“Years. I figured you might need it at some point to get through school. Obviously you didn’t. Get your new color, one you like. You can’t open this place right if you don’t like it.” He shoved his wallet back in his jeans pocket and stormed back down to the kitchen.
My brain is on loop. Gunner’s a Colson?? What the fuck?? I ran after him. “Why the big secret?? I don’t understand.”
He offered me a beer. “I can’t tell you anymore than you already know without Slider’s permission.”
“Then call him.” I picked up his phone and dialed.
“Hey, no.” He reached for it but I spun out.
“Hey Guns, what’s up?” Slider answered quickly.
“Hey Slider, it’s Violet. We’re fine, but I have some questions.”
“Ask C.W.” He ordered.
“C.W. I like it. Why is he hiding his last name?”
“I have my reasons. Can I trust you to keep this to yourself?”
“Of course. I just want to know why.” I insisted.
“He there?”
“Here boss.” Gunner replied stealing the phone and grabbing my hair to keep me from escaping.
“Go ahead, tell her. Then you better marry her ass.” He disconnected.
I turned feeling him pull my hair. “You don’t have to marry me. Just stop lying to me.” I begged.
He yanked my head back just hard enough to get in my face. “You ever do that again I’ll-“
“What? Kill me? Spank me? Beat me up? Seriously Gunner, I love you, but don’t make threats we both know you can’t carry out. It’s insulting.” I tried to bite his nose but he jumped back and let go. I almost fell on my ass but grabbed the counter just in time.
“Goat will never inherit the club like most VP’s do. I will. Goat will always be VP, even mine when the time comes.” He found the bottle of Jack over the fridge and poured us a couple drinks.
“I don’t understand the ruse.”
“Simple. If Slider dies and Goat takes over like everybody thinks, then the Colson legacy dies with Slider. If our enemies thought we had it all lined up like we do, we’d all be dead.” He downed three fingers then went back for more.
“You set this up with Slider when your wife died, didn’t you?”
“It was a collaborative plan, but yes, not long after.” He looked up at me. “I can’t put you in the same crosshairs as Slider’s put Salina.”
I downed my two fingers and slid him the tumbler for more. “Who says you have a choice?”
“What does that mean?” He asked pouring me two more.
“You really think you can run that club without me?”
He set the bottle down too hard and closed his eyes. “Violet. Don’t do that.”
“It’s already done. We knew from the day of that fucking accident we’d never walk a mile apart again. Deny it all you want. Play your fucking games. But just step back and look at what’s happened in the last few days since I’ve been home.”
“I just nee-“
“Don’t. Don’t fucking lie to me, and don’t lie to yourself. We both know what this is. I will tell you one thing though.” I downed the next two fingers and set the glass in the sink.
“What?”
I looked him right in the eye. “Your secrets are safe with me. And when you’re done being an idiot, I’ll be right here. Just don’t wait too long. I really don’t like cats.”
***
Vixen.
That’s what her road name should be.
Vixen. Purple streaked pain in my ass vixen.
If she hadn’t just made me the most delicious dinner ever I might not be so pliable. Vixen. She knows what she’s doing to me.
She handed me the remote. “I’m going to take a shower.”
“Want some company?”
“Depends. Can you be loyal? Or are you going to fuck everything between here and Seattle on every job?”
I pinched my nose and set the remote down. She’s not playing fair. Loyalty to her is no problem. Painting a target on her back, is the problem.
After a minute I got up and shed my clothes on the way to her shower.
She jumped when I threw the curtain aside. “Gunner!!!”
“That’s my name.” I grabbed her face trying to avoid looking at her wet naked curves and kissed her until she melted in my arms, which didn’t take long.
My hands went everywhere to claim, then back to memorize. The water ran cold as I grabbed her and put her back to the tile wall. I know I’m getting carried away but I can’t stop. I don’t want to stop. Violet is mine. I know she’s mine. I need to make her mine in every way. I need to know if she really is a virgin.
If she is I’m in real trouble. I already know I’m going to ruin this poor woman, but to take her virginity is a huge responsibility. She deserves better. She deserves romance, and here I am ready to take her right here and now up against the wall of this shower.
Pain shot through my lip forcing me to back off. “Ow. Fuck Violet. What was that for?”
She’s panting with her hand on her chest. “I- couldn’t- breathe.”
I drew my fingertips away to find blood. “Did you have to bite me??”
“Yes- you- wouldn’t- stop.” She really is out of breath. What have I done?
“Did you tell me to stop? Did you try pushing me away first??”
She nodded emphatically. “Yes. You’re too strong.”
I slammed the water off as it ran cold down my side. “Sorry.” I turned grabbing a towel and shoved it at her before leaving the shower and that bathroom. “Fuck!!”
Then I struggled entirely too much trying to pull my jeans on over wet legs. “Fuck fuck fuck!!” I sat hard on the bed and raked my hair off my forehead. As I looked up I caught her standing there in just that towel. “Put some clothes on.” I barked.
“Don’t snap at me Gunner. Or should I say CW?”
I looked at her for a full ten seconds. “Gunner. That’s all I answer to.”
She looked away then blinked before making her way to the closet. “I told you this was a bad idea.”
I fell back finally able to fix my jeans. “You throwing me out?”
“Grow up Gunner.” She sniffled so I know I’ve made her cry. “You know what I need if you stay. If you can’t give me that then you need to make the decision to leave on your own. If you stay knowing full well you’re going to break my heart then you’re just being a dick.”
The door at the top of the stairs slammed hard twice. It bounced because it’s flimsy as shit. I ran my hands over my face. “Shit.” Of course she’s right. Shit or get off the pot Colson.
I sat up, grabbed a fresh shirt, then headed down to see if Violet’s okay.
She’s standing out back with a full glass of red wine. As usual she sensed me before I made a sound. “That wasn’t fair of me. You can stay as long as you want.”
I rested my hands on her shoulders and started to massage the tension away. After a few minutes I knew what I needed to say, just not how.
“I don’t want to be Salina anyway.”
“Stop it.” I kissed the top of her head. “Only God wants to be Salina.”
She shook with silent laughter. “True.”
“We have a problem Violet.”
“No. You have a problem. I have a business to get started.” She argued turning around to look up at me with those big brown eyes. “My home is your home, but we won’t be sleeping together anymore. I’m fine in my room, you keep the big bed.” She stepped around me heading back to the lobby.
“Violet.” I turned hoping she’d reconsider. “Don’t.”
She ignored me taking the bottle with her.
***
I haven’t seen much of Gunner for the last few days, and when I do he gives me some seriously dirty looks. The first few were unsettling. Now I smile because he’s adorable when he’s pouting.
He obviously has no idea what to do with me. It’s kind of funny, but he needs to
get over it already. I used his credit card for the paint because that first color really did look like shit. Now the lobby is a nice deep red that carries over into the parlor. I painted the long wall behind the register and counters an off white, Latte I think it’s called, so we don’t drown in the deep red.
I stepped outside to clear my visual palate and take a break before dragging everything outside to start on the floors. They need pressure washing, treated, then sealed. I’m considering laying down some artwork first, and have a pretty good idea what I want to do, but I’m running out of time. I can’t afford to wait two months.
If I make it another three weeks without income it’ll be a miracle. Time to call in the troops. The first and foremost is my lifetime girlfriend Liah. We met and bonded in third grade art class. We took similar paths to become tattoo artists after that. Her parents are rich so she went to school back east. We keep in touch so I know she’s home for the summer.
I sent her a text to call me, which she did right away. “Hey hooker! How goes the renovations?”
“Expensive as fuck. Want a part time job that pays shit?”
“I thought you’d never ask. When do I start?”
“Any time you’re ready. I still have to do the floors, but we can start taking customers next week if you want. Hopefully they won’t mind the mess as I still have a lot to do.”
“I like the new color better. Want some help with the floors? I gotta get out from under my parents before they drive me nuts.” She begged. Liah has stopped by a few times since graduation. She made me laugh when she said the graduation ceremony was dry and boring.
“Oh my god, I’d be grateful for the company if nothing else. Gunner is in and out acting like a temper tantrum riddled three year old.” I laughed.
“Good thing he’s cute.” She echoed my sentiments exactly.
Then again, “Not so sure cute is the right word. Asshole probably suits him better.”
“Is he there now?”
“Nah, he’s at work, I think. He’s not speaking to me, just dirty looks that are starting to crack me up. Hey, can you bring wine? I’d have to change clothes in order to go out to the store.”
“Already raiding the rent’s bar. See you in twenty.”
I felt a ton of stress lift off my shoulders. “I love you.”
“Love you too sis.” We disconnected and I decided it was time for a celebratory joint. My best friend is coming to help. I’m not sure if I’m more grateful for her help or the company she’ll provide. I can be myself with Liah. We never run out of things to talk about.
About halfway through my joint Gunner pulled up on his huge dark red Harley. That’s when I realized the color I chose matched his bike. Whoops. That wasn’t on purpose, but I like it.
He dismounted and walked over to sniff the smoke in the air. “Shitty Mexican dirt weed.”
“No money for the good stuff. This mean you’re speaking to me again?”
He took my wrist that’s holding the joint and turned it to take a hit. The feel of his lips on my fingertips brought back the shower incident the other day in full force. Great, now I’m wet. My whole body tingles now. Wow.
He exhaled the smoke keeping his eyes on mine. “Both your AC units are shot. New ones arrive tomorrow along with the installers. I can’t afford you and an apartment, so you’re stuck with me as a roommate. Move your ass back into our bedroom. Enough with this bullshit.” He walked past me inside to the lobby.
I followed. “You started this bullshit.”
“Don’t argue with me Violet.” He disappeared around the corner through the parlor and into the kitchen presumable for the whiskey, of which there is none. I finished it off last night in a last ditch effort to sleep.
I decided not to follow him this time and started dragging shit out front and over to the metal building my parents put up shortly before the accident. When dad tried to start a repair ship in the area I want to turn into an antique store, my parents moved all its contents, our personal belongings, to the building along with their bikes.
I’d spent a good part of last night moving things around to make room for the couch, coffee table, foosball table, counters and chairs so I can stain and seal the now bare concrete floors. If I have the energy to work when we open it’ll be a miracle.
Gunner reappeared as I leaned in trying to swing the heavy leather couch around and line it up with the door. “This should be entertaining.”
“Don’t just stand there, help me.” I just realized I need help. Liah is coming, so if Gunner decides to be a prick and leave me to my own devices I’ll survive. He won’t.
He didn’t. He climbed over the couch and knelt to pick up the other end. “Use your knees.”
“Don’t you usually say ‘on your knees’?” I almost fell over at the look on his face. “Lighten up Guns. You really do need to get laid. I know that pained look on your face. You used to get it all the time years ago.”
He lifted his end of the couch. “Just lift the goddamned couch.”
It took some doing, more on my part than his, but we got the giant couch into the shed.
On the way back to the old feed store my parents had renovated into a tattoo parlor and their home I said, “If you can help me with the display cabinets I can get the rest.”
“The floor is going to have to dry overnight before you can stain it. When you’re done we need to talk.”
“Liah is coming over to help. To be honest I was kind of looking forward to some girl time. No offense, but your cryptic bullshit is getting old. I need a break.” I walked around to the end of the first cabinet. “We can talk tomorrow night if you’re still so inclined.”
“Don’t mock me Violet.” He snapped before we carried the two heavy as fuck cabinets out to the shed.
“I got the rest.” Liah pulled up and waved. I waved back.
Gunner caught my arm with one hand and my jaw with the other. I can’t see his eyes behind mirrored aviators, but I know his eyes are drilling hard into mine. “I’m supposed to protect you, not paint a fucking target on your back.”
I wrapped my hand around his wrist. “I’m not asking anything of you Gunner. Do whatever you want, but I’m not going to let you jerk me around while you try to figure it out. I’m stronger than that. You’re the one that always said weakness disgusts you. As much as I love you, you won’t be playing me like you do your little sluts. Now let go so I can get back to work.”
He dropped his grip on my jaw. “I don’t play women. They know exactly what I can give, and not give.”
“So do I, which is why you need to get your mind right. You’re either all in, or all out. Now if you’ll excuse me I have a floor to clean.” I left him just outside the lobby door to find Liah waiting inside.
She looked up from the register. “Everything okay?”
“Yeah, he’s just off his nut lately. Ever since I got home he doesn’t know what to do with himself.” She already knows all this, but I’m in the mood to vent. “Let’s get some wine before we move the last of this crap and start on these floors. Gunner says they have to dry overnight, so we should be done before too long.”
“What do you think about me renting a booth from you? I could work the summer before I head out to California.” She already has a job offer in California, but the guy isn’t leaving until the end of the summer.
“You sure??” I poured us a couple glasses of wine. “I won’t charge you though.”
She tapped her glass to mine. “Commission then. I have to pay you something. It’ll be good practice for me.”
“Whatever. I’m just happy you’ll be here.” We drank to our new deal then got to work.
6
Liah and I worked hard. We took turns scrubbing and washing, washing and scrubbing. It was exhausting work, but fun because we drank wine and danced to really loud music along the way. I called her a cab, locked up, and went to crash out on my bed.
I opened the door at the top of the stairs that opens
into the apartment I spent most of my childhood with my parents. We have separate rooms but share one bathroom. They used to have a table and chairs in their room while I was in high school so we could play late night card games or have impromptu family meetings, usually over brownies or root beer floats.
Now there’s a pottery table and chair. My mother had taken some classes and was dabbling with making three-dimensional art of some sort. I think she was going to start with vases and work her way up to more abstract art. I’m not sure because she died before I took a real interest in her latest hobby.
I flipped on the light to my old room and blinked twice. “What are you doing in here?”
He acted like I’d just rudely woken him up and blinked one eye open at a time at me. “Thought I told you to get your shit and move back into our room.”
“I’m too tired for this shit Gunner. Get out.” I pointed to the door.
He sat up and reached over grabbing my hand and pulling me between his knees. “I need you to listen very carefully.”
I should know better than to get trapped in those green eyes. Because he seduced me too easily I decided to annoy him by scratching the short whiskers on his face. “Then you should probably catch me tomorrow when I haven’t been drinking all afternoon.” I suggested looking down at his kissable neck in hopes he can’t see the fact that I want to be back in his arms so bad it aches.
His hands fit over my hips as he spoke in that deep voice that kind of sounds like Joe is you’re not used to the subtle differences. “I shouldn’t be thinking about you the way I do.”
“Welcome to my world.”
“It’s different for me. I’m thirteen years older than you. When I took you in you were still a kid.” He closed his eyes and dropped his head back as if enjoying me playing in his whiskers.
“I thought you hated this.” Rule number one with Gunner, don’t touch the scruff.
“I’m going to have to teach you to defend yourself. People are going to figure out we’re together eventually.”
I snorted earning an open eye and a raised eyebrow. “What??”
Violet's Guns: Book 9 of Colson Brothers Series Page 6