by Erin Trejo
“Tell me about you,” Neo says, his breath fanning my hair.
“There isn’t a lot to tell. I’m just me. I grew up with a family that never really liked me all that much. Same old typical story. I met Ray years ago. I thought he was something special. He was good to me, or at least I thought he was. He wasn’t all bad, I guess. I didn’t know he made that video until almost a month later. I was so mad. I told him I was leaving him. He said that if I did that he would show the video to everyone. That’s how I found out.”
“You said you were payin’ him, though. When did you start that?”
“When I couldn’t stand looking at him anymore. I paid him to keep it to himself. He did but it cost me almost everything I earned,” I admit for the first time in a long time.
“How long?”
“Almost a year.”
“Fuck. I can’t believe he did that shit. Don’t get me wrong, I do some sick shit, but I would never video a woman like that.” I run my fingers over his stomach, watching how he sucks in a breath. “You like touchin’ me?”
“I think I do.”
“What are your plans for life, Leesa? What did you want before all this?”
That’s a question that I haven’t been asked in a very long time, and if I’m being honest, I haven’t thought it over lately. I’ve been so focused on keeping that video in the dark that I hadn’t thought about my future.
“I always liked photography. I never got a chance to study it much, but I think it’s amazing to capture the beauty of things around you and have that forever.” His hand comes to my back, running up and down.
“What’s stopping you?”
“Him. That video. Honestly, I can’t afford a camera,” I giggle.
“Do you know how to use one?”
I slap at his chest making him laugh but I know he was just playing.
“I know the basics. I took a few freelance classes before I got the second job.”
“Do you think it’s something you could love?”
His question is one I hadn’t thought about before. “I don’t know. I haven’t thought that far ahead.”
“You should. Life can sneak up on you. It can rip apart every seam in your perfectly laid fabric. Once it starts to unravel, there is no stoppin’ it.”
Chapter 15
Neo
“Sit the fuck down!” I growl. The man sits back on the stool he was on to begin with. I run my free hand over my face while the other holds the gun aimed at his head.
“I didn’t do shit!” He cries.
“Shut the fuck up. When she gets here, we will find out what the fuck you did,” I hiss in his direction. I got a call late last night that someone had beaten the hell out of Trinity. I was pissed beyond words to find that out. Rebel’s eyes are wild as he paces around behind him. I know he wants his blood on his hands more than anyone else. Rebel has had a thing for Trin for a long time now. That doesn’t make it any less offensive to the rest of us. Trinity is one of us, and once you fuck with one, you fuck with all.
“She’s lying!”
“She ain’t even here to say anything yet, asshole. Shut the fuck up before my boy knocks a few teeth out,” I warn him one last time.
The man shuts up and looks over his shoulder at Rebel. Rebel jerks at him causing the idiot to jump. I chuckle as Ransom smirks.
“So, what’s with you and the girl?”
“She has a name, asshole.”
“Yeah, I know she does. You were screamin’ it loud enough for everyone to hear,” Ransom adds with a chuckle. Bastard.
“Fuck off.”
“She gonna be stickin’ around?”
I nod and look over at him. “Hope so. I like havin’ her around. She keeps shit interestin’.”
Ransom nods and brings his cigarette back to his lips when the side door opens. We all turn our heads and look that way when Triton leads her in. I curse under my breath when I see her. She’s wearing long sleeves, no doubt to hide the marks. Her face is bruised and swollen. Her arms are wrapped tightly around herself. I hate seeing her like this. I raise my hand and motion for her to come to me. She nearly runs, slamming into me as she cries. I hold her tightly as she cries into my chest.
“It’s okay, darlin’. I’m sorry you went through that,” I whisper into the top of her hair.
“I shouldn’t have gone out. It was my fault. I was pissed off and just wanted to get away.”
“Nothin’ is your fault,” I remind her. I pull back and grab her face gently in my hands. She peers up at me with tears leaking from her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” she whispers.
“It’s not your fault. All I need is to know if this is the bastard who hurt you.”
She nods once and I slowly turn her to face the guy. Her body begins to tremble, her head nodding.
“Lying bitch!”
Trinity shivers when I grab her and pull her back into me. I wrap my arms around her as I smirk at that asshole on the stool. I press a kiss to the side of her head before handing her off to Triton. Rebel moves before he can ever get her out of the room. He rounds the stool and slams his fist into the guy’s face. I watch the blood spray from his nose before Rebel goes back in. We didn’t tie the asshole up knowing he wasn’t going to run, but now he’s trying to fight back.
Shoving the gun into the back of my jeans, I move toward the two. Grabbing the guy from the back, I pull his arms behind him while Rebel beats the shit out of him. Each punch makes me smile. He should have never laid a hand on her. Now she feels like it’s all her fault when it isn’t.
“You son of a bitch!” Rebel yells louder before throwing another blow. “You hurt her! You put your fuckin’ hands on her!” He screams louder.
“You’re gonna kill him,” I warn him with a chuckle. Rebel doesn’t listen but Trin heard.
“Rebel! Please, don’t.”
His hits stop, his head turning to look at her. He’s breathing heavily as he watches her, unsure of why she wants him to stop. I must say that I’m just as intrigued as he is.
“He hurt you,” he reminds her.
“I don’t want you to kill him because of me,” she pleads with him.
He walks toward her just as Triton lets go of her. When Rebel is close enough, he grabs her around the back of her neck, pulling her into him.
“You think he deserves to live?” He asks, grinding his teeth in frustration.
Ransom and I share a glance before looking back at the show in front of us. I’m still holding the useless bastard in front of me.
“I can’t have that on my heart,” she answers.
“That’s why it’ll be on mine, babe. Come on. You can’t ask me not to kill the bastard who hurt you.”
“I can make this shit real easy. I’ll kill the motherfucker myself,” I tell them both. I let the asshole fall to the floor in front of me before pulling my gun and pressing it against the back of his head.
“He’s mine!” Rebel roars.
“Rebel, please,” Trin begs.
“Are you claimin’ her?” I ask, having already grown tired of this shit. I’m sick of the back and forth with those two. I can see how much he cares about her and it’s about time they get their shit together. Rebel looks between me and her before he holds his head high.
“Goddamn right I am. I’m done with this shit, Trin. I fuckin’ love you. I don’t give two shits what you think. You’re mine.”
I chuckle as Rebel turns and walks toward me. He moves quickly, grabbing the knife from its sheath. He grabs the guy by the hair and slits his throat without a blink of an eye. Glancing up at me, he nods once before I nod back. He turns and stalks toward Trin, pulling her into his arms and out the side door.
“Well, that escalated quickly.” Ransom chuckles.
“Goddamn, I thought he was never gonna claim her ass. If that shit went on any longer, fuck!” I say, stepping over the dead guy on the floor. Triton nods his agreement as we walk out.
“He’s been fuck
in’ around with it for a while but she is stubborn as hell,” Triton adds.
“Just like her goddamn sister,” I say.
The guys laugh but when we step outside and see the two of them damn near fucking in the parking lot, we whistle. Rebel flips us off but doesn’t stop what he’s doing.
“Guess that’s the end of that. So, what are we doin’ about the motherfucker who sent out that video?” Ransom asks as he grabs his helmet. I reach for mine too and glance over at him.
“We’re gonna kill that motherfucker next.”
Chapter 16
Leesa
“So you and him are like together together?” Maria asks me again. I giggle and nod.
“Yes. Now stop asking me.”
“You fucked him? Was he good? As hot as I think he is under those clothes?”
I shake my head and refuse to tell her anything about it. She keeps asking but I’m not telling her. That’s personal, and after the shit show with the video Ray sent out, I am determined to keep that aspect of my life private. What’s more, I’m lucky to still have a job. Scot kept silent because he didn’t want the wrath of Neo on him. I have a hunch that Neo might have had a few words with him when I wasn’t around. As far as the people in the club that night, only a few had anything to say and they were quickly escorted out. The club was packed tonight but we stayed busy and that’s what keeps my head right. If I sit around doing nothing, I will no doubt start to think of all the things I have fucked up over the years.
“I’m out of here,” I call over my shoulder as I carry the bag of trash out the back door. I toss the bag in when I hear a voice behind me. Knowing that the club is right next door, I don’t think much of it. That is until he speaks again.
“This is what you’ve been doing?”
I close my eyes and take a deep breath trying to keep myself calm when all I want to do is gouge his eyes out. Turning slowly, I come face to face with Ray.
“What the fuck do you want?” I hiss the words, knowing that he’s here for a reason. I know he didn’t get his last payment since Neo took it.
“You defaulted on your payment. Did you forget?” he, asks cocking his head to the side. I smirk and shake my head.
“You sent the video. You have nothing else on me, Ray. Fuck you,” I snap through gritted teeth. The only choice I have left is to be strong. I can’t do anything else. He’s already sent the video so what difference does it make now?
“You think this is over?” he pushes, stepping closer to me. My heart kicks up a notch as I glance around to see where I can run if I need to.
“Yeah, it’s over. You sent that video out to everyone, Ray! I almost got fired because of you!”
He chuckles but doesn’t stop slowly moving toward me. “That’s what you’re worried about? Getting fired?” His eyes crinkle at the sides when I hear the motorcycle engines getting closer. I smirk knowing it’s the guys coming back to the clubhouse. “I know about your little boyfriend.”
“Then you should know not to fuck with me,” I add, raising an eyebrow. His hand shoots out, locking around my throat.
“You should know me better than that, Leesa. When I want something I go all in. You think that you can get away from me that easily? Slip into another man’s bed? I don’t think so.”
“Leesa? You out here?” I hear Neo calling to me.
Ray smirks before he leans in and presses his lips roughly to mine. I try to pull away but his grip on my throat won’t allow it. I shove at his chest but it’s no use. “What the fuck?” I hear Neo curse as I try to pull away from Ray. He holds tight, never moving his lips from mine even when I try to mumble around them. The sounds of boots hitting the pavement as they walk away breaks my heart. It isn’t until Neo is gone that Ray moves.
“Have a good night, Leesa.” Ray walks away as I take off running.
“Neo!” I scream his name as I round the corner. “Neo!” He stops not far from me, turning to look at me with so much hurt in his eyes. “It was Ray!” I scream as tears fall down my cheeks. Neo cocks his head and studies me for a minute before it all clicks into place. His eyes slowly widen, his nostrils flaring.
“Get inside!” he orders.
I run past him just as he pulls his gun and darts back into the alley. Pulling the clubhouse door open, I rush inside and slam right into someone.
“Slow down. What the fuck?” I look up at Triton and as soon as he sees the tears, he shakes his head. “What happened? Where’s Neo?”
“Ray was out there. He went after him,” I tell him through the sobs.
“Saylor, take her.” Shoving me into Saylor’s arms, he whistles and the guys move. Saylor pulls me closer as we watch them all file out of the building.
“Jesus, are you okay? Did he hurt you?” She asks as I reach up and rub at my throat.
“He tried to choke me.”
“It’s red. It will probably bruise. Come on, let’s go sit and get you some water.” I nod my head and walk along with her until she sits me in a chair. She leaves me there while she goes to the kitchen.
“You okay?” I look up at Piper and nod.
“I’m okay,” I croak out. My throat hurts a bit but it’s not as bad as it could have been.
“This is some crazy shit. I wonder if I should have stayed with Blade,” she giggles.
“I think your brother likes having you around,” I tell her and watch the glow in her eyes. I’ve heard all about them. Saylor pretty much tells me everything there is to know about this place.
“Yeah, it’s nice being here with him and Saylor. I’ll admit I missed the other guys too.” She smiles.
“They all seem pretty great.”
“They are in their own ways. They’re loyal and protective as hell. I can’t even keep a boyfriend with them around.”
“He break up with you?” I ask when Saylor comes back with a water.
“Yep. Didn’t think it would last long with my brother, but I kinda like the new prospect anyway,” she confesses, wiggling her eyebrows.
I giggle and Saylor gasps.
“Mint?” she asks with her eyes narrowed.
“Mint?” I repeat looking at her confused.
“Yeah, they call him Mint. Apparently, he has an obsession with mint gum. He always smells like mints,” Piper chimes in.
I smile and take the water that Saylor gave me, drinking down a big gulp.
“Are you okay?” Saylor asks.
I nod my head yes, but in reality I don’t know. I don’t know what Ray wants from me. He already sent out that video, what more could he want?
The door flies open and the guys all come storming in. They look pissed off, but when I see Neo, he looks even madder. His eyes meet mine for a brief second before he looks to Ransom. He leans in to tell him something and I watch as Ransom nods his head. He turns to walk off with Henley not far behind him. I’m too wrapped up in watching her reaction to him to notice Neo coming up behind me. His hands come down on my shoulders and I jolt.
“He was gone. Couldn’t find him. We’re gonna pull the security feed to see if he was drivin’.”
I nod my head and take another drink of my water when Neo pulls me from the chair. He has his arm around me in seconds, leading me down the hall. He doesn’t stop until we get to his room and are closed inside.
“Thanks for checking,” I say when he spins me and pushes me against the door. His eyes are wild as he lets them roam over my neck. When he leans in and kisses my flesh, I shiver.
“He touched somethin’ that didn’t belong to him,” he whispers against me. I close my eyes and inhale the scent of his cologne, the leather, him.
“I didn’t want him to.”
“I know. And I will kill him for touchin’ you,” he vows softly, his breath dancing over my skin.
“Neo.”
“You’re mine, Leesa. I told you that. I protect what’s mine,” he reminds me. In seconds he lifts me off the floor and carries me to the bed where he lays me down gently. I w
atch him as he pulls his cut down his arms, tossing it to the side before removing his shirt. His muscles flex with each movement and I find it hard to look away. Not that any sane woman would want to.
“I don’t know what the fuck is happenin’ here, darlin’ but I want it all.”
His words burn into my chest. No one has ever talked to me like this before, told me these things. He watches me with interest before I nod my head slowly. That’s all he needed. He moves closer, pulling his jeans off as he comes. I grab the top of my own and slide them down my legs as he watches me.
Chapter 17
Neo
Scrubbing my hand over my face, I sigh. I don’t know what it is about being here that bothers me. I grew up here. It shouldn’t have this effect on me but it does. I lean back against the couch and close my eyes to try to get some sleep but it never comes. Leesa is working. Ransom is bringing her home after her shift and I’m sitting here at my mom’s house trying to get past my own personal demons. It doesn’t work. They are always there. I can feel them in the back of my heart slowly clawing at me. My time overseas, killing people there. My life here. Losing my sister. My mom. It’s a lot to think about, and the fact that I feel guilty for all of it is weighing heavily on me. I shove off the couch when I can’t sleep and head into my mom’s room. Just like when I was younger, she lies there sleeping, a peaceful look on her face.
“Why did I ruin everything? Why didn’t you love me after what happened to her?” I ask when I hear her sigh. Her eyes flutter before opening, her head turning to face me.
“I did love you. I still do, Neo. I blamed myself for her death, not you. I know I pulled away from you but I didn’t want to hurt you either.” Tears slowly fall down her cheeks as I walk over and sit on the edge of the bed. I reach up and wipe the tears.
“I should have been a better son. I should have been around more for you,” I admit with pain lacing my voice.