by London Casey
“Special?” Avery asked.
Miller laughed. He put his hand to Avery’s back, as he said he would, and she shuddered. He was strong, like Landon, but he wasn’t Landon.
“Is Landon in trouble?” Avery asked.
“Maybe.”
“Did I get him in trouble?”
Miller looked at Avery. “Do you feel guilty about something?”
“What if I said I felt guilty about everything?”
“Then I’d say you have a heart and hard-on for Landon.”
“I can’t get a hard-on,” Avery said.
Miller laughed again. “Good to know. Good to know.”
Miller walked into the clubhouse. He made a stop at the bar for two beers. It was exhausting watching him shake hands, hug, nod, smile, and give orders. Avery could see how women could fall for Miller. The power was intoxicating. But Avery’s heart belonged to Landon.
When Miller stopped at a large set of doors, he looked at Avery.
“One thing we need to get straight here,” Miller said, “this room… this room is fucking important.”
“I understand.”
“Nobody gets into this room,” Miller said. “This is where life changing decisions are made. A decision was made that could change your life. Now, I’m inviting you into this room and I hope you understand the impact…”
“Yes,” Avery said. “I understand. Just tell me what’s going to happen to Landon.”
“You care about that guy, huh?”
“Yes.”
Miller opened the door and allowed Avery inside. There was a long table with chairs. The center of the table had BDD written on it. The back wall had the name written out in bold black letters.
BACK DOWN DEVIL
This was the room. In the corners of the room were safes and filing cabinets. There were no windows. It had the stale odor of smoke, and booze.
Miller sat at the head of the table and twisted off a cap on one of the beer bottles. He slid it down the table toward Avery.
“Have a drink. I can’t offer you a seat.”
Avery accepted the beer and sipped from it.
Miller opened his beer and drank. He put the bottle down and leaned forward, folding his hands.
“What happened?” Miller asked.
“With what?” Avery asked.
“The dead guy on the side of the road. The guy that I’m going to have pay dearly for. Who was it? Why did that need to be done?”
Avery swallowed. “His name was Bry.”
“Part of a crew?”
“His own,” Avery said. “Just a bunch of guys who drank and thought they mattered.”
“Most crews are like that. What did he do to you?”
“I…”
“Listen to me,” Miller said, “my sign of respect to you shouldn’t be mixed with the reality of who I am and what I’m capable of. I'm asking you a fucking question and I expect a fucking answer.”
“He hit me. He raped me. He made me feel like I had no other place to go and no chance to escape. Until I finally snapped and stole his motorcycle. I made it here, and after crashing the motorcycle, I sold it to some guy near the end of town.”
“Scrap place?” Miller asked.
“Yes. I was waiting to heal before leaving with the cash. Then I almost got caught stealing food and Landon entered my life. He was almost gunned down by some guy and I helped him. I watched him murder the guy and then he chained me to his motorcycle because he thought I had something to do with what happened in your lot.”
“Smart thinking,” Miller said. “Which brings me to another question… how do I know you weren’t part of the bombing?”
“I have no reason to bomb the MC,” Avery said. “I was running from Bry.”
“You stopped here. And you’re still here. Why?”
Avery’s heart raced now. She could see the look in Miller’s judging eyes. He did not trust her.
“Because I saw the size of Landon’s cock,” Avery said. “Is that what you want me to say?”
Miller smiled. “I knew there had to be a good reason.”
“Landon wouldn’t let me leave. He wanted me to stay so when Bry tracked me down, he could handle it.”
“Murder on the side of the road,” Miller said. “Is that what you wanted? Is that what you’re going to ask Landon to do every time you have a problem?”
“No,” Avery said. “Bry deserved that…”
Miller lifted a hand. “That I will agree with.” Miller leaned back in his chair. “Landon had to go to jail for a little while. It’s best not to worry about it, okay? He’ll be fine. Now, let’s talk about what you want to do for us.”
“Okay.”
“You can handle this?”
“Yes.”
“A woman who was… hurt… like you were,” Miller said. “Think about this long and hard. This man is going to touch you. Want you. He’s going to feel like he owns you. And in that moment, he fucking does. You have to fucking go with it.”
“I’ll do it,” Avery said. “I said it once and I’ll say it a hundred times. I’ll do it.”
“Let me ask… why?”
“Because Landon told me to. Because the MC needs me to. Because I don’t want to be looked at as someone who just crashes here, like those other women.”
“You’re not a reliever,” Miller said. “That much I know. If you say you can do this, then I’ll put trust in it. Just know that if you fuck this up… it won’t just be Landon you let down.”
“Okay,” Avery said.
“And we don’t just let people who fuck up slide. Get it?”
Avery got it. Loud and clear. If she messed up, she’d die. Looking at Miller, she realized that the hard man was giving her a chance to run. The idea seemed tempting. Avery had nothing to lose and everything in the world to possibly gain. Nobody would be chasing her down. Bry was dead, and his so-called biker club wouldn’t care enough to find him. Avery was pretty sure nobody would ever know the true fate of Bry.
Except for the guy who witnessed it.
The one in jail.
The one…
Avery gasped.
“Something wrong?” Miller asked.
“Landon is going to kill that other guy,” Avery said.
Miller stood up. He walked slowly to Avery and offered his hand. Avery took it before wondering why the hell she needed to take his hand.
“Let Landon handle himself,” Miller said. “Right now, I need you to get ready. You’re leaving in five minutes.”
“Five…”
“It’s time,” Miller said. “All you need to know is that the man’s name is Charles and he’s filthy rich and he loves to fuck strippers. So, baby, get ready to be a stripper.”
Miller laughed and opened the door. Avery turned and walked out of the room. As Miller pulled the door shut, he offered one last piece of advice.
“Try really hard not to get killed.”
The advice sent chills through Avery’s body, but she didn’t have enough time to consider what she was about to do. She had excepted to have Landon with her the entire time, talking to her, guiding her, his strong hold on her body. She wanted him to be there in case things went wrong. Standing in a bar full of bikers, the men who made up Back Down Devil, Avery wasn’t sure if she could trust them or if they would help her.
“Shay, it’s time,” Miller announced.
Shay downed a shot and jumped from his chair. Another man joined them outside, where Avery stood hugging herself.
“You’re riding with us,” Shay said to Avery. “You, me, and Griffin.”
Griffin had a bag on his back. “We have to be smooth and go with whatever happens. If he gets spooked, he’ll have his security rush him the fuck out of there.”
“Just tell me what to do,” Avery said.
“Sit in the front seat of the car. We’ll pull up and toss you out. I’m your asshole boyfriend dropping you off to strip for the night. Got it?”
“Yes,�
�� Avery said.
“Beautiful,” Shay said.
They got into the car and Shay drove fast. In the backseat, Avery casually watched as Griffin worked with a bunch of wires. She knew then that the plan was to blow something, or someone, up. It made Avery uneasy and it filled her mind with questions.
“Whatever you’re thinking, just stop,” Shay said. “If you lose focus on Charles, he’ll lose focus on you.”
“I understand,” Avery said.
“We’re not fucking idiots around here. This isn’t our first time.”
“Okay. How close are we?”
“Just up the road.”
A few minutes later, Griffin hid in the backseat as Shay pulled up in front of a building. It looked like a long garage that had been converted into a stripclub covered in neon lights. The signs promised the hottest nudes in town.
“Christ, there he is,” Shay pointed.
At the end of the building was a shiny black car next to a round man talking on a cell phone. He was animated as he spoke, pacing left to right. Outside the car were two men, tall and thick, with pissed off faces.
“That’s security,” Shay said. “We need them to fuck off. Then Griffin can do his job and I can do mine.” Shay looked at Avery. “Hold tight.”
Shay sped up and then cut the wheel. The car skidded to a stop. Shay reached across Avery and opened the door.
“Get the fuck out!” he yelled. “Shake them tits and make some money, bitch.”
Avery didn’t move and then Shay pushed her from the car. She fell to the ground, hitting her hurt leg, and let out a cry. Shay then sped away.
Avery looked around and took quick notice that Charles had ended his phone call and that he and his two security men were on their way to help her. She put a hand up to stop them.
“I’m fine,” she said. “Please, I’m fine.”
“Damn, beautiful,” Charles said. “What was that?”
“It…” Avery realized this was her chance. Her moment to shine. “It was my boyfriend. He…” Avery squeezed her eyes shut and brought on tears.
“Oh, hell,” Charles said. “Come here, beautiful. Don’t cry.”
Avery let the two security men help her to her feet. Charles reached for her hand and stroked it. Avery did all she could to hide her disgust.
“Come on now, look at me,” Charles said. “Let me see your pretty face.”
Avery remembered what Miller had warned. She looked at Charles and wiped her tears.
“I’m so sorry,” she said. “Look at me. A mess before my shift.”
Charles smiled “You dance?”
“All the time. It’s the only way I can make a living. Unless someone is going to sweep me away. Someone rich.”
“I’m rich,” Charles said.
“I’m… Ashley,” Avery said.
Charles laughed. “Well, Ashley. My name isn’t Rich. I am rich. Tons of money. Call me Charles.”
“Well then, Charles, will I see you inside?”
“I’d like to be inside you,” Charles said.
It made Avery sick, but she battled the feelings of anxiety. She told herself this man wouldn’t hurt her. He wouldn’t touch her like Bry used to. She would get through this. She would see Landon soon.
“You’re sweet,” Avery said. “And sexy. Want to escort me inside?”
Charles pulled at Avery. “No. Come with me right now.”
Avery stumbled and then stiffened. “What…?”
Charles looked at his men. “You two go inside for me. Find the owner and tell him I’m stealing a girl for the night. Give him ten grand for his troubles.”
“Sir, are you traveling alone?” one of the men asked.
“Tonight, yes. Ashley deserves all my attention.”
“I like that,” Avery said. “Just you and me…”
“All night,” Charles said. “I’ll pay you accordingly in the morning.”
Avery nodded. She tried not to look at the black car, but she hoped that this was going to work. If Shay and Griffin hadn’t had the time to do their job then Avery would really be alone with Charles.
The men went into the stripclub and Charles took Avery’s hand. He was sweaty and it grossed her out. He was disgusting.
“Our ride is waiting,” Charles said.
“Are you sure you don’t want to go inside?” Avery asked. “Let me dance for you a couple times before we leave?”
“Oh, you beautiful thing,” Charles said. “You’re going to dance for me all night. Dance for me. Dance on me. After I’m with you, you won’t be able to walk.”
Avery smiled.
She knew that wasn’t true. This guy was nothing compared to Landon and never would be. And this guy would never fuck Avery. Even if it cost Avery her life, she wouldn’t just open her legs for someone ever again.
Charles took Avery to the car and he knocked on the driver’s window. It slowly came down a few inches.
“Open the door for myself and my date,” Charles said.
Avery looked at the eyes looking at her.
No way…
The door opened and Shay stepped out. Avery’s jaw dropped. He was in a full suit, with a driver’s hat and everything. He walked with his head down and opened the door. Charles let Avery into the car first. As Avery climbed in, Shay gave her a stern look.
Avery slid across the seat and Charles got in next. He slid right to her and pulled her on top of him.
“Sit on my lap,” Charles said. “So you can feel me getting hard.”
The door shut and the driver got into the car. He didn’t speak, but Shay looked in the mirror, waiting for Charles’s destination. Avery saw Shay’s eyes and let out a shuddering breath.
“Are you nervous?” Charles asked.
“A little,” Avery said. “I’ve never done this before…”
“Oh, a virgin.”
“Well, I’m not a virgin,” Avery said.
Charles stroked her hair and touched her shoulders. “Tonight, you are. You’re my virgin. And I’m going to fuck you dry.”
The car started to move and the night began.
Avery took a deep breath and allowed Charles to continue to touch her. It took all her effort not to throw an elbow and smash his face in. But she needed to be strong. For herself. For Landon. For the MC.
This was her life now, but as long as her night ended in Landon’s arms, it was all worth it.
twenty-five.
Landon sat in a small jail cell on the edge of the shitty mattress, waiting for someone to come get him. He hadn’t been expecting to be thrown into a cell like this. Something was definitely going on. Inside, Landon was pissed off. He wanted to tear the fucking door off the cell so he could find the asshole witness and end this shit.
The eerie silence of the jail drove Landon mad. He thought about the MC and what they were preparing to do. Had Gaige fucked up with Strokner? Maybe. Maybe not. The MC wasn’t in the business of killing people for fun or favors, but sometimes that’s what needed to be done.
He thought about Jonesy scouring houses looking for the people who tried to take out Shay. He thought about Erik’s face and how dark things were going to be for him for a long time.
Of course all thoughts led right back to Avery. She hadn’t just become a part of his life, she had become his life. It was about Back Down Devil and Avery. His heart, his mind, his cock… everything pulsed.
Whistling echoed and a few seconds later, Chief Jerry stood at the cell door.
“I like this sight,” Chief said.
“Fuck off, Jerry. Let me out of here.”
“Brought you in for questioning. Heard there was a problem out there today.”
“Yeah, funny. What the fuck is this?”
Jerry put a key into the lock. “I’m transferring you to another cell. I have a couple guys coming in on drug related charges.”
Landon stood and walked to the door. Jerry opened the cell and put a hand to Landon’s chest. “Listen to me careful
ly.”
“Sure thing, Chief.”
“Make it quick. I’m giving you a minute. Literally a minute. If it isn’t done, then it won’t be. Got it?”
“You’ll sink with us,” Landon said.
“No, I won’t. I questioned him already. Took a full statement. I’m the good guy here. You’re the murderer.”
Landon smiled. “We’re all murderers, Jerry. Hey, how’s your son doing?”
“Good. Trying to sit up on his own.”
“Good for you, Chief. Now, take me away.”
Landon put his hands behind his back. Jerry cuffed him and led him to another cell. The action looked legit, although the intentions were anything but. Jerry grabbed the chains of the cuffs and pulled. The pain made Landon growl. Jerry pushed Landon against the jail cell. The metal pressed against his face, and it actually hurt thanks to the cuts and bruises from the fights.
“Fuck you,” Landon growled to Jerry.
“Fuck me? Yeah. Good luck, asshole.”
Jerry took the cuffs off Landon’s wrists and then placed something into his hand. Landon made a fist and let Jerry throw him into the cell.
Landon stumbled and stared at the guy sitting on the bed.
The asshole who was with Bry.
“One minute,” Jerry yelled and then began to whistle.
Landon’s blood boiled.
“What the fuck are you looking at?” the guy asked. “Why the fuck did they put us together? You’re going down, man. You’re…”
“Did you know what Bry did to her?” Landon asked.
“What?”
“You heard the fucking question, asshole. Did you know…?”
“Look, man, we all knew whatever we wanted,” the guy said. “Okay? She’s a fucking bar slut. That’s all…”
Landon threw a fist at him. His head bounced back and hit the wall. The man crumbled to the ground. He looked up, ready to scream, and Landon kicked him in the stomach. That knocked the wind out of him so he couldn’t scream.
Landon put his hand to the guy’s throat and pushed. “You knew and did nothing. This is your fate, motherfucker. This is for Avery.”
The man’s eyes went wide and Landon opened his right hand and saw the shank Jerry had given him. Landon took his hand off the man’s throat and then took care of the problem with one cut. Landon rolled the man to his left side and let him bleed out.