by Colt, Shyla
“Yo, anyone here yet?” Chase’s voice reached them in the garage.
“Yeah, Chase, me and Pan are working.”
“Good, come meet our newest co-worker.”
Monster set his tools aside carefully and rose, steeling himself for the response. He was massive at six-foot-three, and the scars that covered the majority of the left side of his body added to the intimidation factor. He rolled his shoulders to loosen up the stiff muscles.
Pan replaced his mask. The boyish grin accompanied by a devilish twinkle in his blue eyes returned. Pan was an entertainer. A caricature.
Monster envied his ability to hide in plain sight. Shoving his hands into the pockets of his jeans, he navigated through the bay into the office. The sight that greeted him stalled his heart momentarily.
At that moment, the tall, slender, brown-skinned woman made him feel like life might be returning to a battered soul. His match in every way and he wanted her instantly.
She stood a bit above average height. Her hazel-colored eyes held caution and wariness. A steely expression that only came with the hardest knocks life could offer up lined what should've been delicate facial features. Faded scars covered her flesh, telling a story of pain. Her face was heart-shaped and elegantly formed.
She would understand me. For him, the scars turned her face into a surreal form of art. So much beauty not ruined, but transformed into strength. His stomach twisted itself into knots and his mouth went dry.
“Hey, this is our new office manager and go-to girl, Symone, once I get her trained up properly.”
Symone. He turned the name around in his head…sensual and exotic, like the woman in front of him. Her black button-down dress hugged her curves and skimmed her knees. He wanted her legs wrapped around his hips and her red pumps digging into his back. His cock twitched and he shifted his weight.
“Symone, this is Pan, the flirt, and his brother, Monster.”
She glanced between them and back to Chase. Her body took on a defensive posture. The skittish behavior sent up red flags. Someone had hurt her badly.
“Nice to meet you, Symone. What a beautiful name.” Pan smiled, oozing charm.
She scowled and Monster snickered. She turned her multicolored gaze on him and he tensed, waiting for disgust. Her eyes softened slightly.
“Welcome aboard. We can be loud and rowdy, especially when all the brothers are in here working, but we don’t mean any harm by it.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” she replied.
Their gazes held and the others in the room all but disappeared. Such a fascinating woman. A mystery he wanted to solve.
She glanced away.
Chase cleared her throat. “Alrighty then, I’ll start showing her around. If you need us, we’ll be in the office. “
“Alright, thanks, C,” Pan said. He turned on his heels and strode back to the garage.
Unsure what to say, Monster nodded and followed him. Dazed, he returned to the motorcycle and knelt down.
“Okay, what the hell was that?” Pan asked.
“What?”
“Exactly.” Pan pointed his index finger. “You’re bewitched.”
Monster snickered. “Bro, you’re buying too much into the whole Peter Pan reference.”
“No, don’t do that,” Pan snapped.
Monster glanced up. “Do what?”
“Act like nothing passed between you and Symone. You barely look at girls and the two of you could not take your eyes off each other.”
Monster shook his head. “It’s clear we have things in common. I felt a kinship. It’s obvious why.”
“Don’t use that copout. This is about more than scarred flesh.”
Monster narrowed his eyes. “‘Cause you’d know, pretty boy?”
“Fuck you. I’m your twin. I know when something’s up.”
“Well, when you figure it out, can you clue me in?” Monster raised an eyebrow.
“You’re so fucking annoying,” Pan seethed.
“Right back at you.”
“I’m going to check the due dates on the bikes to see where we need to focus once we finish this one up today.” Pan walked off.
Monster chuckled. Usually, the shoe was on the other foot. The shift in the tides filled him with a feeling he hadn’t had in years…hope. As the others filled in, the usual organized chaos began. He loved the smell of oil, the feel of the metal in his hands, and the familiar motion of repair. Motorcycles had always been his love. He got it honest from his father. Thoughts of Freebird, as always were mixed with one part happiness, then one part anger and disappointment. He’d been a great dad for most of their life, then he took a turn down a dark path that had been the entire family’s downfall.
“Hey man, did you see the office manager?” Monkey asked as he strolled in twenty minutes later.
“Yeah, I saw her,” Pan replied.
Monster paused and glanced up at the dark-haired Spaniard he swore should’ve been nicknamed Rico Suave for his wooing skills.
“I bet you won’t be running this one off like you did Sarah,” Monkey said.
“No, she made it pretty clear my charm was lost on her,” Pan said dryly.
Monkey laughed. “I saw her from behind when we came in. Her body is killer, but when she turned around—holy shit. Someone did a real number on what would’ve been a beautiful face.”
The comment lit a fire. “Fuck you, Monkey. Last I checked, you were no Brad Pitt,” Monster snarled.
Monkey’s jaw dropped open.
“Be careful, Monster has a little crush on her,” Pan quipped.
His brother’s wide grin pissed Monster off even more. “It’s not a crush,” he growled. “You walk around all day having people not look you in the eyes, hold their kids closer like you’re a fucking child molester, then you might not want to sit by when someone tries to do the same to someone else with scars. Everyone just keep their fucking mouths shut about it.”
Silence fell.
Monster glowered, making eye contact with everyone in the room. He felt protective of the woman who’d recently joined them, and that mean staking his claim.
“Dude! Monster, chill out. Monkey didn’t mean anything by it. No one knew you had your boxers in a bunch over her. Mum’s the word from now on,” Bandit said.
Monster grunted and returned to his tune up.
Pan hovered nearby.
“Are you going to say whatever it is you want to say, or just keep floating like your namesake? Because I’m pretty sure my parents died years ago.”
“Damn, you really are in a mood.”
Monster glared up at him and narrowed his eyes.
Pan smirked. “It’s amusing seeing you all worked up over a girl.”
“I’m not worked up over her.”
“Right? That’s why you just stared everyone down like an alpha male pissing on a tree to mark his territory.”
“I just don’t want them to give her a hard time, is that a crime?”
“No, but it’s the most lively I’ve seen you in God knows how long.”
“I thought that’s what you wanted,” Monster countered.
“It was—it is.”
“So, what’s the problem?” Monster pressed.
“You always try to dumb things down. We both know it’s not that simple. She makes you react and we don’t know shit about her.”
“Let it be, man.” Monster shook his head.
“You know me better than that,” Pan said.
“Yeah, unfortunately, I do. You’re going to annoy, overwhelm and possibly piss her off before she can even get her foot in the door. Just let it happen on its own, if it’s meant to.”
“Let what happen?”
“Exactly,” Monster retorted.
Pan shook his head. “You don’t make sense, you know.”
“I do. You just can’t see it.”
“Thank you, Zen Master.” Pan gave a mock bow. “I so look forward to these enlightening lessons.”
“Glad to hear it. I’ll try to make sure I drop a new one daily.”
“Smart ass. Since you decided not to go on your rampage, I’m going to get back to work.”
“Might be helpful if you want to get out of here on time,” Monster drawled.
“I hate you sometimes, you know?” Pan walked back to his bike.
Monster shook his head. His brother was like a dog with a bone. He wouldn’t stop picking at this until he understood it. He didn’t understand the fear in his chest that if he looked at it too closely, he’d discover it was all in his head. Pan had always been the more outgoing twin and now, he was the normal one. It’d exacerbated the difference between them. Monster refocused his attention on his work to drown out the river of doubts threatening to drown the joy he’d gained. There would be enough time for reality to come in and set him straight soon enough.
CHAPTER TWO
She walked into the building and flipped on the overhead lights. They hummed as they came to life. The day came on as slightly overcast and the area was dark. She’d been here about two weeks and Chase had finally deemed her ready to go it alone. She wanted to make her girl proud. She’d been her champion from the day they met. Part of her didn’t trust her motives.
No, that’s Taffy talking. You’re someone else now.
She pushed thoughts of betrayal out of her mind. No one, minus Gia, knew about her past. She was free to be whoever she wanted. The hard part about that was, she didn’t know how. For so long, she ate what was given without question, wore the clothes picked out, and acted the way her johns would like best. It left her a soulless person in a wounded body. Locking the door behind her, she walked to the office.
She didn’t mind her job. After a life of being a living sex doll, it seemed like a piece of cake. She’d always been fairly smart. The computer programs came easily and the drawer always balanced at the end of the night. The men hadn’t been as awful as she expected. She felt their stares. She got it. They were curious about her scars. It’d become a normal occurrence she’d grown used to. In today’s society, anything less than perfect was a disappointment and different was wrong. Add in being a black female and the stereotypes widely believed…Then you had a recipe for potential disaster for an ordinary woman. Which she wasn’t. If she’d gained anything from her old life, it was strength. There would be very little she couldn’t endure.
She ran over the sheet for the day and walked over to make a fresh pot of coffee. Normally the first person in the office, she enjoyed the quiet time to get everything prepared. While the coffee percolated, she returned to her small office, turned on the computer, and looked over the schedule. The men had been keeping it by hand since Sarah quit. Squinting, she tried to decipher the other woman's chicken scratch.
The lock turned in the front door. She glanced up and watched as Monster appeared in the doorframe. His massive shoulders and bulky frame should’ve intimidated her, but something in his eyes spoke of a world of pain. A man who knew hurt in a way most people didn’t.
He glanced at her through the glass window of her office and nodded his head. “Morning, Symone.” His gruff voice was at odds with the kindness in his blue eyes. He had a different aura than his twin brother.
“Morning, you’re in early.”
“I like getting a head start before the brothers get in. I think they talk trash more than they work.” His lips curved upward, making the scars on the left side of his face more pronounced. The skin looked puckered, raised and a mottled mix of white and red that must have faded over the years. His gaze grew shuttered.
A pang of guilt burst inside her. Shit, he saw me staring.
“Sorry, I know I hate it when people stare. I’m just not used to having someone else…” She gestured to her face while trailing off.
“Oh, you mean having a twin?” He smirked. “Trust me, I have plenty of experience with that and it’s not always all it’s cracked up to be.”
She snickered and glanced down feeling stunned by the way he’d slipped behind her walls. Humor wasn’t something she’d experienced in—too long to remember.
“I’ll be in the back if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Monster.”
“Mm hmm.” He moved to the back silently. He walked with such grace.
One wouldn’t expect that from someone his size, but she got it. When you looked like they did, you learned to be unseen. You spoke softly, walked lightly, and became an expert at blending in. It made things easier. It saved people the trouble of pretending not to see you. She watched him disappear down the hall and into the bay. She returned to her work, transferring the schedule on paper to the computer program.
An hour later, the rest of the men began to shuffle inside.
Silence and bleary eyes told her it’d been a long night of partying, which seemed to be par for the course with these men.
She pulled up the list of vendors. Today, their laundry guy was due to trade out clean towels for dirty ones. A mechanic gig got dirty fast, all that grease, oil, and sweat. Demon, the M.C. President set them up well. They didn’t even have to clean their jumpsuits.
She pushed to her feet and walked out of her office to the bay. The sound of nuts and bolts turning, tools clanking, and the radio on low greeted her along with the smell of oil and male musk. It wasn’t an unpleasant mixture of scents.
A far cry from the expensive perfumes and body oils her mistress kept her doused with. Thoughts of her time spent in the modern day whorehouse always came back to haunt her. For so long, it was all she knew. In a place where children fell victim to hunger and, sexual exploitation, selling her body kept her from starving. It’d damn near been an honor to be chosen by Mylandra to join her upscale harem. “Laundry time, boys. If there’s anything else you need to put in, you’ll have to do it now. Truck will be here within the hour.” She pushed the bin inside and leaned against the wall. It was the most she’d spoken to them voluntarily.
“You heard her. Get the lead out,” Pan said, flashing her a wink.
She rolled her eyes. He was a charmer. She’d known men like him her entire life. He used his charisma and good looks to get him what he wanted. He arched a brow at her.
Symone fought down the urge to snarl. Men like him were never used to being brushed off or told no.
A flurry of activity ensued as they scrambled to gather their soiled jumpsuits and towels.
Seeing the massive bearded, tattooed men scramble amused her. She noticed Monster didn’t move. It seemed preparedness was part of his persona.
“You don’t like me much do you?”
She looked up at Pan and shrugged. “I don’t know you to like or dislike you.”
“No, but I can tell. It’s like a wall of ice comes up.”
“What? Are your feelings hurt because my panties didn’t hit the floor the minute you came over and talked to me?”
“Funny, I thought you might be shy. You don’t mince your words, do you?” Pan noted with a wince.
“Don’t see a reason to,” she whispered, forcing herself to speak up. My days of silence are over.
“Tough girl. I should’ve known. That’s how all of Chase’s friends are. Maybe you’re one of her special friends.” Pan used air quotes.
The statement was enlightening. Her eyes widened.
“Oh, you didn’t know? Careful, she might try to recruit you.”
“Who says I need to be converted? Maybe we’re already on the same wavelength.”
“Your mysterious front is very intriguing.”
“Wasn’t trying to be.”
“I know, that’s the best part,” Pan teased.
She shook her head. He’s going to be extremely annoying or fun.
“Quit harassing the office manager. We’d like to hang on to this one,” Monster advised coming to stand beside them.
“I’m not bothering her.” Pan glanced at her. “Am I?”
Sandwiched between the two men, she began to feel antsy. “I’l
l get back to you on that.”
Pan’s jaw dropped.
“Is this everything?” They murmured yes and she nodded. “Thanks.” Eager to leave the circle of males she pushed the cart away. Her heels clicked on the floor and she fought to keep her stride slow. She crossed the threshold and the tension faded. There was something about Pan and Monster together that set her on edge. Being between them was like being in a force field of intensity. Right now, it was the last thing she needed. She set the bin in its designated collection spot and went back behind the desk.
The bell rang above the door and she watched Chase walk in with a pair of dark glasses, low-slung blue jeans and a rock t-shirt. She pushed the glasses up on top of her head and frowned. “Don’t tell me you’re one of those morning people.”
She smirked. “I’m used to the hours now.”
“Ugh.” Chase scoffed. “Mornings are a necessary evil I barely tolerate.”
“Late night?”
“Aren’t all the most interesting ones?” Chase lifted a thick blonde eyebrow at her.
Symone couldn’t help but laugh.
Chase flashed a wicked grin. “How did the opening and everything go without me?” She leaned against the front desk.
“Smooth sailing. Not that I had to interact with them, aside from collecting laundry.”
“Hmm…” Chase smirked.
“What?” Symone narrowed her eyes.
“You don’t know how good you have it.” Chase stood up and walked over to the coffee machine on the table.
“Why?”
“Because normally, they give the new person hell. You’re an exception to the rule.”
Symone’s spirit grew heavy. Yet another thing I owe to Gia. “Because of Gia and Lefty?”
Chase snickered. “No.”
“You?”
Chase laughed and turned to face her. She stirred the red and white stick clockwise and watched her from under her long lashes.
“Because they feel sorry for me?” Symone guessed.
“Oh, Sy, no, nothing like that.” Chase stood up straight. “You really are clueless, aren’t you?”
“About what, Chase? This isn’t my world.” She shook her head. “I’m trying to do the best I can navigating it on the fly. If I’m fucking up and not pulling my weight, let me know.”