The location Santino sent is about thirty-five minutes away. The brothers Prez sent to scope the place out arrived at the club about thirty minutes ago giving us the rundown. From what they could see, there wasn’t too much activity outside, just a couple of big guys on a golf cart riding back and forth a few times in front of the property. Sounds like Santino is trying to keep himself low-key. But once we roll in, with the rumbles of our Harleys through the cookie-cutter high class neighborhood that plan will be blown out the fuckin’ water. No more words are spoken between any of us as Jake, Logan, Quinn, and I mount our bikes and head towards East Bay.
Chapter Nine
Alba
“How is it you are not totally freaking out right now?" Leah asks as she stands beside me in the bathroom and both of us are staring down at the not one, not two, but three positive pregnancy tests sitting on the counter. Shrugging my shoulders, I answer. "Because freaking out is not going to change anything. And I know it’s crazy, but I’m not that upset."
"Well, what are you going to do now?" Leah questions. Isn’t that the million-dollar question. I turn to my friend and calmly reply.
"I’m going to take one day at a time, because that’s all I can do. Right now, I don’t know about anything. No way am I going to have everything all figured out in this moment."
"I’ll support you know matter what happens, Alba." She says squeezing my hand with a soft smile and no judgment in her tone.
"Thanks, Leah." I’m thankful that she’s not asking more questions. She never pries. I suspect it has to do with the fact she doesn’t want people asking her questions about her life. Either way, I’m relieved. Maybe once I get my head wrapped around this news I’d be able to talk about it. It might even do me some good, to get some things off my chest, to finally talk to someone. I’ve got to let go of the bitterness inside me. The anger I’m carrying is not healthy for me, and it’s certainly not healthy for my baby. Baby… at that thought, I bring my hand to my stomach and finally let my tears fall.
What I wouldn’t give to have Gabriel wrap his strong arms around me and whisper in my ear that everything is going to be okay. Just like he did the night he carried me out of that house after I was kidnapped. When I close my eyes, I can feel his warm breath on my ear and feel the roughness of his beard on my cheek. Being in Gabriel’s arms feels like home, and I’d give anything to go back.
I hear the soft click of the bathroom door, letting me know Leah has left, giving me the privacy I need. Resting my back against the wall, I stare at my reflection in the mirror. I can do this.
"Damn straight I can do this." I say out loud.
The next morning, I wake with new determination. The first thing I do is schedule a doctor’s appointment. I’m thankful Logan added me to his health insurance. I don’t have to worry about money.
My designs are selling like crazy. Requests started coming in left and right ever since I sold my first two. Now I’m booked solid for the next two months. I can use my own money to pay for what I need. No way am I ready to explain any of this to Bella. I’m not ready for her to know. I don’t think I could take her disappointment. All my sister has ever wanted for me was to finish high school and go to college. I couldn’t tell her I never really wanted to go away to school. I like being home—with her. Every time she would bring me a new college application to fill out, she would get so excited. How could I tell my sister I didn’t want to leave home and that I was content with going to community college. Bella worked so hard and sacrificed so much for me. I owe it to her to make her proud. Besides, school isn’t so bad. I have Leah and Sam. The only problem is it’s not where my heart is. I need to prove to Bella and myself that I can handle things on my own.
I’m going to be a mother. I’m going to work my butt off. Everything I do will be for me and my baby. Gabriel is a dream I have to let go of. My baby is all that matters now.
The ping of my phone brings me out of my thoughts. Pulling it out of my bag, I see a text from Sam asking if I want to meet him over by the campus promenade for a quick lunch. I reply yes and begin to make my way in his direction. The promenade is a short walk from my dorm. Walking across the campus lawn, I spot Sam sitting on a bench holding a takeout bag and a couple of drinks.
"How’s my favorite girl?" He asks when I sit down next to him.
Returning his smile, "I’m doing okay, Sam."
"Are you sure? You look like you haven’t slept in days."
God, he’s so perceptive. Reminds me a lot of Quinn. Blowing out a breath I blurt out, "I’m pregnant." I have no idea where I found the courage to say that out loud, or why I decided to tell Sam now. My confession causes Sam to choke on the bite of food he has in his mouth.
"What!" He wheezes out and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "Jesus, Alba, are you sure?"
"Yeah. The three pregnancy tests I took said yes," I sigh. "I have a doctor’s appointment next week to confirm."
"What are your plans? You keeping it?"
Narrowing my eyes at Sam I snap, "Of course, I’m keeping my baby."
"Hey, sweetie, I’m on your side here. It was only a question." He says holding his hands up in surrender. "Do you mind me asking who the father is? I’m assuming he’s someone from back home. I’ve not seen you with anyone here at school."
When I cut my eyes over to Sam I see no judgment on his face—only concern. "Yes. There was someone back home. It was just the one time."
"Was? As in you two are not together anymore?"
"We were never together." I confess looking at the ground and willing myself not to cry. I promised myself no more tears. Feeling a finger lift my chin, Sam forces me to look at him.
"Come here." He urges me with his arm held out. Accepting, I throw myself into his waiting arms and ignore the stares we are getting. I don’t care. They can all think what they want. After a few minutes, Sam kisses me on top of my head. "So, who’s ass do I need to go to Polson and kick?" Sam jokes, lightening the mood and I snort. Bless his heart. He has no idea what he’d be up against.
"Ah, no offense, but you wouldn’t stand a chance against Gabriel."
"Alba, the guy’s name is Gabriel. How tough can he be?" At Sam’s question, I throw my head back and laugh. After I get my laughing under control, I look over to my friend and he has a scowl on his face. "I’m not liking your lack of confidence in my attempt to defend your honor." He says in mock irritation.
"Sam, Gabriel Martinez is six-foot-four and has about fifty pounds of muscle on you." I watch his eyes go big before he asks.
"Christ, Alba, where did you find a guy like that?"
Deciding I can trust Sam with the truth, I tell him.
"Gabriel is a part of a motorcycle club called The Kings of Retribution." I confess.
"Are you shittin’ me?" I shake my head no.
"My sister and I met them over a year ago. Bella is engaged to the club’s Vice President. His name is Logan."
"This Gabriel, what’s his role in the club?"
"Gabriel is the club’s Enforcer." I tell him.
"Jesus fucking Christ, Alba. That’s like some Sons of Anarchy shit. That man would straight up murder me, wouldn’t he?" I roll my eyes.
"Relax, he’s hours away. Plus, he could care less about me. I promise, you have nothing to worry about."
"Do you plan on telling him?"
"I will eventually. But right now, I’m still trying to wrap my head around it all. And like I said—Gabriel could care less. Whether I tell him today, tomorrow, or months from now, it won’t change a thing."
"You sure about that, sweetie?"
Gabriel’s words ’just sex’ come to mind, causing my stomach to twist into knots.
"Yeah, I’m sure."
After a beat, Sam chimes in again breaking another intense moment.
"So, want someone to go to the doctor with you?"
"No. I’ll be okay on my own. Besides we don’t want to fuel the rumor mill. Someone is bound to see us. I don�
�t want people to get the wrong idea about you."
"I don’t give a fuck what people will assume Alba. You’re my friend. Whatever you need, I’m there." Leaning my head on his shoulder.
"Thanks, Sam. You truly are an amazing friend." Putting his arm around me he gives my shoulders a light squeeze.
"You’re not so bad yourself, little momma." His nickname making me smile.
I head back to my dorm after my lunch with Sam. I’m standing at the door to my room fishing my keys from my bag. Sliding my key into the lock, I realize it’s already unlocked. Leah must be back. Walking in, I drop my bag on the floor by the door and toss my keys on my desk. I don’t see her. Maybe she’s in the bathroom. Walking over, I knock on the door.
"Leah, you in there?" Nothing. Turning the knob, I open the bathroom door—empty. Turning back around, I glance over to her side of the room and I don’t see her bookbag, so I know she’s not been back since she left for class. I suddenly get an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach. I was the last to leave the room. I am positive I locked the door. Running my sweaty palms down my pant legs, I begin to scan the room. Nothing seems out of place. Except one thing. The top drawer to my dresser is half open.
Walking over to my dresser, I pull the drawer the rest of the way open and find it a mess. All my bras and panties have been rummaged through. I know this because I am a neat freak. I keep my things folded and organized by color. Don’t judge. That’s just the way I am. Being unorganized stresses me out.
I feel like I’m going to be sick, and it’s not morning sickness that has me feeling this way. No, what has the bile rising in my throat is the fact that someone was in my room, and the sicko was in my underwear drawer. The hairs on my arm stand, and I know in the pit of my stomach something is off. The flowers, the note left on my truck, and now this. Okay Alba, deep breaths. Maybe I’m over thinking this. There could be reasonable explanations for all these things. Only I know there’s not. The only people I know at school are Leah and Sam. Neither of them would do this.
My phone ringing causes me to jump.
"Shit." I rasp, clutching my hand to my chest. Picking my cell up off my desk, I smile when I see Bella calling.
"Hello."
"Hey, whatcha doin’?"
"Nothing at the moment, what’s up?" I ask Bella.
"I wanted to see if you can come home this weekend."
"Um… I don’t—” Cutting me off Bella adds.
"Please, Alba. All the guys are going to be gone on club business this weekend. Plus, I miss you. Come on Alba, don’t make me beg."
After thinking for a moment, I agree maybe I should get away for a couple of days. Considering I’m a little freaked out right now, home sounds like a good idea. And Bella did say the guys would be gone. I won’t have to worry about running into Gabriel.
"Fine, I’ll come home. I can leave after my class tomorrow. I should be there around 5:00pm."
"Yes!" Bella exclaims. "See you tomorrow, sis."
Chuckling, I reply, "I’ll see you tomorrow."
Chapter Ten
Gabriel
My blood is pumping so hard I feel the throb of my heartbeat coursing through the veins in my neck. I should have known my past would come back to haunt me in real life and not just in my dreams. I was young and blinded by revenge at the time. I didn’t give two fucks about the repercussions. I never expected it to be used against me and my club seven years later. This shit right here is just the type of reason I needed—no—had to push Alba away. My past and my lifestyle has already put my sister in harm’s way, I can’t put Alba in the same path of destruction.
The sooner we can find out what the hell Santino wants from our club—the sooner I can be done with him. And by done, I mean I’m going to put a bullet in him. Unless he’s dead, he will always be a threat.
As soon as we pull onto Oak Street, which is about four blocks from Santino’s, two Black sedans fall in behind us following the rest of the way to the meet up point, until we come up on the long driveway that leads to a large brick home located a few houses down from where we passed the country club’s main entrance. No gates. No trees. A wide-open landscape with the East Bay as its backdrop. Looks can be deceiving. Someone of his caliber will have other security measures in place.
Just as we get about halfway down the driveway the cars following slow to a stop. Not pausing, we continue to ride until we pull around into a circular driveway. One by one we kill our bikes. Quinn lifts his chin, gesturing to the rooftop where four men walk into view holding rifles and peer down at us over the edge. The front door to the home opens and two motherfuckers wearing matching black suits and slicked back hair step out. Dismounting our bikes, we walk towards the goons.
"Leave your weapons here." The one to my right says.
"Not gonna happen." Prez challenges, which causes the other guy to step forward. Jake who isn’t the least bit fazed by the guy, stands with his arms crossed in a stare off.
"Let them in, I don’t think they would be stupid enough to try anything," Santino’s voice calls out from just inside the door before appearing in the doorway. He still looks the same as he did seven years ago. Except for the peppered gray mixed in his dark hair.
We walk into the house, Prez leading the way behind Santino. Looking around, I see no signs of Daniel. Fucking pussy is probably too much of a coward to show his face.
"Come in, sit down." Santino says spreading his arms in a grand gesture as we enter what appears to be a large office that’s decked out in rich mahogany wood shelves and cabinets that are filled with books from floor to ceiling.
Alba would love this room… Shit. Focus.
The four of us continue to stand as he walks towards a round glass table and picks up a bottle of scotch, casually pouring himself a drink into a short glass.
"Can I offer you men a drink?"
"Cut through all this bullshit. What do you want with MY club?" Prez barks.
A flash of anger crosses over Santino’s face as soon as the harsh words are spoken, but only for a second before regaining his composer.
"Mr. Martinez owes me a debt. Several years ago, he killed one of my men—”
"He killed—you had him kill my father," I step forward with my fists clenched and nose flaring from the angry breaths leaving my body. Quinn grabs me by the shoulder to keep me from moving any further.
"Rein that shit in, man. Think about your sister right now." he says to me in a hushed tone. Stepping back, I keep my eyes trained on Santino’s face. The face I’m gonna beat to a bloody pulp the first chance I get.
"I always see the bigger picture, Gabriel." He tells me as he walks over to the desk in the room, reaching into a humidor box sitting on top and pulling out a cigar. Sitting down in the large black leather chair behind the desk he clips the tip and lights it, taking a toke. The smoke billows around his head as he releases his breath.
"Where’s Leyna?" I question through gritted teeth.
Santino leans back in his desk chair, "In due time…"
Having had about enough of this shit, I walk forward towards his desk. From the corner of my eye I see the suit that stepped up in Prez’s personal space earlier is now moving towards me. My hand shoots out on instinct, connecting with his thick meaty neck.
"You wanna die, motherfucker," I growl.
"Stand down men," both Prez and Santino’s voices boom. The prick still in my grasp puts his hands up. I can’t find it in me to release my hold.
"Let him go, Gabriel," Jake says from behind me.
Dropping my hand, the asshole backs away and stands beside his boss.
"I’m aware of your current operations and that you hold some clout with the local law enforcement around here. So, I need you and your club to escort my men and their load across the state line. It’s currently being loaded and will be on its way soon. Possibly in about four weeks."
I watch as Prez and Logan exchange looks. They don’t look happy that someone has been nosin’ aroun
d in club business. Logan crosses his arms and speaks.
"What kind of merchandise are we dealing with here?"
"That’s none of your concern. I only need you on escort detail to make sure they get where they need to go. As soon as this is done I’ll hand over the girl." he informs us all.
"You gave your word Gabriel could see his sister today. I expect you to hold up your end of the deal before I agree to do a damn thing that involves my club," Prez states.
"I did." Reaching over Santino picks up the phone sitting on his desk to his right and speaking into the receiver he tells the person on the other end, "Bring the girl downstairs to my office." He places the phone back on its dock.
A few minutes later I watch as an exact carbon copy of my mother walks through the door. Raven dark hair that frames a heart shaped face, with almond shaped eyes the lightest shade of green. She’s not much taller than our mother was either, maybe five feet four inches.
"Hermano brother," Leyna cries, tears springing from her eyes as she runs to me and wraps her arms around my waist. My hard exterior cracks a little with her embrace. I lift her chin with my finger.
"Have they touched you or hurt you in any way?"
"No, they have been good to me. Did you come to take me home with you?"
"No, hermana sister, not today but soon. I have to handle some business for Santino first. Until then you have to stay here," I tell her and watch as her shoulders slump in disappointment.
I look to Prez, Logan, and Quinn, then Prez turns to Santino.
"My men will make sure the shipment gets where it needs to go. You make sure NOTHING happens to this girl and that she is allowed to stay in contact with myself or her brother every day."
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