by Erin Trejo
“You know about Bella don’t you?” Closing my eyes, I wish I didn’t.
“How’d you know that?” I don’t need to turn around to know she’s coming over here. I can feel her presence.
“I see the way you look at her. Her dad doesn’t know. Just you.” Dropping my head, I hate it. I hate knowing and not Tank.
“How do you know?” Finally turning to look at her she smiles.
“I paid for the doctor visits. I don’t think Candy realized that all the paperwork came to me. I also knew that she was in remission. That’s changed though, I can see.” Hearing the pain in her voice hurts me. She’s her blood, and she has to live knowing that Bella is dying. I thought I had it hard, but it must be ten times harder for her.
“How do you deal with it? Knowin’ and not sayin’ anything?” Anna’s hand comes to rest on my arm as she looks up at me.
“It isn’t our place to say something. She’s a smart girl, always has been. Bella knows what she wants; I have no doubts about that. It’s not hard to deal with, Mr. Ryker. You know in your heart that she is hurting. You don’t want that for her. I don’t either. I’m glad that I’ve had this little time with her though. I can see how much she means to you. I’m sorry that you are going through all of this.” A tear slides down my cheek. Here I am crying like a girl when she isn’t even my blood. Blood isn’t what makes a family though. I know this. Bella is my family.
“She’s like one of my best friends. She knows me like no one else does. She gets why I am the way I am. Not everyone can do that.” Anna raises her hand to my face before she speaks.
“Oh that girl of yours can do that too. I can see it in her eyes, that fire she has. Bella will be fine in her own way. That girl of yours, she needs you. She needs the safety of your arms young man. Don’t fail her.” With that Anna turns and walks away. I don’t move from this spot as I let that sink in.
She’s right though. As much as I hate to admit it, Bella will be ok in her way just like Anna said, but Jersey is mine. She’s mine to love, protect, and take care of. She’s my everything.
I don’t know why I came out to the main room to begin with, but it doesn’t matter. I turn and head back to the room, closing the door quietly. Looking into the crib next to our bed, I smile at my little girl. Sleeping, so peaceful and secure. She deserves that, she deserves to be at peace, and she deserves to have a safe life.
“What are you doing, stalking her in her sleep?” Jersey’s voice pulls my attention.
Reaching in, I pull Ansley’s blanket up over her, making sure she’s tucked in.
“She’s beautiful. I never knew a baby could be that beautiful. She’s perfect.” Jersey smiles as I walk over to the bed, before climbing on it. Sitting on my knees, I look at her. My wife, my world.
“Are you ok?” Her big blue eyes beam up at me.
“I’m perfect.” I cup her cheeks in my hands before pulling her lips to mine. Kissing her gently, I melt into her.
“I love you more than the air I breathe, Jersey. Without you, my life is nothin’. Before I met you I didn’t know where I belonged, or what I needed to do, but it’s all so clear now.” Her eyes boar into me as she takes in what I’m saying.
“What’s clear?” Her lips are inches from mine, but I need to tell her this. Watching Bella deteriorate the way she is, it reminds me how precious time is.
“My life’s clear. You and that little girl, that’s all I want. There will never be anyone else for me. You complete my puzzle. My life was in pieces before I met you. You are the last piece. You fit all the others into place, you hold them all together.” Before I can say anything else, Jersey kisses me roughly.
She understands me now. She knows what she means to me.
Chapter 27
Tank
“Pass me that wrench.” Pointing to the pile of tools that now litter every surface of the garage, I can’t help but smile. Everything seems to be coming into place. The garage, the store, and even the club.
Dusts’ have been quiet for the time being, but I know that will change. Rit knows how to push our buttons and I know he doesn’t walk away easily. He’s a hard headed son of a bitch, much like the rest of us.
Grabbing the wrench out of Joey’s hand, I work on a bike that was brought in this morning. I must say that we have been picking up good business where we’re at.
“What do think about Lakewood?” Joey’s question doesn’t make sense to me. What the hell is the boy talking about now?
“What the fuck is there to think about?” Talking with my cigarette hanging out of my mouth, I keep working.
“Houses.” Shaking my head, I hope this boy doesn’t think he’s taking my daughter along for that ride.
“There are a bunch of those.” I try not to look at him. I don’t want to slap him today, but I can. I know what he’s getting at, he’s brought it up around a few of the other guys.
“Yeah, I know it. I want to buy one.” I hear the chuckle and know it’s Piper, before I ever turn my head.
“You know about this shit Piper?” Hearing him cough, I know I caught him off guard. He knew. Damn asshole!
“I may have heard a few things.” Piper chuckles as Joey squats down next to me. Glancing over, I can see the now serious look on his face.
“I want things to be right with me and Bella. She means the world to me.” Dropping my head, I knew this was coming. I knew it, and I don’t like it, one fucking bit.
“She’s too young for all that shit don’t you think?” I hear him huff. I don’t need to turn to look at him either, he’s mad.
“I don’t think so. I’m askin’ her anyway, Tank. I don’t need your damn approval; I was just hopin’ you’d understand.” Joey drops the other tools to the floor before pushing himself up and walking away.
“Fuckin’ hell.” Mumbling to myself, Piper takes up the spot that Joey just left.
“He’s a good kid, Tank. He’ll do right by Bella if you give him the chance.” Tilting my head to the side, I look over at Piper.
“She’s too young for that shit Piper. She’s a kid, she doesn’t need one.” He knows what I mean. She doesn’t need to end up like I did. Too young to realize that you need to be a parent.
“She isn’t like you and Candy, brother. Don’t take that shit wrong either, but that girl is smart. She knows her limits.” Piper stands and walks away leaving me to contemplate that. She isn’t like Candy. She knows the hell she lived through at the hands of her mother. I have no doubt in my mind that she knows her rights from wrongs.
“You ok?” Creed strolls in looking me over before I set the tools on the floor.
Pushing myself up, I look at him.
“No. Joey asked me about houses for him and Bella.” Creed raises his eyebrows before taking a step back. He wants to laugh; I can see it in his eyes.
“What did you say?” The amusement is clear on his face now. Asshole.
“I said I didn’t think it was a good idea. Little fucker said he was askin’ her anyway. I don’t like this shit Creed.” His laughter erupts out of nowhere. I’m glad this is funny.
“Oh hell. She’s growin’ up Tank. She ain’t a baby.” Did he really?
“She’s my baby. Goddamn I just got her; I don’t want to lose her again.” Creed takes a step toward me before putting his hand on my shoulder.
“You’re not losin’ her. You’re her dad.” Shaking my head, I feel like I am. Something inside of me says I am.
“I feel it Creed. I’m losin’ her. I don’t know how, but I am.” Creed drops his hand before running it over his face.
“What do you think it’s about?” Shaking my head, I have no idea.
“I don’t know brother; I feel it though.”
Chapter 28
Creed
The world spins us in new directions every day. We never know what way that may be but with family, it doesn’t matter. At least not to me. Every day is a challenge we must face. I’ve worked hard to keep this club runn
ing smoothly. To keep it legit for these kids for the future.
“Pass me that crate.” Pointing to the crate on the floor, Jada bends over to get. Of course I sneak a peek at her ass. I’m a man. Jada smiles as she passes me the crate full of liquor bottles. I want nothing more than to bend her over that crate.
“Stop looking at me like that.” Jada giggles before I set the crate down, dragging her body against me.
“You look so damn good.” Kissing her neck, I hear the bells of the front door but I don’t look up. Not until I hear bottles crashing to the ground. Shoving Jada behind me, I glance around.
“Do you know what the fuck you just started?” Growling between my teeth, I stare Rit down. He and a few of his boys stand in front of me smiling like they have lost their fucking minds.
“I came to make another offer. I’ve decided that I want to run all of Willows. I’ve been thinking about shit, yeah? You boys don’t like to share, and well, I’m tired of askin’.” Fire rages through my veins. I want nothing more than to snap this assholes neck, but not now. It isn’t the time for that.
“Willows is off limits. You know that.” Shaking his head, he glares at me.
“So you said. I told you I reconsidered. I want all of Willows and I’ll leave these little stores of yours alone.” He’s pushing my buttons, and I’m letting him. My nerves are on edge and I want to lose it. I want to, but it’s only me and Jada here.
“You don’t want this war. I promise you, we out number you Rit. Don’t make it into a war.” Rit grins that evil grin he has. My heart picks up as I look at him. I want to shoot the motherfucker right here in the store.
“I’m warnin’ you. This is the last chance I’m givin’ you. Get the fuck out of my store, and stay the hell away.” Taking a step toward him, he shoves off another case of bottles. The crashing glass just sets me off. I lose it. I fly toward him knocking him to the floor. Punching each other, I feel hands on me before I hear Jada scream. My heart thunders in my chest right before I hear the gun go off.
Reaching for mine, I drag myself up only to realize I was the one that was bleeding. Jada screams something into her phone as I stumble backward. Rit and his guys quickly run out the front door before Jada’s at my side.
“Creed! Shit! The guys are coming.” Her hands roam over my stomach and up to my chest as she looks for the cause of the bleeding. She’s frantic, and it is kind of funny.
“I’m ok, sweetheart. It just startled me.” Her hands are yanking up my shirt but I can’t do anything but smile.
“Shit, where is it?” Her hands dart around before I reach up and grip them in mine.
“Jada, I’m fine.” Pulling her hands out of my shirt I pull her against me.
“No, you’re shot!” My lips press against hers, stealing my breath away.
“Jada, I’m ok. Let me go check outside.” I try to move her but she holds me in place. Her eyes wander over me as she tries to assess if I’m really ok. Sliding my hands up to her cheeks, I force her to look me in the eyes.
“I’m ok. It’s a not as bad as it looks.”
“Goddamn Creed! This shit scares the hell out of me.” Her tears wet my skin as I hold her face in my hands. I hate this for her, but this is why I didn’t want her working in the store to begin with. This just seals the deal.
Chapter 29
Ryker
We pull into the liquor store parking lot and instantly spot Creed leaning against the building smoking. Figures, that dumb ass would be smoking after getting shot.
“You look good in red.” Walking over to him, I slap my hand on his shoulder before I notice the look on his face.
“I used to think it was your color.” The smirk on his face is priceless. I guess I deserved that.
“Yeah, it usually is. Was it Rit?” He knows I want the answer to be yes. I want to move on that son of a bitch so damn bad, I can taste it.
“He wants all of Willows. I said no.” Shaking my head, I run my hand through my hair. This is getting worse. Creed may be the president, but I am the fucking enforcer. I want blood.
“Watch that look brother. We aren’t movin’ in just yet.” Creed’s voice pulls my attention back to him. He is making a mistake not moving in on them, I can feel it.
“Come on Creed! He fuckin’ shot you brother!” Kicking a rock across the ground, I take a deep breath.
“We ain’t ready Ryker! We need a plan, you know that.” Creed growls before standing up and moves toward me. His hands land on my shoulders before I jerk away.
Pointing at him I let it all rip from me. “You could have died! They could kill any one of us brother! Is that what the fuck you’re waitin’ for?” Stomping past him, I head inside. Looking at the mess that Jada sweeps up just rips at me. My chest tightens as I reach for the broom before she shakes her head.
“Let me do it.” Being a little firmer with her this time she lets me take it.
“He could have died Ryker.” Sweeping the glass up, I don’t want to look at her. It eats at me. This is our life though. This is what we’re signed up for. Any of us at any given time could be dead.
“I know. I want to move on them, but he won’t.” The sob that rips out of Jada tightens my chest even more. I fucking hate this! Leaning the broom against the cooler, I reach for her. Pulling Jada into my chest, she cries harder.
“I’m sorry. I know how hard this is on you darlin’.” Jada doesn’t stop crying as I rub her back. Blowing out a breath, I try to calm her, and myself.
“When is this shit going to end?” Pulling out of my grasp her whole attitude has changed. Jada scrubs at her eyes before she sniffs. Her anger radiates off her. There’s the feisty girl I heard so much about.
“It never ends. Welcome to the lifestyle Jada. You knew this shit. You lived it!” Getting a little louder than I needed to she glares over at me.
“It does end! It ends, when I end it.” Her tone is harsh as she grabs for her phone on the counter.
“When you end what?” Looking over my shoulder, Creed stands with a cloth to the wound.
“All of this! I’m sick of worrying about if you’re going to come home Creed! This is crazy!” I watch the rage that sizzles through her before Creed steps in front of me.
“You knew all this shit Jada. You knew how this life was. I’m tryin’ here!” Watching him snap at her, I can’t even imagine how that must feel. Our old lady’s sit there and wait while we’re out on runs, not knowing if we’re coming home or not. I don’t think I’ve ever thought about it that way. The toll it must take on them; it rubs me raw.
“Why don’t we just head back to the clubhouse? This shit is gettin’ too real, and we need to work it out.” Both of them turn to face me but I just shrug. Hell, I was just trying to be helpful here.
“You know what. You’re right Ryker. I want to go the fuck home. Not the fucking clubhouse. I’m going home!” Jada stomps around Creed before stopping and kissing my cheek. The look I get from Creed is one of rage.
“Way to help motherfucker!” Creed screams before he stomps past me to go after Jada.
“That mean you ain’t givin’ me a kiss too?” The way he slams the front door should answer that.
Chuckling, I go back to cleaning up the damn mess those asshole Dusts’ made.
Chapter 30
Tank
The club was in an uproar when Creed and the guys came back. I can’t say today is any different either.Jada left with Heather saying she didn’t want to be near Creed right now. Of course we sent a guy to keep an eye on her. That hasn’t stopped Creed from going all kinds of insane. He’s stomped around busting shit up all over the club. I swear, it’s like having another kid around here.
“I’m going to see Jada. Do I need to take someone?” Cher smiles up at me before I kiss her.
“Yeah. Take Bo. Be careful, and see if you can talk that girl into coming back in here. That son of a bitch has lost his mind.” Nodding over toward Creed, where he sits at the bar drinking like an i
diot, Cher laughs.
“I’ll try. I love you.” Leaning down, I kiss her once more before she walks off.
“Hey Creed. Let’s ride brother.” Yelling at him, he looks up shaking his head. I know he doesn’t want to ride, but there are a few things that I wanted to look into.
“Take Torch.” Huffing, he turns back to his drinks. I swear he is worse than a fucking female.
“I said you. This is a president matter. Let’s fuckin’ ride.” Stomping past him, I head out the door and toward the bikes. Creed comes out a few minutes later, not looking very happy either.
“What the fuck is this shit?” Creed doesn’t look too happy with me, but I don’t give a shit.
“We need to go look at somethin’. It needs to be us. Get the fuck over yourself.” Sliding my helmet on, I ignore the smartass remarks he’s mumbling over there. We need to figure out this fucking Dust shit so we can make a plan. I rev up my bike before heading down the driveway. I’m in no mood to deal with Creed’s whining shit today. I’ve heard it enough. We all have problems, this just goes with the territory.
We ride out Hwy 16, toward an old warehouse that I heard the Dusts’ had been using. I didn’t bring it up with the other guys though, because I know Ryker would go all out crazy, and rush the fucking place. The silence is nice. Only my bike rumbling beneath me. Its’ a reprieve from the hell we’ve been living with at the clubhouse. So much bullshit crammed into one place will work your nerves over, that’s for sure. Pulling into the parking lot, I cut the engine before climbing off my bike. I need to get Creed’s mind on something other than Jada.
“What the fuck is this?” Creed climbs off looking around before he runs his hand through his hair.
“I got word that Dusts’ were using that old warehouse. Not sure what the hell they’re doin’ in it. I thought we could take a look.” Creed looks over at me with disgust all over his face.