by S. Nelson
Marek’s chest rose and fell, an unsettling sigh his only response until he finally opened his mouth. “At the clubhouse. Be there tomorrow at noon.” Leaning forward, he pointed a dangerous finger in my direction. “If I so much as see anything inappropriate, you’ll regret it, prospect.”
“Oh, stop playing the big bad biker, Marek,” Adelaide teased. “Save all that testosterone for when Riley starts dating.” She laughed at her own joke, but her words only served to rile up her man.
“Hell no!” Stone shouted. “No dating for my baby girl. Nope. Not gonna happen.”
We all laughed, even though I knew Stone stood firm behind his outburst.
Poor Riley was gonna have a hell of a time dealing with not only her father, but every other man in the club as she got older. Their protection over her already something fierce, it would only intensify as she became interested in the opposite sex.
Kena
“I can’t believe that guy,” Braylen grated. “I mean, who the hell does he think he is?” For the past two days, my sister had been going off about both Jagger and his friend Ryder, flip-flopping between the both of them so often it was hard to keep straight who she’d been pissed at.
Who are you talking about? And why are you so upset? I’d never seen my big sister so riled up over any guy. Yeah, her concern about me getting involved with Jagger was understandable, but when it came down to it, I could make my own decisions. But for her to still be this upset over some guy she’d just met was rather telling. What had happened between them when Jagger and I left them in search of some privacy at the park? We weren’t gone that long.
“I’m talking about his friend. Ryder,” she blurted, running her hands through her hair in annoyance. I had no idea how we’d gotten on the topic of either one of the men, but there we were, and since she needed to get something off her chest, there was nothing I could do but sit back and hear her out. Plus, it amused me to see her so irked over Jagger’s friend and club brother.
What happened between you two? I wriggled my brows in jest, but it only served to irritate her more.
“Absolutely nothing,” she replied too quickly, a slight pink tinge stealing over her cheeks.
Come on, Braylen. You’re not telling me everything. I rested my hands at my sides and squinted at her, doing my best to read her body language. Other than the embarrassment which covered her skin, I had no idea what else she’d been leaving out of our conversation.
“He’s a pig,” she’d finally disclosed. “When you guys walked away, he told me that I needed a good fuck to calm me down. He even offered to be the one to “fuck me senseless,”” she said, switching her tone to a deeper voice, no doubt imitating Ryder.
I couldn’t help it.
I smiled. Big.
My sister was certainly intense, especially toward those she had an issue with, justified or not. And because Ryder had called her on her shit, he was all right in my book. Maybe my sister did need to get laid, although she’d never had any issues in that department before. If she had someone else to focus on, maybe she wouldn’t be so overbearing when it came to Jagger, and my decision to keep seeing him. A decision she didn’t know about yet. I hadn’t even told her about the kiss. Needing to keep something to myself, I decided to tell her when I deemed necessary, or when she’d moved past her dislike for him.
I guess I shouldn’t hold my breath on that one.
“It’s not funny,” she pouted, although the slightest hint of a smile graced her mouth.
It kind of is, I signed back. Plus, Ryder’s kind of hot.
I half expected her to make some kind of grossed-out face, as if the mere mention of Ryder’s looks would send her into a tailspin of sorts. Spouting off how much she couldn’t stand the sight of him, and if she ever saw him again it would be too soon. That kind of stuff. But instead, she gave me a half smirk before turning around and walking toward the kitchen. When she returned with a bottle of unopened wine and two glasses, plopping down on the couch next to me, I couldn’t help but shake my head and smile again.
Raising my hands, I signed, You like him. It wasn’t a question, instead an observation.
“What?” she practically screeched. “You’re out of your mind.” Leaning closer, she scrutinized me. “Are you already drunk, Kena? Because that’s the only way you could be serious right now.” When I just sat there staring, she continued with her mini outburst. “Are you for real, or are you messing with me? Because if you honestly think that I would ever like that man, no matter how good-looking and mysterious he may be, I might need to have you committed.” Popping off the cork, she took a big swig straight from the bottle. Scrunching up my face, I tore the wine from her fingers and poured myself a glass before she finished off the contents.
So you do think he’s good-looking?
“Duh.” She rolled her eyes. “Anyone can see he’s fucking gorgeous. Too bad he’s crass and arrogant.” Pouring herself a glass, she took a few slow sips, the look plastered across her face telling me she was contemplating an issue, an internal dialogue I was sure she wouldn’t allow me to be a party to.
Settling back into the comfortable couch, I pressed the remote and flicked on the television. We’d planned on watching a movie, but something told me we’d be discussing some of the members of the Knights Corruption instead.
Placing the wine glass between my legs, I asked, Why don’t you give him another chance? If he still acts the same, then you’ll know he’s not right for you.
Only my sister could chug wine and not make it look uncouth. “Give him another chance? Now I know you’re drunk.” Plunking back against the leather sofa, she folded her legs underneath her. “I don’t want to be anywhere near that man. Besides, when or why would I even be in the same room with him again?” Her question lingered in the air, more of a serious inquisition than a rhetorical one.
I’m going to see Jagger again soon. I could ask him to bring Ryder along if you want. Maybe we could all grab something to eat. For a split second I believe Braylen considered it, but then her stubbornness kicked in and she tossed aside the mere notion of ever laying eyes on Jagger’s friend again.
“No, thank you,” she emphatically said, pouring another glass of wine. “Can we please not talk about either one of them anymore, and just watch this damn movie?”
Okay, okay. Don’t get testy, I signed before pushing Play. For the next hour and a half, we lost ourselves in the comedic world of Kevin Hart.
Later that evening, as I snuggled under my thick comforter, my air conditioner on full blast, a message came through on my phone. My heart skipped a beat from the mere thought that it could be Jagger texting me. Unhooking my cell from its charger, I swiped the screen and saw it was indeed him.
Jagger: Would you like to grab a bite to eat next Friday? Say around seven? I’d make it sooner but I have a lot of stuff I have to deal with. Plus I have a fight coming up in a couple days I need to train for.
When he’d left my apartment days ago, I’d expected him to contact me right away. But he hadn’t, and while I’d been disappointed, I understood our situation wasn’t the norm for him. Or for me either, as a matter of fact. I’d accepted my limitations, but I was smart enough to realize it might take him some more time. My condition certainly wasn’t an easy thing to handle, so I silently berated myself for not being patient.
While excitement raced through me at seeing him again, my nerves also took over. There were only so many yes and no questions he could ask me in person.
Kena: Next Friday sounds good. See you then.
Jagger: Great. I’ll text you tomorrow. Good night.
I fell asleep that evening thinking of Jagger, much like I had since the day I’d first laid eyes on him. Thoughts of him infiltrated my brain more often these days. I found it hard to concentrate at work, or while I hung out with my sister or just doing mundane everyday tasks. Consumed with when I’d see him again became my not-so-favorite pastime.
Picturing his face and r
emembering what his kiss tasted like lulled me to sleep, dreams sneaking out from the recesses of my subconscious and pulling me under into a blissful slumber.
Jagger
“Stop messin’ around and be serious for a minute,” Sully demanded, her tone belying the words she’d spoken. Trying to appear the serious teacher, her face lit up at the interaction between us. Sitting next to her on the couch in the clubhouse common room had been our daily meeting place for the past five days, and she’d taught me a lot. We’d also managed to have a bit of fun along the way as well.
“I am serious,” I said, smirking at the disbelieving expression on her face. “I just keep forgetting some of the letters. This shit isn’t easy.”
“No one said it was gonna be, so stop pouting and get with it. Besides, aren’t you taking her out in two days? Because that’s not a lot of time to practice. I think we’re gonna have to extend our sessions a bit. What do you think?” Sully glanced at the book in her lap, the one she’d been teaching me from since we started the lessons. She knew a lot without even glancing at it but because she wasn’t fluent, she had to refer back to the book every now and again. But she was a much better teacher than YouTube.
“What about your husband? What’s he gonna say about that?” Marek had handled our little sessions a lot better than I thought he ever would. At first he hung around, often sitting at the bar to keep an eye on us, but after the third day, he’d disappeared into Chambers, most times with Stone and Tripp, to discuss routine club business. All the important topics required all of our attendance, but thankfully that didn’t happen all that often lately.
“I’ve discussed it with Cole already and he’s fine with it. As soon as I told him how much Kena means to you, he kind of gave up the notion that you’re in love with me.” Sully swallowed nervously and brushed her hair from her face, glancing at me quickly. “I told him he was crazy, that you never felt that way about me, but he dismissed my ramblings. Anyway,” she muttered, “he’s fine with all of it.”
Sully and I had talked about how Marek had treated me after the day he attacked me in his living room when he’d returned home early from his trip. Seeing his wife sleeping against my shoulder had set him off, and I caught the brunt of his anger that night. Then for the months that followed, he barely tolerated my presence. It wasn’t until recently that his behavior toward me started to thaw, the turning point happening after killing Yanez.
The next two hours passed by ridiculously fast, the both of us giving it our all, communicating with nothing but our hands. We weren’t allowed to speak to the other, and while I’d messed up a few times, I’d certainly made progress. An accomplishment I treasured, as did Sully, beaming brightly with her own teaching achievement.
Rising to my feet, I raised my hands above my head and allowed my muscles to stretch. Craning my neck from side to side helped to wake me, which I’d needed because I had to prepare for that evening’s fight.
“Hey, Ryder!” I shouted over my shoulder as he walked by. “You seen Stone?” Figuring it was probably a good idea if I engaged in some last-minute training, I squeezed Sully’s hand in thanks and went in search of my sparring buddy.
“Yeah, he’s in Chambers with Marek.”
Nodding my thanks, I strolled across the room, and knocked on the door before entering. Peeking my head through the small allowance, I locked eyes with Stone before turning to Marek.
“You need something, prospect?” the club leader asked, a look of irritation strangling his features. Was that for me? Or for another reason? With no time to waste, I answered right away, hoping to get in at least an hour in the ring before I had to leave. I’d wanted to shower and contact Kena for a little bit before heading to that night’s fight location.
“Yeah, sorry for interrupting. Sully and I are done for today, and I wanted to know if you,” I said, switching my attention to Stone, “could go a few rounds in the ring with me.”
Stone looked a bit unnerved, as if whatever he and Marek had been discussing had been heavy. But it was obvious it wasn’t weighty enough to require all of us to be involved, so I dismissed it as none of my business.
“Sure. I’ll be out in five,” the VP acknowledged, waving toward the door, essentially dismissing me. I took the hint and closed the door, striding toward the bathroom so I could change into a pair of shorts. I planned on working up a sweat, and jeans just wouldn’t be the proper attire for me to whoop on Stone.
“Who’s coming tonight?” I asked, wiping the sweat from my brow after Stone and I finished dancing around the ring, both of us energized after our little bout. My friend had a red mark forming on his side where I’d kicked him, but the bastard never even flinched, his ability to never feel pain pissing me off. Not that I wanted to harm him, but for ego sake, it would have been nice if Stone had at least made some kind of pained expression.
Normally, I wouldn’t train the same night I had a fight scheduled, but I’d needed to release some of my aggression. Saving all my energy for my opponent that evening might have proved to be detrimental, and there was no way I wanted a repeat of what happened before, ending someone’s life unintentionally.
“I can’t make it, but Ryder and Tripp will be there with you.” Stone ran a towel over his dampened hair, tossing it at me with a devious smirk on his face. “That’s for good luck.”
“Gross, man.” Tossing his sweat rag to the floor, I threw him the middle finger before lifting the top rope of the ring so I could exit. “I’ll text them the address.” Jumping to the ground below, I snatched my shirt from my duffle bag and threw it on, heading toward my bike so I could make it home in time to relax before I had to leave again.
An hour later and I’d washed off the remnants of my training, my mind focused on one person and one person only. Although, given I had a fight later that evening, my mind should’ve been on my upcoming opponent and not on the one woman who’d captured my undivided interest.
I’d tried texting her as soon as I arrived home but she never responded. Assuming she was busy, I didn’t think anything of it until my phone suddenly chimed with her reply.
Kena: Sorry, I meant to text you back earlier but I was with Kevin.
What. The. Fuck? What was she doing with Kevin? She’d told me there was nothing going on between the two of them, even though he’d asked her out and she’d been interested at some point. Had she changed her mind? About him? About me?
My fingers glided over the keys without a second thought. Normally I wasn’t a jealous person, but all of that changed right then. She belonged to me, and the thought that she spent time with another guy more than irritated me.
Jagger: Why were you with Kevin? I thought you weren’t interested in him.
I had a few other choice words on reserve but thought better of expressing them, especially so new into our budding relationship. Not wanting to scare her off before we’d spent more time together, I kept my temper in check. From our messages. At home alone, I brewed in my anger, cursing out loud as I paced back and forth waiting for her to respond.
Kena: I’m not. His band wrote a new song and he wanted to know if I could listen and give my honest opinion. That’s all.
Jagger: Are you sure that’s all it is? Because I have a right to know.
I need to calm down before I type something that’ll be out there forever.
Kena: Yes. Why are you acting like this?
Why am I acting like this? Maybe because you’re spending time with another guy, someone who’s expressed interest in you. Wants to date and no doubt fuck you. My inner ramblings never made it into text, thank God, because if they had she might never respond. Deciding to completely ignore her question, I switched the subject and invited her to my fight. Normally I would’ve thought it best to keep her far away from that part of my life because of obvious danger, but I wanted to see her. To look into her eyes and see if she still felt about me the way I did about her. I had to make sure the torture that kept me awake most nights was shared.
I’d meant to save my surprise for when I saw her on Friday, but because of the revelation with Kevin, someone who could readily communicate with her, I needed to show her I was on the same level.
Someone worthy of sticking with.
Jagger: Why don’t you and Braylen come to my fight tonight? Tripp and Ryder are going. I’ll make sure they watch over you two, just in case Marcus is lurking around.
No response for ten minutes. Maybe she’s asking her sister. Hopefully that’s the only reason for delay. Finally, a message flashed across my screen, but unfortunately it wasn’t from Kena.
Tripp: We’ll meet you there a few minutes beforehand.
I never texted him back, instead impatiently waiting for Kena to get back to me. Countless minutes passed, driving me insane with edginess. Had I fucked up calling her out like I had? I could’ve said so much more, but I did my best to keep it in check. My heart raced at the thought that she’d changed her mind about me, and even though there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it right then, I still berated myself for becoming so entranced with her. Nothing good was gonna come out of it, so why did I insist on pursuing her?
Because you feel something for her you can’t explain.
Over the next twenty minutes, I drove myself crazy. Finally deciding I had to pull my focus back from her and onto my upcoming bout, I tossed my cell on the table near the door and walked down the hall toward my bedroom. Gripping the sides of my hair, I pulled tightly, eliciting a sting of pain which helped to soothe the rampant fire burning inside. Lost to the ramblings inside my head, I almost missed my phone ringing. Realizing it had to be someone from the club, I lazily strolled back toward the living room, grabbing my cell and turning it over so I could see who was calling.
To my surprise, Kena’s name appeared on the screen, which was quite odd seeing as how she couldn’t talk.
“Hello,” I tentatively answered, holding my breath in confusion.