by Colbie Kay
With knitted brows, my gaze connects with hers. "What do you mean?"
She shrugs her shoulder. "I don't know really. You were his whole world, you two had plans, and he just left. It always seemed strange to me."
That surprises me because she’s never mentioned anything before. I take a bite of my food and slowly chew it as I think about her words. "I always assumed he left because we fought that night."
She sits across from me and holds her own glass of tea. "Whatever the reason was, it doesn't give him the right to disappear like that. He has a lot to answer for." Her eyes bore into mine. "I want you to know that me and your father are so proud of you. We always have been, and we may not tell you enough, but you are an amazing mom. Everything you have accomplished is admirable."
"Mom." Tears well in my eyes.
She reaches over taking my hand in hers. "Whatever happens with you and Devon, you deserve to be happy and don't settle for anything less."
I nod and wipe away the stray tear running down my cheek. "Thank you."
I finish my roast, potatoes, and carrots, then walk into my old bedroom.
I nudge Zane, waking him enough to get his shoes on and stumble out to our car in order for us to go home.
I started working on some new tattoos I have coming up for appointments. Audrey pokes her head into my office. "Doc's here." She has a silly grin on her face.
"Send him back."
A few minutes later, he walks in and I almost bust out laughing. "What are you doing?"
He smiles broadly and takes a seat. "I remembered how much you loved it when I wore shit like this." He's wearing loose-fitting jeans, an old band shirt with the sleeves ripped off, his baseball cap is turned backward, and no cut. He's right, I did love it. I thought he was the sexiest boy to walk the halls of our high school. But...I can't deny seeing him in his cut gives him a sex appeal that is outta this world. It gives him a hard exterior that screams rough and dominate.
My own smile widens, and I shake my head. "We aren't teenagers anymore." I give no hint to the fact that I still think he's the sexiest man to walk the earth.
"So whatcha doin'?" He leans over my desk, looking at the drawing I'm working on. It's a woman's face with long dark hair blowing in the wind. "That's really good, Daph. You always were unbelievably talented. I could watch you for hours drawing in your sketchbook."
I laugh lightly. "I remember too. And you would always try to distract me." After a long silence, he would lean closer to me and kiss my neck or tickle me until I was screaming in a fit of laughter.
He clears his throat. "Yeah, good times."
I rub the back of my neck. It's a little tight from having my head bent for so long. "Have you thought about what tattoo you want?"
"Are you going to tattoo me?"
I glance at him and shake my head. How, after all this time, does he still make me feel like a young girl with a crush? He still makes those butterflies swarm in my belly, my heart race, and nervousness takes hold of me. If I’m not careful, I’ll lose all sense of clarity and give in to the temptation that is Devon Mayfield.
"Then nope." He leans back in the chair.
Neither of us says anything for hours. He stays watching me work, he stays while I take care of my appointments, and he stays until I leave for the day.
He walks me out and reaches for my hand. I let him take it and it feels nice, feels like it used to, but new at the same time. It’s so weird how all of this is a mixture of past and present, old and new. "So, I'll see you tomorrow?"
I beam brightly. "Yeah."
He grins like a Cheshire cat and nods once. He drops my hand and starts to walk toward his bike. I narrow my eyes when I see the scars peeking out of the back of his shirt. What happened to him? I’m beginning to wonder if there really is truth to his words, “I’m damaged. I’m broken good.” Maybe we can heal together, but I need to know what happened to the boy I loved.
I climb into my car, start the ignition, and drive to pick Zane up from school.
Day one of mending is over.
We're gathered in the chapel. All patched members have their designated seats while a few prospects stand against the wall. Hanger begins our church meeting. "We've been called to help our Oklahoma Chapter. They're having problems with a couple suppliers. While they’re dealing with one, we need to take care of the other. It'll be a couple weeks before we head out because they need to work out the details of their plan." Hanger's eyes shift to mine. "Doc, we need you on this one." His stern eyes travel around the room. "We're going to be short on men without Demon, Chayser, and Writer."
Demon and Chayser originally came from our Oklahoma Chapter, but they can't risk stepping over that state line or it could mean life in prison.
"I'll be ready," I respond confidently.
He continues after a satisfied nod, "Our new prospect, Mullins, will be joining us, along with a few other prospects."
BamBam interjects, "You sure we can count on these prospects?"
I turn my attention to him, my intense eyes lock with BamBam’s. "I can’t speak for the other prospects, but Mullins was my 50-cal gunner in the Army. He saved our asses many times out in the war zone, and he specifically saved my fucking life. I owe everything to him because I wouldn't be standing here if it wasn't for him. I trust that brother with my life." I take a deep breath from the long spill, but my brothers don’t know Mullins like I do. He would lay down his life for his team and it wouldn’t be any different for this club.
Bam holds his hands up in surrender. "I get it. It was just a question."
Ghost speaks up, "You sure you gonna be good, Doc? You don't normally go with us. So, is it going to fuck with your head?"
"Nah, I'll be good."
Hunter pipes in, "What are we doing with the women and kids while we're gone?" I know he's worried about leaving Audrey, just as the rest are about their Ol’ Ladies. It’s like me with Daphne, even if she isn’t officially mine again. Yet.
Hanger answers, "We'll have them come to the club since we don't have enough men to protect all of them. I'll feel better knowing they're in one place." Hunter sighs a breath of relief. "Anyone need to discuss anything else?" Hanger's eyes wander around the room again, but everyone stays silent. "Church dismissed." He slams the gavel down.
One by one we file out of the room, walk down the hall, and out to the bar. It's time for me to leave. I spot Mullins sitting on a bar stool and I head in his direction. Coming up behind him, I slap his back. "I'm riding to Runaway Tattoo. You wanna go?"
He takes the last swig from his beer, sits the bottle on the counter, and stands. "Let's ride."
We park our bikes between Audrey and Daphne's cars. Side by side, we walk up to the front door and I open it for him to step through first.
Audrey looks up from her computer. "Hey, guys! Go on back. She's in her office." She gives us a kind smile. I guess she’s decided there's no reason for me to wait anymore.
I lead the way down the hall and knock this time. When Daphne tells us to enter, I open the door. The smile on her beautiful face knocks me back. "I figured it was you."
My own smile widens as I enter her office with Mullins behind me. He shuts the door. "Well, well, well. I finally get to meet the infamous Daphne." He struts closer to her desk, leans over, and takes her hand in his. She looks around him with a puzzled expression. He kisses the top of her hand, his dark eyes meeting hers. "Mayfield didn't do you justice." He whistles. "When you get tired of this asshole, give me a call." I know he's just fucking around, but an overwhelming sense of jealousy takes root in my gut.
Eyes locked on Daphne, I growl, "He's married." I punch his shoulder. "Back the fuck off."
He releases her hand, stands straight as he laughs. "I'm just fuckin' with you, man." He sits down on one of the chairs across from her desk. "You got anyone here that can give me a tat?"
Daphne laughs. "I'm the only one here, and you caught me on a free day. Fill out the paperwork and I'd be h
appy to."
My smile falls. I hiss, "The fuck you will!" They both snap their heads at me, gawking like I've grown an extra head. Mullins has a shit-eating smirk. "If you can't tattoo me, then you aren't tattooing him"
"Devon!" Daphne screeches.
I stare her dead in the eyes without a response.
She huffs in frustration. "Fine. You want a tattoo? C'mon." She stands, her glare goes to Mullins. "You wait out front."
I follow her heavy footfalls into another room while Mullins goes to wait with Audrey. Daphne slams the door behind us. "You are so fucking frustrating. You know that?" I grin and sit down in the chair. She starts to get things organized. "What do you want?"
"Give me something for the MC." A look passes across her features too fast for me to make out before she nods and turns back to continue getting her shit ready.
"Since this is spur of the moment, I'm going to do it free hand."
Without hesitation, I reply, "I trust you."
A few minutes later she has a marker in her hand and spins on the stool to face me. "Take your shirt off."
"No!" I blurt harsher than I intended. I don't want her to see my scarred back. I can barely look at it myself, how can I expect her to not be repulsed by the sight? I look down a moment before bringing my regretful eyes back to hers. "I'm sorry. Can you just do something on my forearm?"
She clears her throat. "Yeah, sure."
I hold my arm out for her to begin. It's silent for a short time while she concentrates on drawing. My palms begin to sweat, my heart rate speeds up, and my pulse races at the question I want to ask, but I'm terrified of the answer. Blowing out a deep breath, I work up the courage to ask. "Does Zane know about me?"
The marker stops, her gray eyes find my blues. "Umm. He used to ask a lot of questions especially after he started school and the other kids’ dads were around. I explained to him that his dad was such a selfless man and had to go and fight for our country. I told him that we had loved each other very much and that one day, I hoped he would return, but I didn't know if he would." Tears well in her eyes, matching my own. I tilt my head away from her as a few tears trail down my cheeks.
I have no words. Even after everything that’s happened, she still tried to make me be an honorable man in the eyes of our son.
She continues, "He’s seen pictures at your parents' house, so he knows it was you that night outside the shop. He wants to meet you."
My watery gaze meets hers. "I want to meet him too, Daph. I want my son. I want you back. I'm so sorry for leaving you. I'm sorry I fucked everything up. I'm sorry for not coming back to you. I’m just…I’m sorry for everything." My lip trembles as I'm about to lose it.
Her voice is quiet, "I know. We have a lot to work out, Dev. I want you to know, I was angry with you for leaving, but I'm so damn proud of you for going." Her words hit me deep in my chest. She sniffles. "Let's get started."
The vibration of the tattoo machine comes to life.
I tried. Once, twice, three times to steady my hand in order to start Devon's tattoo. On the last try, I huff out a frustrated breath and tap the foot pedal to shut off my machine. I lay it down on the table.
Devon takes my hand in his. "What's wrong?"
"I can't do it." I shake my head and lift my eyes to his. "My hand is shaking. It needs to be steady."
He smirks, knowing the effect he has on me. He leans up in the chair, reaches toward me, and runs his fingers through my hair. He pulls me close, our mouths almost touching. His eyes search mine as his tongue peeks out, running across his bottom lip. It's sexy, seductive, and makes my core tingle with a yearning desire I haven't felt in so long. He slowly moves closer and closer and closer, until his lips descend on mine. My eyes close and I savor the feeling of his tongue gliding alongside mine. I want this kiss. I reach up, laying my palm against his cheek. That same familiar yet new feeling takes hold, and I embrace it as I deepen the kiss, showing him how much I want it.
He pulls back too soon, laying his forehead against mine. I keep my eyes closed. "I'll love you forever, Daph."
Tears pool behind my closed lids. My lips lift. "Was this supposed to help me?"
Devon chuckles. "I don't know, but it sure as hell felt good. Especially since I didn't get slapped this time."
I pull back the rest of the way, my eyes connect with his. His smile matches mine. "Let's try again."
"What the kiss or the tattoo?" He jokes.
I give him a playful smack on his chest. "The tattoo. Maybe we can try another kiss later."
He sits back in the chair getting comfortable. I hit the foot pedal again. Dipping the needle in the black ink, I focus on the tattoo instead of the sea blue eyes that are watching my every move. His eyes still have the ability to make me get lost in their depths. I take a deep breath, let it out slowly, and begin his outline.
I lay the machine down on the table, grab a folded paper towel, and spray solution on it, then wipe the fresh tattoo clean. The logo looks identical to the one on the compound wall outside, before you walk into the clubhouse. The devil's head is uncanny and well-known. The revolvers look realistic with the shading and silver I put in, and look like they are coming off his skin. He’s now marked for life with Satan's Sinners inked into his flesh.
"Go take a look," I tell him as I start to clean my work area and get new, clean supplies for his friend.
He stands from the chair. "That wasn't so bad for my first." He walks to the mirror and moves his arm around, looking at his new tattoo.
"That was your first?" I’m surprised because the other guys are covered in ink.
"Yeah." He chuckles. "Guess you've had all my firsts." His intense gaze finds mine in the mirror, and my cheeks begin to heat. I don't know how to respond, so I stay quiet.
He turns away from the mirror, facing me. "It looks amazing, Daph."
I look down, my hands fidgeting. "Thank you."
Devon sits on the edge of the chair, so I can put the bandage on. He places his thumb under my chin and lifts my eyes to his. "Can I ask you a question?"
I give a slight nod, but it's enough for him.
"Why do you wear all this makeup and the gothic style clothes?" His eyes search mine.
I shrug my shoulder. "Because this is who I am."
He shakes his head. "It's not."
Wanting to deflect from this conversation, I tell him, "Go and get your friend."
He nods once, stands, and strolls out of the room. Both men return a few minutes later.
The friend whistles. "Gotta say, Daphne, you look better every time I see you."
I laugh. "You saw me two hours ago."
Devon growls. "Mullins." He says the name like a warning. Mullins! That's his name!
"Mullins, take a seat. Devon, you can wait out front." Mullins sits happily with a smirk playing on his lips. He looks a little older than me and Devon, but he is handsome. I'd guess him to be in his middle thirties, short blond hair, and muscles.
Devon doesn't budge from the room. "Devon, you heard the lady, you can go wait out front." Mullins waves his hand, shooing Devon out. I hide my smile and look over my shoulder at Devon with his narrowed eyes, arms crossed over his chest, and face turning red.
"Maybe I'll go pay Christy, your wife, a visit." I pull my lips into my mouth to try and hold back my laughter. My eyes dart to Mullins. His smirk has disappeared.
"Fuck you, man," Mullins throws back.
Devon chuckles. "Back off mine, and I'll leave yours alone."
I interrupt their playful banter, "Whoa, whoa boys. We aren't some kind of property. We aren't toys to be passed around. Stop acting like dogs in a pissing match to mark your territory. Show some respect."
Mullins fake gasps. "I would never treat a woman like I didn’t have any respect for her." He points to Devon. "That asshole's the one that said it." He playfully pouts. "Why you always gettin’ me in trouble, Mayfield?"
Devon laughs. "You get yourself into trouble all on your own."
Mullins thinks about that for a minute, then nods his head. "Yeah, I fuckin' do." All three of us burst out laughing. Mullins slaps the arms of the chair with his hands and removes his shirt. "Alright, tattoo guru, let's do this shit." He tells me what he wants, I draw it onto his skin, and we begin the tattoo.
His takes no more than an hour, and when I'm finished, I repeat the same process I did with Devon. Mullins now has five entwined hearts on his chest, inked into the skin where his own heart lies. Each one has a name, starting with his wife and followed by their four children. All four are under the age of fifteen.
I put the bandage on his tattoo and go over the cleaning and healing instructions with both of them. When we all file out of the room, Devon catches my arm. I spin, and he backs me against my office door.
"I'll see you tomorrow?" He peers down at me with those blue orbs that drown me in an ocean of hope.
I shake my head. "No, I'm closed tomorrow because I'm taking Zane to the amusement park."
Longing and disappointment etch into his features. "I'll leave my number with Audrey. If you get a chance, call me." His hand reaches up to run through my black and blond hair.
"I'll try." His lips crash against mine. I wrap my arms around his neck bringing him impossibly closer. My body is engulfed with feelings of thirsting and craving the man I'm beginning to know and the boy I loved.
He breaks free all too soon. "I'll be seeing you."
My lids flutter and all I can do is nod, but I don't miss the knowing smirk written all over his sexy face.
He leaves me standing here in a lust filled haze.
The bell chimes over the door and Audrey yells down the hall. "That kiss was hot as hell! Bet he's better than weak dick."
"Wouldn't you like to know," I shout back causing us both to laugh, but hell yes, he is. She sits back in her chair and I go into my office to rationalize why I have to move slowly with Devon instead of just jumping in head first. This slow shit is for the birds!