King of Kings

by Shreffler, Betty

  As I let go of her, she pulls me back in for another kiss, and as we stand there, lips locked, my crew whistles and hollers their approval. My mouth is upturned in a grin as she withdraws. When she pivots to walk away from me, I slap her ass, and she glances over her shoulder, a grin etched on her stunning face.

  “Max, Axel, go with Synne.” Axel tosses his empty Coke in a nearby trashcan as he stands from the table. “Don’t let her out of your sight.”

  Max gives a tap to his vest. “You got it, brother. She’ll be protected.”

  The three of them disappear into the crowd as I heave an exasperated sigh.

  —SYNNE—

  On either side of me, Axel and Max are watch guards. Axel is the taller of the two with rusty brown hair, a full, lengthy beard, and more tattoos than I can count. His dark jeans have a chain running from the front to the wallet in his back pocket, and he doesn’t wear anything under his vest so he can show off all his artistic ink. Max is shorter and beefier, his brown hair currently buzzed. Sharp brown eyes are always scanning his surroundings. There’s an air about him that suggests he’s ex-military, and if you don’t recognize it, there’s a small patch on the lower right side of his vest that proves it.

  Around us, the bustle of bike week is active, the scent of beer, brats, and funnel cakes in the air. Stepping up to a food vendor truck, I put my order in for a root beer and a barbeque pulled pork sandwich, then Axel and Max put in their orders. Once we get our food, we keep moving through the crowd, keeping our eyes peeled for Royal patches. Finding a few open spots at a picnic table, we scarf down our food, licking our fingers clean. Max’s Coke is halfway to his mouth when he lowers it and points a finger behind me.

  “I’ve got eyes on the Royals. Angela is with them.”

  “Good. Let me know if she walks off.”

  Axel chucks our containers in the nearby trash. “We could be following them all day. We don’t have all day.”

  Eyeing him sideways, my brow rises.

  “What are you suggesting?”

  Axel points at my drink. “Make her have to go to the bathroom.”

  My nose wrinkles as my tongue smacks the inside of my cheek. “The girl’s going through enough. She doesn’t need my drink dumped on her too.”

  Max swings a leg over the bench and straddles it as he rests his chin in his hand and his elbow on the table.

  “She cheated on Nix with one of our brothers. And before she did, she was continually making advances on the rest of us.” Max glances at Axel, and they share a private exchange.

  “I think she wanted to be the Kings’ club pussy, but that sure as hell isn’t what Nix wanted.” Axel runs a hand through his smooth hair and angles his head toward me. “I wouldn’t be surprised if she wanted to be the Royal’s club pussy.”

  Disgust churns my stomach and my lip curls. “Maybe she wanted to be with all of you, but it doesn’t automatically mean she wants to be tossed around and abused by the Royals. I have eyes. I saw the way they were shoving her around.”

  Axel fusses with the silver ring on his thumb, twisting it clockwise. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

  Max swings his leg back over the bench and leans his body across the table toward me.

  “We need to figure out a way to speed this along. We don’t have all day.”

  They’re anxious, and I know it has to do with the retaliation they’re planning. Whatever crazy plan they have in place, I don’t want to be the one to interrupt those plans and endanger them. Looking over my shoulder, the side of my mouth pulls down as I watch Angela get manhandled as the Royals wait in line for food.

  “All right, I’ll figure out something to get her to the bathroom.”

  My cup is half empty, but there’s enough liquid to do the trick. With each step I take toward her in line, my stomach knots. Regret is forming in sweat bubbles across my back and neck. Raising my cup, I make a path toward her, her back facing me. I’m so close now, I could throw the drink and keep walking, but my feet slow, my hand tightening around the cup. When I stop, a man bumps into me, trips forward, and dumps two full cups of beer onto the back of Angela and the Royal standing next to her. Like a flash of lightning, I whip around and rush into the mix of people walking. Briefly glancing over my shoulder, I catch the Royal barking at the other biker, his anger coming out in spittle onto the other man’s face. Angela’s arms are up in the air, and she looks just as angry. Another chick with the Royals grabs a couple of napkins from the condiment stand outside the vendor booth and tries to help dry her off. Angela accepts the napkins, says something to the woman, then veers off toward the nearest women’s bathroom. I’m grateful it didn’t have to be me. It’ll make this conversation much easier.

  Axel and Max are watching from the picnic table. I signal to them, then head toward the same building as Angela. On each side of the building are men’s and women’s restrooms. Slipping inside the women’s, I find Angela at a mirror with a wad of paper towels.

  “Fucking asshole,” she grumbles.

  Pulling another towel from the dispenser, I run it under water, then approach her.

  “Here, let me.”

  Almond-shaped brown eyes narrow in on me and I lower the towel.

  “Aren’t you Nix’s new girl?” Her tone is dripping with acid, and her eyes are like daggers, trying to slice through me.

  “I am, but that doesn’t change the fact you have beer dripping down your back and need a second set of hands.”

  Her lips press together as spots of color enter her cheeks. “Why the hell would you offer to help me? Haven’t you heard what a whore I am?”

  Closing the paper towel in my fist, I cross my arms. “Look, I’m not here to hassle you. You looked like you could use a hand. Take my help or don’t.”

  Poking a tongue into her cheek, she inhales a long breath. “Fine. Could you wipe between my shoulders?”

  “Yeah.” Standing behind her, I move her damp ponytail to the side of her shoulder and wipe the towel down her back to the top of her faux leather camisole. In the dingy smeared mirror, her intelligent eyes watch me, studying me.

  “You’re hotter than the last redhead.” As she says it, her voice vibrates with irritation.

  “I guess that’s a compliment.”

  A frown draws her lips down. “Maybe it shouldn’t be. You know what happened to the last woman he dated, don’t you?”

  Wiping left to right, I clean the beer off her shoulder blades. In the mirror, I share an uncomfortable glance with her as my stomach tightens.

  “I do.”

  “You need to keep Nix away from the Royals. They want blood. My ol’ man is missing. They think the Kings had something to do with it.”

  Keeping my face stoic, I move to the sink and run the towel under the water again.

  “I don’t know what happened to your ol’ man, but based on the bruises you’ve covered with makeup, it’s probably better he’s missing.”

  Angela goes silent, disengaging from the conversation. With her towel in hand, she wraps it around her ponytail and pulls it down over her dark red hair. Another woman walks into the bathroom, and the tension between us amplifies. We’re both quiet until she comes out of the stall. She glances at us then quick steps out of the bathroom as if she knows she’s interrupting something awkward.

  Angela moves away from me and dumps her wad of paper towels in the trash. Adjusting her top, she thins her eyes as she stares at me.

  “Why are you still here?”

  Leaning against the porcelain sink, I cross my arms. “I have a message from Nix.”

  Throwing her black nail polished hand in the air, she huffs. “All right. What is it?”

  Looking back at her, I can see why Nix was attracted to her. She’s curvy in all the right places, has sass, and a face that would attract most men. She was probably even prettier before the stress lines, bruises, and layers of makeup.

  “He’s offering you an out.”

  Eyes widening, her head
tilts to the side. “What do you mean, an out?”

  “A protection escort and cash so you can get out of town and have a fresh start.”

  Her eyes narrow to slits and her shoulders square off to me.

  “Why now?”

  “He saw how the Royals were treating you. If you knew Nix well, you know he protects the people he cares about, even exes.”

  Moisture pools in her eyes, her expression softening as her shoulders slump.

  “Nix was good to me. I never should’ve screwed him over.” With a sniffle, she wipes at her nose, glances at the tiled floor, and drifts off in thought. A moment later, she returns her attention to me, her eyes covered in a glossy sheen. “I want out, but I don’t know how to do it.”

  Seeing fear in her gaze, I lower my arms and step closer, putting a hand on her bare shoulder.

  “I’ve been in your position. I ran from my home, my club, and my ol’ man. It was the most terrifying thing I’ve ever done, but I’d do it again. I wasn’t safe there. If you’re no longer safe with the Royals, you need to do what’s best for you and get out while you can. No woman should ever have to take a man’s abuse.”

  Pulling away from me, she snags another paper towel and dabs the corner of her eyes.

  “What’s the plan? How does Nix suggest I get out?”

  Glancing over my shoulder, I ensure no one is coming into the bathroom. With nervous eyes, Angela looks over my shoulder too.

  “You’ll have to find an opportunity to slip away from them tomorrow night. Once you do, come to the Kings’ camp. Nix and the Kings will give you an escort out of town. They mentioned taking you to a bus station and giving you enough cash for a month’s rent plus necessities.”

  She’s quick to wipe away a single tear rolling down her cheek. “I can’t believe he’s doing this for me after everything I put him through.”

  “You know how he is.”

  Wiping at another tear, she smears her makeup, revealing more discoloration on her cheek. My heart sinks at the sight.

  “And you’re okay with this?”

  “Yes.” The sincerity in my voice is raw, and I know she senses my worry for her.

  “I’m sorry for being a bitch when you came in here.”

  Behind the tough exterior, there’s a damaged woman doing everything she can to hold that wall up, but I can see it breaking down, and it hurts to see it.

  “Don’t worry about it. I get it.” My posture sags as I offer a half-smile. “You should probably get back and keep up appearances.”

  Letting out a slow, labored breath, she nods. “At least I only have to put up with their shit for another day. Tell Nix I’ll be there. I won’t fall back on my word.”

  “I believe you. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  NIX

  The announcer is about to share the badass bike contest winners, and I’m sitting on a wooden bench, my leg tapping like a piston. I can’t give him my attention though, not when I’m scanning the crowd, watching for Synne to return with Axel and Max. The moment I see her red hair emerge through the crowd, air expands my lungs and releases the breath I was holding. With my arms out, I hug her to my chest and kiss her.

  “How’d it go?”

  Ink scoots down the bench and makes room for Synne to sit next to me. She settles with my arm resting on her hip.

  “It went good. I’ll fill you in later.”

  The microphone crackles just before the male announcer shares the news the crowd is eager to receive.

  “Third place goes to Jim Callahan of Memphis, Tennessee for his Capone custom trike!”

  The edginess that had my muscles knotted like a rope loosen. Even if I don’t win, I’m proud a customer of mine placed third. Jim steps up to the wooden platform and accepts his motorcycle trophy and an enlarged showcase check in place of the real one he’ll receive once he steps off the platform. A few photos are taken, then he’s asked to wait behind the announcer while the other two winners are revealed.

  “Second place goes to Nix Wilson of Nashville, Tennessee for his custom grim reaper Harley Road Glide!”

  Whoops and clapping hands echo around me as I stand and walk to the platform. Pride erupts in the form of a grin as I accept the motorcycle trophy and take hold of the cardboard check. Bright flashes of light temporary blind me, and a moment later, I’m being congratulated, patted on the back, and escorted to stand next to Jim. Outstretching his fist, I knock mine to it, and he dips his chin at me.

  “Well done, son.”

  “Thanks, man.”

  “First place goes to Roy Dunham of Gadsglove, Alabama for his custom American flag Harley Road King!”

  Not entirely surprised, I give congratulations as the pepper-haired man lines up next to me after accepting his trophy and photo.

  “It’s a badass bike. Killer paint job,” I praise.

  Roy gives a nod and points to my ride.

  “I was worried when I saw yours. That’s some talent in that detail work.”

  Jim leans toward us and pipes in. With a finger extended from his trophy hand, he points between me and him.

  “It’s his work. He did my trike too.”

  “Well, I’ll be damned. I’ll have to get your number if I’m ever in need of custom work again. It’d be a good excuse for a ride up here.”

  A cute blonde, showing off as much cleavage as her lacy shirt will allow, interrupts the conversation and requests photos of us with the bikes. My crew sticks around and bullshits as I’m given direction to stand next to my bike, just like the other two men. The photographer takes single shots of each of us, then group photos. At the end, each of us take the real winnings via a check in an envelope. Opening it, I discover how much the pot is this year. One thousand, two hundred and fifty is a real good take home. Tucking the check back inside the envelope, I fold it and slide it into my back pocket. The cute blonde bounces up to me, her smile beaming.

  “Hey, good lookin’.”

  If I was still single, I would’ve considered a one-night stand with this chick, but knowing what’s waiting for me with Synne has my interest at zero.

  “Sorry, sweets, my crew’s waiting for me.”

  “I could join you. I’m free now that the show’s over.” Baby blue eyes hint at experience, not innocence. Coming closer, she stands straighter, giving me a perfect view of her creamy tits as she thumbs her jeans pocket, flashing me a lascivious grin. Chuckling, I shake my head.

  “You’re cute, but—”

  “He’s taken.”

  Synne steps up and my arm goes out to curl her under it.

  “Hey, baby,” I greet, kissing her cheek.

  Disappointment draws the blonde’s mouth into a frown. Releasing a resigned sigh, she turns on her heel.

  “Congrats on winning,” she utters over her shoulder.

  “I can’t leave you alone,” Synne quips.

  “All the more reason you should stick close.”

  Beneath my arm, her muscles relax. Turning me to her, she tugs my vest, bringing my mouth to hers, reminding me why I’m ready for time alone with her again.

  * * *

  Lying on the camper bed, I twist my cell phone in my hand. Glancing at the clock on my screen for the third time, I stop thinking about worst-case scenarios and scoot out from beneath Synne. As usual, my movement wakes her, and she pops her head up, the silver moonlight accentuating the stress creases at the corner of her eyes.

  “You’re leaving, aren’t you?”

  With two fingers under her chin, I pull her to me and merge our lips.

  “I have to. The Kings have business we need to take care of.”

  Turning on her side, she bends her elbow and rests her head in her hand.

  “This is about the Royals. I know it is.”

  She fingers a loose thread in the blue blanket, her mouth pulled down in a frown.

  Gathering my jeans, I step into each pant leg, my heart heavy with the way she’s reacting.
<
br />   “I’m sorry. It’s better for you if I don’t share details.”

  Laying her hand flat on the blanket, her eyes angle toward me, revealing the concern in her sleek irises.

  “When will you be back?”

  Buckling my pants, I sit on the edge of the camper bed and tug my boots onto my feet.

  “Don’t know. Whenever our business is finished.”

  The silky touch of her fingers wrap around my chest as her warm, naked breasts flatten against my back.

  “I’m worried.”

  Bringing her hand to my mouth, I kiss the inside of her palm.

  “About what?”

  With her hand in mine, I turn toward her and bring her into my arms.

  “When the men I care for leave to do something dangerous, they end up hurt, and I end up hurting too.”

  “We’re not attacking the Royals. There won’t be a gunfight.”

  Across her warm skin, I caress my hands, but her muscles refuse to loosen.

  “But what you’re doing is still dangerous. You don’t have to tell me details for me to know.”

  I kiss her forehead, and she inhales deeply, letting it out slowly. With how difficult this is for her, it’s making it even harder for me to leave.

  “Nix, please.”

  “Baby, I have to go. I’m sorry.”

  Moisture glistens in her eyes as I stand and leave her on the bed.

  “Try not to wait up.”

  “I will be waiting. I’m going to be a nervous wreck until you return.”

  Leaving my vest behind in exchange for a long sleeve black shirt, I lean down, giving her a quick kiss goodbye, avoiding the worry in her eyes that matches the stiffness in my chest.

  Outside the camper, there are more discussions happening like the one Synne and I just had. Audrey is whisper shouting at Trevor, and Dominic is giving Erika a look that says don’t argue. Giving the signal, my crew says their goodbyes, and we climb on our bikes. Axel’s truck is behind us, the truck bed cover concealing the boxes of supplies we need for tonight.