by Lake, Brair
Chapter 26
The Sun is shining and the air is divine. I have freedom. My cast was off. And it felt strange. In fact, I almost felt naked and giggle to myself.
“Mind if I join you.”
Trax was sitting on the bench before I can answer. The local park is deserted and I was enjoying the quiet. Earlier this morning Crabby had taken and waited for me at the hospital while I had my cast removed. Then we’d had lunch at Sammy’s Café, a mini celebration Crabby had declared. Crabby then offered to take my home, before he went to Ivy’s, however, I’d refused the offer. Wanting to enjoy the winter sun.
“Not at all.”
“How’s the leg.”
With a smile, I give my leg flex.
“Free.”
Trax’s chuckle is deep as his eyes swept around the empty playing field.
“That must be a great feeling?”
“It is.”
It was hard to explain the sensation I had felt when I had the freedom to flex my leg. I also know my grin is asinine, but I just couldn’t stop it.
“Maybe I’ll get to experience that feeling when I leave Comfort Springs.”
“Crabby hasn’t said anything about another run.”
Puzzled, I frown, Crabby and the other bikers have only just returned from their last trip. Usually there are a couple of weeks between runs.
“There isn’t Apple-Pie. I’m leaving Comfort Springs. Breaking away from Devil’s Comfort to start my own charter. I’m surprised Crabby or Quick Draw haven’t said anything.”
Shock has me staring at Trax. He had appeared to be happy with life in Comfort Springs. Suddenly my head is full of questions and they came tumbling out of my mouth.
“Why would Crabby or Quick Draw mention you were leaving?”
This time, its Trax who looks at me with a puzzled expression.
“Because they’re coming with us.”
My smile slips as a drowning sensation came over me, and the thundering in my ears is becoming louder. No Crabby wasn’t leaving, he would have said something to me.
“Who else is going Trax.”
“Sundance and Fraggle.”
Slowly I nod my head. They were the young blood of the MC and I couldn’t imagine Inferno, Linc or any of the other officers stepping aside just yet.
“And Inferno’s fine with the break.”
Trax finally brought his gaze around to mine. His smile is lopsided and there were shadows in his eyes.
“Yeah. There’s nothing here for me Apple-Pie. Dad’s happy, he’s got Baby Blu’s and my brothers.
“Won’t you miss them.”
“I’m a big boy Apple-Pie. Anyway, we’ll be back and they’ll visit when we are settled. Besides, it’s not a clean break. We’ll be working for Devil’s Comfort.”
Again, I nod my head.
“Do you have some place in mind.”
The sun has dipped behind a cloud, yet the shiver which passes through me has nothing to do with the chill in the air.
“Just going to see where the road leads. And if somewhere feels right, we’ll settle there.”
“Hey Apple-Pie you’re quiet.”
“Sorry. I guess my mind has been on my leg…. So when are you leaving?”
“At the weekend.”
“Look Trax, I need to return to the apartment. I’ll catch up with you later at the club.”
“Okay. See you later.”
Silently I watch Trax as he ambles over to his bike. The walk back to the apartment, taking me longer than I had anticipated, causing my leg to ache.
MSD
Crabby was late. He had rung to say there was a problem with the job he was on for Ivy. To pass the time and to ease the ache in my leg, I had taken a bath. Enjoying the warm soapy water for the first time in a long time. As I relax with my eyes closed, it was the click of a door opening and closing which warns me Crabby is home. My stomach dips then heaves. My instincts were to jump out of the bath and confront Crabby. Instead, I submerge myself under the water and count to forty-eight. Then I carefully climb out of the bath, gather a towel and went into the bedroom. As I finish dressing, I take one last look in the mirror. The denims and red silk tank top, I wore, clung to my figure. The air slowly exhales from me as I turn to face Crabby. My stomach still hasn’t settled by the time I enter the living room where I find Crabby watching a movie.
“Hi.”
“Hi Gorgeous.”
Crabby held his hand out to me, yet instead of accepting it, I sit on the couch.
“I spoke to Trax today.”
“Yeah.”
“He said he was leaving Comfort Springs.”
Crabby placed the beer bottle on the floor beside the chair he was sitting on and turns to face me.
“How come you never mentioned it Crabby. How come you never told me you were planning to leave me.”
“Come with me Apple-Pie.”
“So you’re not denying it.”
“I’m leaving Comfort Springs Apple-Pie. Not you.”
“If you’re not leaving me. Why haven’t you said anything sooner. Why was it, that it was Trax who told me.”
“I was going to tell you. The night I came home from the road trip.”
“Is that why you left me? Instead of talking about this big decision you have made without discussing with me. You went to the club.”
“Fuck Apple-Pie. You had just made some stupid promise to Laura about never leaving Comfort Springs, and I was about to ask you to leave. How the fuck would that have sounded?”
“Well, it would have been better than hearing it from Trax or anyone else.”
“Come with me Apple-Pie.”
Go with him. How easy he made it sound. Shit, how tempted I was to go. Instead, I shake my head, and rise from the couch as Crabby rose from his seat.
“Why not.”
“Because my life is here. I go back to school on Monday Crabby. What about my career. I want to be a nurse and I can’t do that If I’m on the road. Also I promised Momma I wouldn’t leave Comfort Springs.”
“And what about your promise to me.”
“Are you asking me to choose?”
“There shouldn’t be a choice Apple-Pie.”
“Why don’t you stay in Comfort Springs. Wait until Trax and the others have found somewhere to settle.”
This time it was Crabby who shook his head, as he collected his jacket and cut from the back of the chair where he had slung it earlier.
“I leave on Sunday Apple-Pie and I’d like you to come.”
“Don’t walk away Crabby.”
“What is there to say Apple-Pie? I’m not staying, and it sounds like you won’t leave Comfort Springs.”
After Crabby left, the apartment became unbearably suffocating, and I wanted to scream. As I glance around the room, I find a photograph Crabby had printed from his phone stuck against a plant pot, which Momma had bought as a late housewarming gift. In my frustration, I stroll over to it. Crabby had taken the picture on Christmas day, we were at the beach and we look happy. As the laughing faces taunted me, I tear the photograph, feeling my heart rip at the same time.
Chapter 27
“Crabby.”
Slowly I turn to the voice. It’s been three days since I last saw Apple-Pie. Yet it was only two hours since we last spoke. Apple-Pie looked good. She always did and I wanted to take her into my arms and hold her. However, I force myself to remain still, to nurse my drink. Tonight was my last night in Comfort Springs and I didn’t want to say goodbye to Apple-Pie. However, she was adamant about not leaving Comfort Springs.
“Apple-Pie. You’re looking good.”
Her dark corkscrew hair is free, hanging down her back. The black dress she wore, hugs every curve of her body. Her legs are encased in black stockings and black leather boots which are adding to her height. The effect has my cock twitching, and involuntary my hand reaches out to push a lock of hair behind her ear. An action which has me shuffling my body closer to
the woman who is slowly breaking my heart. To break the hold Apple-Pie has on me, I let my glance move over her shoulder as I watch Kitty & Amber a couple of the club’s skanks dance together. Five years ago, I would have walked over to them, taken them round the back of the club or into one of the spare rooms and fucked them, and then walked away without another thought. Now they leave my body cold. As they have done since my release from prison.
Shit, if Apple-Pie ever discovered how much power she holds over me. How easy it would be for her to change my mind about leaving. I would be lost. With a nonchalant I wasn’t feeling, I drag my attention back to Apple-Pie. My heart slipping when I discover the pain in her eyes. As she turns to leave, I grab her arm.
“Stay Apple-Pie.”
“Why?”
“Because I’d like to spend my last few hours in Comfort Springs with you.”
“One day I’ll hate you Crabby.”
“But not tonight Apple-Pie. Hate me when I’m gone.”
“This isn’t fair Crabby.”
My arm drops as I reach for another beer.
“Maybe you shouldn’t have come Apple-Pie.”
Apple-Pie’s glance takes in the room and I follow her gaze around the room. Quick Draw was missing. He hasn’t been back to the club since the night he won Violet from her husband. He wasn’t in hiding. He was just protecting the woman. I could understand that. I would give anything to protect Apple-Pie, but I couldn’t do it here. Not in Comfort Springs, which was beginning to stifle me. After five years of being locked up and at the command of others. I have discovered I need freedom. A freedom I was hoping to find on the roads.
“Come with me Apple-Pie. It doesn’t have to end like this.”
“Dance with me Crabby and don’t talk about leaving. Not tonight. Let’s just have these last few hours together.”
With one last swallow, I finish my beer and follow Apple-pie on to the floor. As I held her in my arms, the room faded and there is only my woman and me. Unashamedly, I pull Apple-Pie’s body closer to mine. Smelling her scent for the last time. My arms wrap around her body as my hands glided over her back. Apple-Pie’s leg slips in between mine and carefully I guide her off the dancefloor and we find ourselves in the club’s office. The click of the lock brings my gaze around to Apple-Pie who was leaning against the door.
“Are you sure Apple-Pie.”
“Al I want is a goodbye fuck Crabby. One last time. Then we get on with our lives and chalk this down to experience.”
As I open my mouth to answer, Apple-Pie places her fingers over my lips.
“Don’t talk Crabby. Just fuck me.”
“Not like this Apple-Pie.”
“Yes like this. I’m hating you Crabby. You’ve chosen the club over me. After everything you said. You’ve finally chosen the club over me.”
“If you want a fuck. I’ll fuck you Apple-Pie.”
Apple-Pie nods her head as she pushes her panties down and I hate my cock for being so ready. So willing to plunder the young woman who was standing so beguiling in front of me.
“Am I allowed to kiss you.”
Apple-Pie’s head tilts as she walks up to me. Her arms stretching to link behind my neck and our lips lock. Apple-Pie’s kiss is aggressive. A kiss I return with the same sentiment. My tongue thrusting into her mouth as my hands find her ass, and I stroke her flesh. Trailing my fingers down the crack. Her shiver sends a responding tremor through my body as she swings her legs around my waist. When I push Apple-Pie up against the wall, she groans into my ear. Her hands falling to my pants to undo the belt and zipper. One moment my cock is locked behind its denim barrier, then it is free. The head, rubbing over the satiny wetness of Apple-Pie’s pussy. Eagerly she guides my cock into her. Her body slamming against my hips as she begins to thrust. Apple-Pie is controlling this fuck and each time she slams against me. I groan and bite onto her neck. It wasn’t long before her body exploded around mine and I join her in my own climax.
MSD
My body is aching. After fucking Apple-Pie, I had laid her on the floor and made love to her body and to her mind. No matter how many lovers she takes after I’ve left. I wanted her to remember me as the best. That none of them will ever make her body respond the way I can.
“Ready.”
Halfheartedly, I turn to Sundance, then I give the yard one last glance. She hasn’t come to say goodbye. Instead, she was in the room where I have left her. Even as I dressed this morning, she’d refused to look at me or acknowledged me. Not even when I had reached down to touch her. As much as I knew she was awake, she had lain facing the wall, ignoring me.
One more glance around the yard and my glance falls on Tabby. His gaze is cold and unflinching, yet I don’t waver from his stare. Not until Trax pulls up along with Fraggle.
“Yeah, I’m ready. Let’s roll.”
Comfort Springs was behind me and so is the woman I love and it was with great resolve that I didn’t turn back. As the miles passed and day turned to night, we decide to spend the night at an old camp ground. The group of bikers were subdued as we unpack our rolls for the night. Quick Draw quickly raises a fire, while Sundance hands out several bottles of beers.
Unable to settle I stroll around the makeshift camp, coming to rest against a tree. The snap of a twig brought my attention to Sundance.
“Are you having a change of mind.”
Slowly I shake my head. No, I need the freedom. I also need to break the link with Devil’s Comfort now that Davy is dead. His body was miles away. I doubt if it will ever turn up. I also doubt The Hybrid’s will bring the matter to the attention of the law. Soon, he will fall off the radar. Yet to put the distance between Comfort Springs and myself was the right thing to do.
“No. What about you.”
Sundance gave a dry laugh. A laugh which grates against my flesh. This was a Sundance I didn’t recognize, and I give him my full attention. The ever present dimple was missing.
“Fatherhood scares me Crabby. I want to be a good father. Yet, to do that I have to do it away from Comfort Springs and face my past.”
Then he smiles. A smile of warmth, of the old Sundance.
“Once we settle, I’ll return to Louisiana and face Bastion, Twiggy and that little hell cat.”
As I watch Sundance return to camp, my glance fell on Quick Draw and Vi. Once more, I was aware of my lack of knowledge of what has been occurring in Devil’s Comfort and I speculate about the story there. Quick Draw has been very protective of Vi. We all also understand that she is under his protection. My gaze, then moves to Trax. Long gone is the boy I remember as a bumbling prospect and now it’s a man, who as he stares into the fire, appears to be alone.
We were on the run. Running from whatever secrets we held in our hearts. I didn’t want this. Quickly I pull my cell and search for a name.
Chapter 28
Silently I listen to Crabby as he collects his things. When his hand brushed my hair away, I had been tempted to roll over. To grab his hand and beg him not leave. Instead, I had laid on the bed, patiently waiting until he left the room. It wasn’t until I heard the bikes leaving the compound that I had finally risen from the bed. In the shower, my tears had fallen. When I entered the main hall, I felt all eyes on me. With determination, I held my head high, and when I found Rayven, I went over to her.
“Morning.”
“Morning.”
“You didn’t see Crabby off.”
“No.”
“Emily for five years you fought for Crabby. You went out of your way to get him and now you're letting him go.”
“I know.”
“Why?”
“Do we have to talk about it?”
“Yes, we do.”
“I never saw us leaving Comfort Springs. I always thought we would have our battles here. But I was wrong.”
Rayven leant back against her chair, her eyes speculative as she studied me, and I found myself squirming in my chair.
“What’s really keepin
g you here Emily.”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“Have you grown up Emily. Did you decide that life on the road isn’t as romantic as having someone in prison to moon over?”
“Don’t be a bitch.”
“I’m your older sister. I can be a bitch. But you have to think about what you want.”
Before I can answer, Rayven was gone. Rayven was wrong, I love Crabby and it has nothing to do with him being in prison. When my stomach rumbles I realize I haven’t had anything to eat since yesterday. After breakfast I have a visit to make.
“The house is so quiet now that Luke has returned to college.”
“It can’t be that quiet with Georgie still about.”
“Since he moved into the clubhouse I don’t see much of him. And with Quick Draw gone… well”
Momma rolled her shoulder as she raised her coffee mug to her mouth.
“I’m sure he’ll be back Momma.”
“Will he. He took that woman with him. She’s married you know.”
When I raise my eyebrow, Momma blushes and I couldn’t hide my smile. Quick Draw always went after what he wanted and he got it.
“What about you Emily?”
“What about me.”
“Are you going to make the same mistake as me, and let something good slip through your fingers.”
“I thought you would be happy at how things have developed between Crabby and myself.”
“Teddy tells me I have to stop being bitter.”
“Does he make you happy?”
“He wants us to live together.”
At Momma’s declaration all I can do is stare at her.
“And.”
“I’ve agreed. He’s moving in here. It’ll be much easier as the house is set-up for my needs.”
Momma took another sip of her coffee. Her eyes studying me as I sip my coffee.
“Do you want to be happy Emily.”
“What about my promise to you.”
“And what about the promise you made Crabby when you agreed to be his wife.”
“Have I told you how much I love you Momma.”