing, food is laid out on a long table at the back and my stomach grumbles. I’ll have to check it out soon enough.
We sit down together, facing the pretty girl on the opposite sofa and she instantly smiles. “Hi.”
“Hey.” We both answer.
“So you’re the girls who helped my cousin.” She leans forward to get closer. “Thank you, and I’m not saying it to be soppy, I really mean it. Elise means a lot to me.”
I’m shocked to find out this girl is Elise’s cousin, but the longer I look at her the more I see the familiarities. Apart from the fact that she doesn’t have bright blonde hair like E
lise, she looks exactly the same. This girl has black glossy hair that sits low on her back with bright green eyes that really stand out against her dark hair.
“So I see you have met Drew.” Elise appears with a large plate of food for us to share. “Dig in, girlies.”
After an hour, I get to know Drew a little and from what I’ve already seen she seems really nice. Much like Elise in that way.
“So what’s the latest with you and Grim?” Elise asks with a mischievous smirk.
“Grim?” Asks Drew, oh no is she an ex or something?
“Nothing is going on with us, in fact I’ve decided to call him Grim again.” I answer sternly.
“He told her to call him Brandon.” Natasha fills in Drew and her face shows the exact same shock as Elise did.
“He did?” Drew asks in a high pitched voice.
I slowly nod, still not grasping the importance of it all.
“You know, he won’t like you calling him Grim if he has asked you to call him something else.” Elise advises.
“He will have to deal with it then.” I snap, my voice sounding stronger than I actually feel.
It’s then that I spot him walking into the room and he scans the place until his eyes land on me. Without breaking our eye contact he makes his way over to me. He kindly smiles at everyone I’m with before speaking to me.
“Did you get some sleep?” He asks.
“I did thank you.” I nod.
“It’s a shame you changed out of your cute pyjamas.” He snickers and I feel my cheeks burn.
“He saw those hideous things?” Natasha gasps.
“Come on girls, let’s give them a minute.” Drew suggests and regrettably they all go.
Grim sits beside me, and he’s so close I scoot away a little. “How are you settling in?” He asks me.
“A lot better than my first experience with a motorcycle gang.” I joke.
He frowns. “We’re not a gang, Lauren.”
“So you don’t all ride motorcycles and dabble in anything illegal?” I end with a smile, knowing I have him.