Trusting Nicole

by Muriel Garcia

  “Stop worrying, he’ll be okay.” Callum says from behind me, making me jump and sending grated cheese in the air.

  “What the fuck, Cal? You scared the shit out of me.” I hold my chest and put the cheese down. “Fucker.” I mumble.

  “I heard that.” He chuckles and helps me clean up.

  “Good.” I glare at him and serve the plates.

  “Really, he’ll be okay.”

  “I hope you’re right.” I sigh as I grab the hot sauce.

  “I am. They might rough him up a bit, but they mainly want to make sure he is with you for the right reasons. After all that’s happened, you can understand why they would.” He helps me with the drinks and plates and we head into the living room.

  “That’s what I’m afraid of. Gabe has never been understanding when it comes to the guys I date, why would that change now? Especially considering that Jase has just told everyone that he’s been lying for years.” I sigh as I sit on the ground, giving him the couch as he takes up most of the space. Huge fucker.

  “Not all of us were born into the MC. I wasn’t. We all have a past too. Some of us had it easy, some of us didn’t. Our pasts led us to do things we didn’t want to and they shaped us differently. I was forced to lie too. If you have a good reason for all the lies and were forced to do so, it makes it easier. Jase didn’t have a choice, it was to save his life. How did you feel when he told you and how long have you known?” He looks at me before digging into the lasagna. “This is so fucking good. Hats off to the chef.”

  “Josie’s.” I chuckle. “He told me last night. I was shocked by what they had him do and at such a young age. It’s horrible that he was brought up in such an environment, but he didn’t turn into one of those Disciples. I think he was afraid I’d think he was no better than them but he’s nothing like them. I hate what he had to do to survive, but it didn’t make me think any less of him.”

  “And it’s not going to make any of us think any less of him either. It’s actually a relief that he’s not a fucking cop. Imagine Gabe’s reaction knowing his baby sister is fucking a cop.” He scoffs.

  “You’re one to talk, fucking Lewis.” I grin innocently and stuff my face.

  “What the fuck?” He looks at me raising his eyebrow.

  “I know.” I look up at him, grinning wide.

  “How?” He sighs.

  “She confessed to Jase and he told me.” I shrug.

  “Great. He’s fucking dead.”

  “You hurt him, I’ll make sure she stays away from you for good.” I glare at him.

  “She already is.” He keeps eating, but he looks sad.

  “What do you mean?”

  “She was too conflicted by her feelings for me and her job, she picked her job.” He shrugs, but I can tell it’s killing him.

  “You like her, don’t you?”

  He shrugs. “Doesn’t matter, she doesn’t want me. I’m not going to fucking chase after her.”

  “You’re one stupid man.” I chuckle and eat more.

  “Elaborate.”

  “She wants you. She believes in a system that’s corrupt and has been corrupted by bikers for years. She wants to do her job but her feelings for you are impairing her judgement and she’s not able to do her job properly because she doesn’t want you to think it’s payback for things not working between the two of you. She’s torn between listening to her heart and her head. You have to make sure she follows her heart. It’ll be hard because you are an outlaw and she’s the law, but you can do it.” I smile at him.

  “You have too much faith in me, Nic. I’m not the man for her. I’m too damaged and fucked up. I won’t be any good for her.” He tries to argue with me, but it’s pointless. I will have the last word.

  “That’s fucking bullshit and you know it. Aleck and Gabe are damaged too and they found their women. I’ll let you in on a little woman secret. When a woman is deeply and unconditionally in love with a man, no matter what he did in his past, she’ll stand by him and love him despite the odds. So grow a pair, talk to her and stop being so fucking stubborn.” I grin and finish my plate.

  “I’ll remember that,” he says finishing his.

  “I’ll make sure to remind you every single day.” I smirk.

  “I know you will.”

  “You bet!” I take our plates back into the kitchen and put them in the dishwasher before returning to the living room with bags of chips and cake. Callum looks at me with an amused expression on his face.

  “What? I’m stressed out. When I’m stressed I eat. Don’t judge or you’re not getting any of these.”

  “No judgment from me.” He chuckles and helps me set everything down. “How do you feel having told what happened to all of us?”

  “Weird. I never thought I’d have to confess. I honestly thought that story would stay buried, but then again I didn’t expect to see Jase when I came back here. I knew you guys were close to a cop but I didn’t know it was him. I was glad in a way, but I knew it’d be hard to keep things hidden between us.”

  “How long have you been seeing him?” he asks tucking into the chips.

  “On and off for the past two years. We never really were together until these past couple of days.” I sigh, taking a big bite of chocolate cake.

  “Right.” He chuckles.

  “What?” I look at him, puzzled.

  “The man had a wife and yet he was still coming to you. Even when he moved here he was coming to you, what does that say about him and his feelings for you?”

  “That he liked the way we fucked? I don’t know.”

  “That he’s always wanted you to be his but couldn’t have you. Now he finally can and he seems more relaxed. I don’t know what you did to him, but it’s good.” He smiles at me.

  “You do have a heart.” I grin.

  “Shut up.” He chuckles.

  “Alright, I’ll let you off this time.”

  We keep snacking as we waited for Jase to come home. I’m half asleep leaning on Callum when I hear Jase clear his throat. I sleepily look up and gasp when I see the huge bruise on his face, his bottom lip is busted and so are his knuckles.

  “What the fuck happened?”

  “What do you think?” He looks at Callum, not pleased. Somehow, Callum managed to wrap his arms around me while I was half asleep and didn’t move when Jase came in.

  “Yeah, he’s into you alright,” he whispers into my ear and chuckles. “I’ll let you two talk, looks like you need it. Thanks for the food, Nic. I had a great time.” He kisses my head and smiles at me before heading out.

  Jase stops him. “Don’t know what you’re playing at, if you’re trying to make me jealous or something, it worked. Don’t ever hold her like that ever again. I won’t hesitate to break every single bone in your body. Stephanie wouldn’t be happy about that.”

  Callum chuckles. “I’m glad you’re reacting this way. She needs a man who wouldn’t be scared to face any of us if needed. Take care of her, and of that bruise and busted lip.” He leaves us and I can tell Jase is still reeling.

  “Come here.” I stand up and wrap my arms around him. “What happened?”

  “Aleck jumped me. He’s looking as bad as I am.” He chuckles.

  “What the fuck?” I giggle.

  “Gabe and I were talking about my past and my feelings for you and Aleck didn’t like that, he suddenly punched me. I didn’t think and punched back. Next thing I know, Ant and Gabe are trying to break us apart. I might have elbowed Gabe’s face in the process.” He chuckles.

  “Oh shit.” I shake my head. “Can’t leave you three alone together for a minute without you punching each other’s faces.”

  “I didn’t start it.” He shrugs.

  “Are you and my brothers good now?” I ask worried.

  “As long as I don’t lie and hide anything from them anymore or hurt you, we’re good.”

  “That’s a relief.” I kiss him deeply, making sure I don’t cause more damage to his bust
ed lip.

  “Why were you in Callum’s arms?”

  “We talked, had food and watched some TV. I started to dose off and I must have leaned on him. No idea when he wrapped his arms around me though.” I shrug.

  “Right.”

  “You’re jealous.” I can’t stop the shit-eating grin from spreading over my face.

  “Don’t be so happy about it.”

  “Sorry. It’s just the first time you’ve shown any kind of emotion besides being horny or brooding around me.”

  “That’s not true, I was being all nice and sweet the other day.” He chuckles.

  “That’s true. And I forgot caring.” I smile, kissing him softly.

  “And loving.” He rests his forehead on mine.

  “Yes, very.” I sigh happily and cuddle into him. “I’m glad we don’t have to hide anymore.”

  “Me too. Even though these next couple of days are going to be rough.”

  “What do you mean?” I pull away and look up at him.

  “Work, setting up a new plan to take down the Disciples, Sergei. Everything combined is going to take a lot of time and a lot out of me.”

  “You’ve been doing it well up until now. Why would it change anything now?” I look at him in question.

  “I don’t need distractions with what’s coming.”

  “So I’m a distraction?” I raise my eyebrow at him, crossing my arms over my chest.

  “Yes, but not in a bad way. For fuck’s sake.” He rubs his face and groans. “Lewis called me and we got a tip that they were going to be moving into New Orleans through the Kings old territory in Kenner. We need stake out the route and stop them before they get here. We know they’re after the two of us and want revenge on the Hangman but we don’t know who they are going to go after first, so stopping them before they can do any harm is the best thing to do. It’s going to be dangerous and could last a couple of days. I won’t be able to be here or call you.” He sighs and looks at me.

  “You could have said that from the beginning you know. I understand. I might not like you going out on club business or work related shit, but I understand and won’t bust your balls over it, well most of the time. I know you have to keep up the facade with your ‘job’ and that you need to report back to Sergei. Just be honest with me and we won’t have any problems.” I shrug.

  “Talking about being honest, I did some digging into your past and current activities, you are not as innocent as you let on.” He folds his arms and looks at me intently. Aaaand I’m in trouble.

  “What are you talking about?” I look at him in confusion.

  “Don’t you dare look at me confused when you know exactly what I’m talking about.”

  I sigh. “What is it that you found out?”

  “That night you went to that party not long ago. I know what you were doing.”

  “You do?”

  “Yes. Why are you getting paid to escort men to parties, Nicole, it’s not you.” He sighs as he sits down on the couch. He looks so desperate. “Have you ever had sex with any of the men you escort?”

  “How dare you! How could you think that?” I scream at him. I want to fucking slap him but the look on his face stops me. He looks hurt, like he is physically hurting.

  “I don’t know, maybe because you’re working for a man who also owns a brothel.”

  “What?” I’m really confused now.

  “I know who you work for. You lied to me when you said you didn’t know who Sergei was.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I really don’t know who Sergei is. I’ve only heard his voice a couple of times, but he’s not the one who usually calls me when I have to go out with someone.”

  “He’s not?”

  “No. I don’t know his name. Most of the time it’s him, sometimes it’s a woman. I’ve never had sex with anyone I was paid to go out with. I’m paid just to wear fancy dresses, smile and shut my mouth.”

  “Why?” He looks at me, stunned and confused.

  “After what happened the night I killed Rob, things were good for a while, but then I started to feel like someone was watching me wherever I went, someone who wasn’t sent by Gabe. One day I managed to catch them and confront them. To this day I still don’t know who he was, but he said he knew someone who could protect me.

  “At first I didn’t know what he was talking about, but then he showed me pictures of me shooting Rob. He said if I didn’t want these pictures to end up in the cops’ hands, I had to do what they said. He handed me a phone and that’s was the first time I spoke to the man who now tells me when and where to go. You were in some of the pictures. I didn’t want you to pay for helping me out and I didn’t want to get into trouble, so I did what they said. They did ask me to fuck someone once and I said no. I should have told you sooner, I’m sorry.” I sigh.

  “Fuck me.” He sighs and wraps his arms around me. “It’s going to be okay, I’ll make sure you don’t have to do it anymore.” He kisses my head.

  “How?”

  “I’ll talk to Sergei. I know he’s the one behind all of this. I’ll make sure you’re still protected but this escorting shit ends now. I’m not sharing you, not now, not ever.” He lifts my chin and kisses me gently. “You’re too precious to me.” I’m speechless. This is the first time he’s openly told me how he feels about me.

  CHAPTER 16

  Jason

  I hate that I have to leave for a couple of days. If I was alone I wouldn’t care but there’s Nicole. I have to keep reminding myself that I’m doing this so we can both be free from the danger that’s hanging over our heads. When the Disciples are gone it means we won’t have to worry about people being after us, at least for a while. And that means I can get out from under Sergei’s thumb and be free.

  Nicole is fast asleep next to me and I don’t have the heart to wake her up. I don’t have much time before I have to leave so there’s no point disturbing her. I watch her sleep for a few minutes. She’s so beautiful and looks so peaceful. She has the most serene expression on her face and I’m glad she’s able to sleep soundly after all the shit she’s been through and has heard these past couple of days.

  I know Callum is going to be watching over her while I’m away. Not that I’m happy about it, but they seem to be getting along pretty well and I don’t want her staying alone or with someone she wouldn’t trust.

  I kiss her softly and climb out of bed. I get dressed quickly and gather my stuff. I take one last look at her before walking out of the room. I’m always worried that the last time I look at her will the last time I'll ever see her. I shake my head, I don’t want to think about such things but it’s always in the back my mind. I always expect the worse. That might be why I have commitment issues, I’m constantly scared of things turning to shit.

  I reluctantly head downstairs and am greeted by Callum eating donuts on her couch.

  “Morning.”

  “What’s up, Jase?” He offers me a donut but I refuse.

  “Kinda ironic that a cop would refuse one.” He snickers.

  “Dickhead.”

  “Ah hush now.” He chuckles. “Ready for whatever it is that you have to do?”

  “No, but I don’t have the choice.”

  “You always have the choice.”

  “I just wish it would mean I wouldn’t have to leave Nic.” I shrug.

  “She’s in good hands.” He smirks and wiggles his fingers.

  “Not sure about that but I know you won’t let anything happen to her.”

  “True. She’s like a sister to me. I just wanted her to be comfortable last night, she was all twisted and not just in her head.” That makes the both of us chuckle.

  “Good to know.”

  “Is she awake?”

  “No, couldn’t bring myself to wake her up.”

  He nods. “Be careful and make sure nothing happens to Lewis.”

  I nod and smirk. “Look who has a heart.”

  “Fucking hell, y
ou and Nic really are a match.”

  “Still don't understand what she sees in me.”

  “Neither do I, but women.” He shrugs and eats another donut.

  “So true.” I chuckle and head out the door but turn around when I hear Callum call my name. “Be careful and don’t get yourself killed.”

  “I won’t.” I head out, hoping I'll survive this and that no one else will be killed.

  I drop my car off at Lewis’ house and we head out in an unmarked car.

  “How is Nicole?”

  “She’s good, better now that her brothers know about us and my past.” I explain, taking a sip of coffee Lewis handed to me when I reached her house.

  “That’s good, right?”

  “Yeah, they beat me up but that’s good. At least we have an understanding now.”

  She chuckles. “Can’t blame them, after all you were supposed to be a cop and you lied to them for so long. Glad they’re approving of you though.”

  “I wouldn’t go as far as approving, but they are tolerating it. If I hurt her I’m dead, you know, the usual threats.”

  “Fair enough.” She chuckles.

  “You really do want me dead, huh?”

  “No, but I’m sure it makes the relationship all the more exciting.”

  “I wish I could tell you. I haven’t been able to fully enjoy being with Nicole yet. We had a couple of nights alone, but we haven’t been able to sit down and talk about us properly.”

  “After all of this, you’ll have all the time in the world with her.” She smiles.

  “I hope so.” I sigh.

  “Don’t doubt it, you’ll be okay.”

  We are parked in the parking lot of a dive bar, keeping a look out for any suspicious activity. The Disciples are supposed to have a meeting today. One of Sergei’s men overheard someone talking about a meeting with them here today so hopefully they’ll show up as expected. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it’s not another set up. I hate wasting my time on scum like them.

  After two hours and no sign of any of the Disciples, we are slowly losing hope that they will show up. Lewis and I are both startled when we hear the radio go off.