Torch (Tarnished Souls MC Book 1)

by Dusty Lassetter

  Chapter 16

  Mia

  We’ve been back at the compound for a week now, still under a lock down, surrounded by everyone’s families once again. Now that I have freely given myself to, Torch, I feel more comfortable around these people. It’s like I belong, I truly believe I have a place to call home, and it’s all thanks to an overbearing brute. I’m sitting at the bar, talking to Serenity, Buck’s daughter. She has been telling me story after story about these bikers, including her father. Apparently, it’s hard growing up as the only child, especially when you are considered the Tarnished Soul’s Princess. All the members treat her like she is theirs to protect, like royal soldiers.

  “Do you have any idea what’s it’s like being in college, yet I’ve never had a sip of alcohol?” She asks, staring at my mixed drink with hopeful eyes. I have learned tonight that she is twenty years old, sheltered beyond belief, and fits in perfectly with my group. She is feisty enough to survive this world, but still sweet enough to fit in with the outside one.

  “Here, “I say, sliding my nearly full glass over. “Take mine.” I watch as her gaze travels from me to her father standing across the room with most of the members. She quickly takes the straw and starts sucking down the liquid like a fish out of water. Torch is to Buck’s left, a beer in his hand, his body facing mine. He must sense that I am looking in his direction, because he quickly gazes up, giving me that panty melting smirk. He doesn’t stop staring until I give him my brightest smile. Obviously, I know he wouldn’t approve of me giving Buck’s daughter a drink, nothing screams innocence like a smile. However, Serenity looks like a suspect that just got caught with the murder weapon. Her eyes have grown twice their size and the grin of her face looks painful.

  “What are you doing?” I laugh out, not able to stop it.

  “Acting casual.” She whispers, like we are being watched by the FBI.

  “If that is your casual face you will never get away with anything. Try relaxing.” Just then Rebecca, Sammy, and Scarlett walk up. Over the past week they too have grown more comfortable here, except Scarlett, but Torch and I agreed it would be good for her to get out of that room. So, every day, one of us girls, forces her to be a little more social.

  “What’s wrong with your face?” Sammy questions, looking at Serenity with curious eyes. “If you take one tablespoon of lemon juice and one tablespoon of olive oil in the morning it will help with constipation.” She whispers.

  I’m sure the laughter from our group can be heard by everyone in the club house, but the horrific look that passes across Serenity’s face is the funniest thing I’ve ever witnessed. Everyone except her is laughing, while she aggressively tells Sammy what is the real cause of her awkward facial expression.

  “I was trying to act nonchalant so Torch wouldn’t know something was up when he looked over here. Mia gave me her drink. I didn’t want to get her into trouble.”

  “I’m only eighteen and they let me have a drink.” Rebecca states, proving that the no drink rule only applies to minors and Serenity.

  “You know what? Screw this, I’m drinking whatever I want, when I want.” Serenity shouts, taking the glass, guzzling down the rest. The drink was strong, because that’s how I like them, so for someone the size of, Tinkerbelle, she will be feeling it shortly. Unlike, Buck, she is five-foot one on a good day, maybe a hundred and ten pounds soaking wet, with blonde hair and blue eyes.

  “That was really good.” She states, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. We all look at her with a smile, knowing this girl deserves to have a little bit of fun, even if it has to be inside these walls surrounded by the men that have sworn to keep her safeguarded. The conversation amongst us continues to flow easily, all of us girls getting to gossip like the women we are. Rebecca talks about Hammer and having him do a couple of tattoos for her. We recently found out that he does all the ink for the club.

  “Look at that whore.” Serenity shouts, her words sounding a little distorted. She must be feeling the effects of that drink. I don’t think she realizes she’s yelling. “That girl’s been trying to get with Taz ever since she came into heat.”

  Looking in the direction the drunk princess is pointing, I watch as a young redhead clings to Taz. Her hand is slowly trailing up his chest, while she looks up at him with need shining through her eyes. When he grabs her by the wrist, his eyes growing cold, I know he isn’t interested.

  “If she wasn’t a member’s daughter he would have her.” Serenity mumbles, looking at Taz with hurt in her eyes. I had figured out pretty quickly that she harbored a crush for the VP but I hadn’t thought it was anything other than that. Now I can clearly see I was wrong. Just like, Torch, could feel my gaze on him, Taz looks up. Peering over at Serenity I can tell the drink is making her brave. She is openly giving Taz a look that would shrivel any man’s nuts.

  “I’ve got to get out of here.” She says, quickly jumping down from her stool. Yes, I said jumping because that is how small this girl is. Shortly after she has disappeared I see Taz shoving through the crowd walking in the same direction Serenity just left.

  “That girl has it bad.” Sammy says, in between popping her cinnamon candy in her mouth. I don’t know what gives, but lately all she does is eat and sleep. The smell of cinnamon always giving away her location.

  “Why don’t you try eating something else, like cherry flavored candy.” I suggest, hoping to sway her. Purposely popping another red ball in her mouth, she looks up at me with a smile.

  “Nope. I think I’ll stick to the cinnamon.” She says.

  “You keep eating them like that and you’ll be as big as a house.” I joke.

  “Maybe I prefer to have a little meat on my bones.”

  “I prefer a woman with a little bit of cushion.” Saint states, having snuck up on us, inserting himself into our conversation. When he reaches out to steal one of Sammy’s candies she lets out a menacing growl. Much like a Rottweiler guarding his bone.

  “Sammy doesn’t share food.” I declare, watching as Saint gets a look of determination on his face.

  “Sure she does.” He suggests, “you’ll share your candy with me won’t you pretty girl.” He affirms, waiting for her to offer him one. Shocking us all, Sammy, tips over the box of candy, pouring him a handful.

  “Thank you, Love.” He says with a smile and wink.

  “What the, what?” Rebecca shouts, “I asked you for some yesterday. You told me to get my own. What makes him so special?” Sammy doesn’t respond, instead her cheeks start flaming red, and she avoids everyone’s eye contact.

  “Sammy and I have become close friends, Rebecca, there is only room for one bestie in her life.” Saint jokes, trying to get the attention off Sammy. Suddenly the man I haven’t seen since the first time we met these bikers walks up. He towers over everyone, including Saint, his brother. With eyes that look like they have seen the nine circles of hell, he stares at us all, tapping Saint on his shoulder. Both of them must be telepathic because without a word spoken Saint excuses himself, following the devilish man toward Buck’s office.

  “I’ve got some club business to deal with, you can stay with the girls tonight, I’ll come get you when we are done.” Torch says, surprising me with his presence. I had been too busy watching the stranger to notice him walk up.

  “What did you say that man’s name was?” I question him. He looks in the direction I’m staring, and can easily seeing the biker I’m referring to. He does stand out in the crowd after all.

  “Teller. Saint’s, brother.”

  “I remembered that part, I just couldn’t recall having heard his name before. Does he not talk?”

  “He can’t talk. Saint and him have the same mother but not the same father. When, Teller, was little his step dad slashed his throat. Permanently damaging his vocal cords.”

  “That’s why his name is, Teller.” I whisper, trying not to get lost in the gruesome image of a child being abused in such a way. “Like the magician that never t
alks?”

  “Exactly.” He affirms, planting a rough kiss on my lips. “Behave until I get back.”

  “I’ll try, Romeo, I’ll try.” I shout out to his receding back. I watch as his long legs take him away, and start counting down the minutes until he’s back at my side. When did I become this type of woman? The one that misses a man as soon as he walks away. Realizing I am smiling while watching him, I come to terms with my new reality. Torch is mine, and I couldn’t be happier.

  ##########

  “You do realize I’ll probably be a bad influence on your sister, I’m not exactly Jackie Kennedy.” I try to explain to Torch as we walk up toward his childhood home. He’s bringing me here to meet his sister and father. I’ve never been introduced to anyone’s parent, especially since I’ve never had a boyfriend. I always preferred to be the hit it and quit it type. Relationships are meant for normies, that is what I call normal people, not for the product of a state that never gave a damn.

  “Are you nervous?” He questions with a smile.

  “I’ve never met anyone’s father?”

  “My old man isn’t going to like you,” Torch starts, pulling me closer to him, “because you’re with me.” This isn’t the first time he has talked about them not getting along. Apparently after his wife died his dad became an angry bastard. From the sounds of it he took all his grief out on, Torch, until finally throwing him out. Piper was still a new born, their mother died giving birth to her, so Torch always made a point to check in on her and still does. The old man doesn’t like it but he has never tried to stop Torch. Part of me wonders if it’s because he knows that would be a losing battle.

  Before we can even make it up the walkway the front door opens, then out runs a young girl with brown hair. She’s got a huge smile on her face, deep dimples on each cheek, and is running at Torch full speed. He lets go of my hand, bracing himself for impact, but her course changes and I’m the one that is needing help staying on my feet. Her tiny form crashes into my body with such force I almost topple over. If not for Torch I would have.

  “You’re way more beautiful than Jax described. I love your dark hair, Mia.”

  “Piper, you have to let her breath.” Torch states, loosening her arms from around my neck. I’m standing frozen from shock. I was not expecting this type of welcome. When her arms are finally free I take a step back.

  “Your extremely strong for a girl your age and size.” I comment, getting a better look at the tiny person that just attacked me. Now that she is closer I can see strands of red hair glowing in the sunlight, giving her dark brown locks natural highlights. She hasn’t stopped smiling, revealing a set of pink braces. With her dark brown eyes shining with joy.

  “Jax makes me take self-defense classes because he’s a paranoid freak.” Piper declares, slapping her brother’s hand away when he reaches out to ruffle her hair.

  “Hey, it took me forever to straighten it. Don’t try to mess it up.”

  “Yeah, Jax, leave her alone.” I say, feeling like ganging up on him since this is the first time I’ve heard his real name. Not that I ever bothered to ask, because he will always be Torch to me, but it could be fun teaming up with his little sister. When Piper moves to stand beside me, she locks her left arm with my right, together we stare at him.

  “This may have been a mistake.” Torch mumbles, running his fingers through his hair. This afternoon just got a little more bearable. I would never pass up on a chance to give this man hell.

  “I like your dress.” I state to Piper. The blue sundress brings out her tan skin, that I’m sure she gets from laying out in the sun, and it fits her form perfect.

  “You don’t think it makes me look too fat?” She asks, twirling around. To be honest she could eat a little more snacky cakes, and still be underweight, but I know she won’t listen to me if I say that.

  “You look beautiful.” I tell her with complete honesty in my voice.

  “So you think Ryan’s going to love it?”

  Up until this point, Torch, was merely watching us two girls talk. When he takes a step toward Piper I automatically step in front of her, not wanting him to scare the poor girl. Torch was sixteen when Piper was born. These days most boys that age already have children of their own, so when he looks at his sister I can sense he is taking this just as a father would. He’s watched her grow up, become a young woman, and now he feels like he must protector her.

  “I want you to think long and hard about your next sentence, Torch.”

  “No. Just no, Piper.” He commands, not bothering to clarify what he’s disagreeing with.

  “You can’t tell me no you big BRUTE.” She starts to shout out. “Daddy already agreed he could come over today and meet everyone. He thought it would be a good idea.”

  “Your too damn young to be bringing boys to the house.” Torch argues back, trying hard to keep calm. Next thing I know, Piper, has wedged herself between me and her brother, standing on tip-toes. With her finger poking Torch’s chest, I stare memorized. This girl is truly brave, or stupid, it’s still up in the air at this point.

  “You can’t keep me locked up in a tower like Rapunzel.” She declares, showing just how young she is and how old we are. I never thought twenty-five was old until now. “I’m sixteen, JAX, I can and I will start dating.”

  A knowing look passes over, Torch’s, face before he gives into his little sister. “You’re right, Piper, your sixteen and should be allowed to date.” She takes a step back thinking she has won this argument, but I know better. Torch has something planned. I’d put money on it having something to do with this Ryan kid.

  ##########

  We’ve all just sit down at the dining room table for dinner. Torch’s dad has been outside most of the day, standing over a grill, avoiding us as much as possible. The quick introduction we had was pleasant, but I could tell it was forced. He never shook his son’s hand, barely acknowledged his presence. Piper tried to hide her disappoint but I could tell it’s be hard for her. Having the two most important men in your life not get along must be difficult.

  “You have a lovely home.” I announce to the table, feeling awkward saying it. I’m not a leave it to beaver type of chick, but I’m willing to pretend. Hoping to release some of the tension in the room.

  “Thanks.” Torch’s dad, Michael, mumbles. “My late wife decorated it.” Looking around at the old pictures on the wall, the floral decorations, and bright color paint you get a sense that these walls once muffled with plenty of laughter. Everything is clean, I’m guessing thanks to Piper, but you can tell this house was decorated nearly two decades ago.

  “So, Piper, how did you and Ryan meet?” I ask, for lack of having anything else to talk about. Everyone is shoveling food in their mouths, trying to avoid conversation, but the silence is making me anxious.

  “We go to the same school. He’s the starting quarterback for varsity.” She beams, looking up at Ryan. I feel Torch go rigid beside me. I start mentally slapping myself upside the head. Of all the things, I could have asked, I just had to bring up the one thing that is sure to cause an argument.

  “High school jocks only want one thing from girls. I should know, I was one.” Torch announces, giving Ryan a look that dares him to deny it. When the boy’s shoulders square I silently chant in my head for him to cower, but the stupid kid does the opposite.

  “Times change, Sir.” He states with a cocky attitude. Piper’s eyes grow as large as mine. While Michael acts as if his son isn’t about to commit murder in their family home.

  “I played football in high school. In fact, I was offered to play the QB but I turned it down because they’re the weaker players that can’t take a hit. I remember them needing to have full use of their arms.” Torch calmly states, placing his fork down. The clanking of metal hitting the glass seems louder due to the silence around the table as everyone waits for Torch to finish. “You’ve got to the count of three, to get out of this house, before I make sure your football days are
over, boy.”

  “JAX” Piper hollers, following Ryan’s lead and jumping out of her chair. “Daddy??” She says with aggravation in her voice hoping he will speak on her behalf.

  “Don’t forget your coat.” Michael hollers out to Ryan as he rushes out of the room. Piper continues to stare at the two men in her life, hands on her hips, eyes blazing with anger and embarrassment. “You have no idea what you have done. This is all anyone is going to talk about Monday at school. Now no one will ask me out again.” She shouts.

  “I did you a favor.” Torch says. “He was a pus..sissy for leaving you like that.”

  “You might as well just say it, Jax. I’ve heard the word before, I’m not a little girl anymore. PUSSY!! PUSSY!” She starts yelling. At this point I can no longer hold my laughter in. This family is extremely weird, not at all like the normies I thought they would be. I’m laughing so hard that tears are coming to my eyes, and everyone is now staring at me like I’m the weirdo.

  “If you guys can’t see the humor in this. You’re far worse off than I thought.”

  “Sit down and eat, Piper. Your brother only did what I was hoping he would. I knew that boy was bad news the first time you brought him over.” Michael says.

  “Thank you.” Torch mumbles, giving his father a look of shock. I wonder how long it’s been since they agreed on anything.

  “I hate you both.” Piper mumbles, taking her seat with arms crossed over her chest. Resembling the child, she claims she’s not. After I’ve manage to get my giggles under control the room goes back to being silent, and this time I decide to accept it. Not going down that path again. When, Torch, reaches under the table and takes my hand in his I lock our fingers together. Silently telling him he is stuck with me now, and the smile he gives me in return lets me know he wouldn’t have it any other way.