We landed at nine thirty eastern time and walked out to a few unusual faces. With the exception of Wall, Tank and Axle I couldn’t recall anyone waiting to escort us home. I looked to Axle for answers. “Why are these guys here? I thought you and Dad were just going to come pick us up?”
“There has been a few things go down since you left. I didn’t want to travel with everyone unprotected so I couldn’t bring all the guys with me leaving the clubhouse vulnerable. These guys are from the Rowensville chapter. They’ll follow us back to the clubhouse and crash for the night. Then they’ll leave tomorrow to head home,” he answered in a neutral tone.
“Okay, that makes sense. I guess I’ll see you when we get back to the house then,” I said waiting for an invitation to ride bitch with him. I hadn’t been on the back of his bike in forever. I wasn’t kidding when I suggested we take a ride away from everyone to talk. Yeah, I didn’t want anyone listening in but, I also wanted an excuse to curl around him on the back of his bike.
“Yeah baby, you will. I had intentions of getting you on the back of my bike, it’s just with what’s been brought to light I don’t want you to be a sitting target. You’ll be safer in the van babe.”
“Yeah, I get it,” I pouted. I might not have been able to control the disappointment in my voice but I wasn’t going to let him see it on my face. I tried to turn quickly towards the van doors but Axle had other ideas. He pulled me to a stop and turned me to face him before crashing his lips to mine. When I felt his tongue seeking entry I opened letting his tongue invade my mouth. With a few quick strokes of our tongues he pulled back leaving me feeling the loss of him. The kiss was short but powerful. This kiss alone was enough to put hope in my heart that we would short this shit out, his words were just an added bonus.
“Don’t pout babe. If things were different you’d be with me. You’re the only one who will ever ride bitch to me. That seat belongs to you baby, no one else. I’m just not willing to put you at risk if I can help it. Get in the van like a good little biker bitch and I promise to reward you when we get back to the house. That is after you sit back and listen to what I have to say.” Axle pulled me in for one more quick peck before turning to bark out orders of formation. I crawled into the van next to Hunter avoiding all the inquiring eyes that just watched my exchange with Axle. I road in silence all the way back to the house.
It took about an hour before we pulled in front of the big family house. Before anyone could get out of the van, the doors opened with Axle blocking our path. “Alright ladies let me be the first to say welcome home. Know that the fellas and myself are glad to have ya back where we can keep an eye on you. With that being said, I’ve got some bad news for you all, the lock down is back in effect.” After several moans and groans he continued, “Oh come on ladies, quit with the boo-hooing. It’s for your own good. We stumbled upon Yasmin the other day and have it on good authority that Jewels and Carmen are in the area as well. Until we can be sure those two fucks aren’t going to make a play at one of you, the lock down will be in effect. Now I’ve got a long overdue talk with my woman about to go down so keep your comments to yourself for the night. I’ll deal with the rest of you in the morning. Same sleeping arrangements as before with the exception of Trevor. Trev you can either bunk in the basement with the unattached females or find a cot in the den with the rest of the fellas. Everyone head inside and the prospects will bring your bags in later. Try to get some shut eye because tomorrow morning we’ll be discussing things a bit more.”
I took the hand Axle extended to me as he helped me out of the van before he reached back in to grab Hunter from his booster seat. When he had Hunter situated in one arm and took my hand in the other as we walked into the house up to our rooms. Together we put a sleeping Hunter in his bed before sneaking out to my room. “I’ll be right back babe. I’ve just got to check in before I turn in for the night. I meant what I said earlier. We’re talking first.” Just like that I was alone at the door of my room.
I wasn’t sure whether to storm after him and demand we put an end to this cat and mouse game or to take the time to take a shower to get myself freshened up. My emotions were at an all-time high. I was pissed, horny and scared. I didn’t want to cause a scene in front of everyone but, if he was set on talking we had a lot of ground to cover. I needed to get my head on straight before Axle came back up. No way was I in any shape to talk to him now. I figured a nice hot shower would loosen me up and hopefully get me ready for what was to come.
I took my time in the shower letting the hot water sooth my tense muscles. My head was still racing and my stomach still in knots but at least I didn’t feel like a zombie. I went through my nightly rituals; brushing out my hair, applying moisturizer and brushing my teeth. I was taking longer than usual trying to put off the inevitable as long as possible. When there was nothing left to do so I made my way back to my room only to find there was still no sign of Axle. I guess he must have gotten caught up downstairs.
There was no need to try and sleep. For one, my body wasn’t even close too tired and for two, I know Ax would just wake me up. I dug out my iPod and my note book hoping to get some words with the few instrumentals I was still working. I normally worked the complete opposite but Demi asked me to help her out with the riffs she had rolling around in that head of hers. I lay in bed listening to the sounds of an acoustic guitar with a soft drum beat and let myself get lost in the music.
Chapter 17
Axle
I left Avery upstairs to check in with everyone and to collect a few things I needed for the long overdue conversation waiting to be had. After getting my video message of Hunter from Avery earlier I made a few decisions. Decisions that I hoped didn’t back fire in my face. I’ve finally decided to man up and claim my woman properly. She would be the only one to wear my patch, my ring and ride bitch on my bike. I already had the property patch made five years ago and when she left my bike has never had anyone on the back of it. The ring I took care of on our way to the airport with the help of Wall and a few of the women via text message. Romy and the chick Cali had sent a few pictures giving me a little something to go by. Hell, Romy even sent me the info of a jeweler that specialized in custom stuff.
I expected Wall to give me shit but to my surprise the fucker was actually grinning when we walked up in front of the jewelers. Once the store personnel realized we weren’t coming in right before closing to rob the damn place it was easy to find the ring I wanted on her hand for the rest of our lives. I knew my girl wouldn’t want anything traditional, that’s what the snobby saleswoman called it anyway. I zeroed in on what I was told was a princess cut (what the fuck ever) black diamond. It had one large 2 carat black diamond in between two one carat pink diamonds all set in a black and white gold band with several smaller pink diamonds around the band. I even bought the matching wedding band to go with it. It’s the quickest twelve grand I ever spent.
When we left the jewelers I had Wall tuck the ring away for safe keeping. At least with him having the ring I knew I wouldn’t drop down on one knee like some lovesick ass wipe in front of everyone at the airport. It probably wouldn’t have bothered me but, I haven’t talked to Doc yet. I couldn’t find the time to track him down today but it ends tonight. I’d have my talk with Doc then head up to talk to Avery.
After a quick trip to the clubhouse to collect the patch that’s been waiting for Avery for five years, I went in search of Wall. Not only did he have the ring I needed but I was hoping he would stand beside me when I went to talk to Doc. I know the old head seemed cool with me and his daughter together but, he never said anything about me tying her ass to me for forever. If he decided to give me the beat down that I’ve managed to escape for years someone was gonna have to scoop me up and deliver me to Avery. I have no intention of sleeping until my ring was on my girl’s finger.
Wall was an easy find. I found him perched on one of the stools at the bar in the clubhouse with a bottle of whiskey. I know my brother was fuc
ked up in the head over my sister still when she just completely ignored him at the airport. I wasn’t getting into that shit tonight. Tonight I had my own shit to sort out.
I walked up and slapped my best friend on the shoulder. “Damn dude, rough night already?”
“You could say that. You talk to Avery yet,” Wall questioned me changing the subject.
“Nah, not yet. I need to get the damn ring from you first. Then I’ve gotta talk to Doc. You coming with me or you staying here to drown your sorrows and shit?”
“I don’t think you need me for everything asshole. I think your fully capable of proposing to your bitch without me,” his sarcastic ass answered me.
“No dumbass, I mean you gonna come scrape me up off the floor when the old head is finished possibly beating my ass? I know you’ll just love watching me get my ass kicked. Especially when I can’t fight back.”
Wall pulled the ring box out of his leather pocket as he stood. “I’m happy for you brother. This has been a long time coming. Take care of our girl asshole or it won’t just be Doc you got to answer to. Let’s get this show on the road, it’s almost midnight. You know his old ass is probably in bed already,” Wall answered.
“Then we’ll be waking his ass up. Come on fucker, let’s get this shit over with. I’ve got a woman to claim.” When I walked over here earlier, Doc was still up at the table with the rest of the old heads. Maybe the old fucker would still be there?
Ten minutes later we walked in the back door of the house to find Boomer, Doc and Ghost sitting around the table bullshitting about the old days. I pulled up a chair at the table with Wall right beside me waiting for my chance to break up the trip down memory lane. Leave it to Ghost to be the one to call me out. “What’s on your mind Prez? You look like you’re about to piss yourself. Got something to say, then spit it out man.”
I tried to laugh a bit but I sounded like a nervous prick. Instead of trying to talk I did the next best thing to get the party going, I reached in my pocket and pulled the unopened envelope out of my pocket containing the property patch and tossed it on the table in front of Doc. Doc looked at it for a minute before reaching out to open it. When he had the patch out of the envelope and in his hand I then reached back into the other pocket and pulled out the ring box. I sat it in front of the man I needed a blessing from. If Doc said no I’m not sure how this shit would go down.
Doc sat the patch aside leaving it for the other nosey brothers to get a look at while he picked up the box in front of him. He quietly opened the box with a stony look on his face. This fucking man was killing me. I could hear myself screaming “say something asshole” under my breath. Then the fucker started laughing at me. He fucking laughed. Fire flew into me while I waited for him to cut the laughing shit out.
As Doc was trying to gain his composure he let a few smart ass comments go. “I’m touched son, I really am but, the last time I checked I’m a full patched member and a happily married man. As much as it pains me, I have to decline,” more laughter, “I’ve gotta know, though, how long have you been waiting for me handsome,” Doc managed to get out before falling into a fit of laughter again. By now everyone, including Wall, were cracking up. I didn’t know whether to be pissed or glad. The asshole still hasn’t given me a blessing. Time to call the old fucker out!
“Everyone at this table knows I’ve only had eyes for one person and she’s a whole hell of a lot prettier than you, asshole. I need your blessing Doc. I plan on heading upstairs and locking the damn door to the bedroom until Avery and I sort shit out. The only result I’m going to be satisfied with will be her wearing my patch and my ring. This shit is long overdue man and you know it,” I said looking straight at Doc. I guess I should have taken a nicer tone because at my words Doc was up out of his sitting and making his way around the table to me.
Before he could get all the way around to me I stood from the table to face him. I squared my shoulders waiting for the first blow to be delivered. The first crack to the jaw had my head spinning but I didn’t fall. The next one though, had me side stepping and the two to the gut had me dropping to my knees. That old fucker could still pack a punch that was for damn sure.
I didn’t stay on the ground long. I sprung up waiting for more blows to be delivered but was pulled in for a bro hug instead. With a slap of the back I was finally given the words I needed. “You deserve more but I won’t do it. I know you’ll take care of her and Hunter whether she says yes or not. You take care of my little girl asshole or I’ll be the one to finish your ass.” Doc pulled back to look me in the eyes before continuing. “I’d be proud to call you son, but I’ll wait until you’ve dealt with my daughter. She’s a stubborn ass! I’ll wait to see how this plays out. Good luck Prez, I think your gonna need it.”
Doc let me go and returned to his seat as my father stood to pull me in for a hug. “Don’t listen to him son. That girl loves you, now get up there and handle your shit. I’ll make sure Hunter’s taken care of in the morning. Go get your woman.”
I just nodded at my father while I snatched the patch and the ring box off the table to tuck them away back in my jacket. As I was leaving the kitchen I heard Wall say to the group, “yeah that fucker’s huge. The crazy ass dropped twelve grand on that damn thing. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say the asshole was trying to compensate for something”. I guess the ring I picked out met the approval of everyone at the table, although my best friend and I will be having a conversation, maybe even a show-in-tell, about the compensation comment. I made my way upstairs telling myself their approval and side comments didn’t mean shit, I just needed Avery to say yes.
Avery
With my earbuds in I didn’t hear the door open or close. It wasn’t until I felt the bed dip did I realize Axle had finally made his way back to me. As I looked up to see his gorgeous blue eyes, he was already reaching to take my earbuds out. I stayed silent waiting for him to speak, leaving my nerves to go into overdrive, as the silence grew between us. I kept my eyes on him at all times silently willing him to start until finally his words started to flow.
“I’m not sure where to start. I’ve been practicing this shit in my head since this morning and I’m still not sure how to sugar coat it,” Axle said breaking eye contact with me.
What the fuck needs to be sugar coated? Is this his way of letting me down easy? I guess he’s decided there isn’t and “us” anymore. Well, fuck him and fuck that. I felt the inner bitch rising again. I wasn’t holding back this time. This mother fucker was going to listen to what I had to say.
“I don’t know why you need to sugar coat shit. Grow a set of balls and just say it. You don’t want me that’s fine. I’ll be fine! I won’t keep you from your son but, you won’t be using him as the excuse to control what I do either. We can raise our son together and still have different lives. People do it all the damn time. Now if you’re finished I’ve got some work to do. Find your ass a couch to curl up on because you’re not staying in here with me fucker!”
“YOU NEED TO CALM YOUR ASS DOWN WOMAN,” Axle screamed with a ferocity that had me sinking back in the bed. I know he’d never hit me but I wasn’t going to push him either. I’ll just sit here and ignore him. He can say what he needs to say to make himself feel better then he’ll sneak off to the clubhouse. I sat with my arms crossed and a sour look on my face as I watched him try to calm himself. I was about to speak up and tell him to get lost when his words froze me in place.
“I love you Avery. I always have and always will. Like I’ve told you before, you’re it for me. You’re the only one I want. You’ve owned my heart since you were thirteen, back when I couldn’t act on it because it would be my death warrant. Your dad might be okay with the idea of us together now but I back then he would have had my ass strung up in the barn and gutted me like a damn fish. I sat back and waited until you were damn near eighteen before I even started flirting with you. I remember I took you for a ride a month before your eighteenth birthday. It was the nigh
t of my patch in party. We snuck off and rode for hours before I dropped you off at the end of the club house driveway. It was all I could do to just place a simple kiss on your check before I took off on my bike again. I had to give you time to make it back before I came pulling in behind you. Plus, I had to get my dick under control. I couldn’t come walking in the front doors of the clubhouse with a damn hard on, we would have been caught at first sight. I tried to stay away from you, I really did but, I just couldn’t do it. Even when you turned eighteen at the end of March I waited until after you graduated before I went after you. You played hard to get girl; so damn hard. I put up with more from you than I had anyone else but, I knew the end result would be worth it. That late August night down by the falls when I finally sank balls deep in that sweet pussy of yours it ruined me for anyone else. It was the best birthday present I’ve ever been given. I was hooked then just as I am now.”
I sat back and listened to him bear his heart to me. I wasn’t about to interrupt him because I know he would never finish if I did. I could feel little tears leaking as he continued to relive the past. “For almost a year we snuck around waiting for the right time to go to your folks. I wanted you by myside when I would finally take over the club. I wanted you tied to me anyway possible so you would never leave but, in the end I only pushed you away. The last night we spent together we sat up all night planning our future. I thought we had shit figured out but, the next morning I woke to your Dad flipping out, tearing up shit in the clubhouse. He had no idea where you where, just that you had run off in the middle of the night. A part of me died that day. I turned my heart off to anyone who wasn’t family. Hell, I can still count on one hand how many times I slipped up and fucked that club whore that caused all this shit. Each time I had been lost in my thoughts of you. It normally happened when I would manage to get you on the phone, only to find out you wouldn’t be running back to me. Those were the times I’d try to drink you away, which would result in me fucking Diamond from behind, while I imagined it was you. Then I’d wake up feeling guilty as shit because in some sick way it felt like I had cheated on you.”
Coming Home: Dominant Devils Book 2 Page 26