She snuggled back up under my arm hugging my hand to her stomach. “I can’t speak for anyone else, but I’m pretty sure it’s just you.”
“Me how?” I gripped the wheel wondering if I can get away with keeping her to myself for a few more days.
“Us.” She ran her hand up under my shirt so I returned the favor. She can’t seem to stop touching me in one form or another. Did I create a monster? “I crave touching you. Always have, but of course it’s different now. Before college you were my safe place. Now you’re my happy place too.”
It took me a minute to recover from her words. Violet and I have always had an inexplicable connection. It was forged the day of the accident when her world fell apart. Maybe she saw something of a kinship in my eyes. Losing my wife in the brutal manner that I did left a scar on my face. Not a physical one, but visible all the same.
Slider saved me from myself after burying my wife and child. He pulled me to my feet and slapped his patch on my back. It was the responsibility and not wanting to let him or the club down that kept me from drowning in my own self-pity.
My thoughts reminded me how much older I am than her. “Thirteen years is a lot.”
“Just think, you’ll be one of those old guys with a hot wife in a few years.”
I poked her ribs making her squirm. “Jerk.”
She’s cracking up lightening my suddenly darken mood. Her laugh is something I covet. It should happen more often. The last two weeks have been the best of my life. I’m going to start using some of my vacation time to ensure we get at least a couple weeks alone a year.
About an hour later I pulled us into a driveway I don’t frequent very often. Two or three times a year just to make sure it’s still standing is enough. The back is technically the front. The best part of the house is looking up at the Superstition Mountains.
“Guns? You okay?” The tenderness in her voice got me. I get so used to our usual banter that it’s almost alarming when she’s being sweet to me.
I looked over and let the air out of my lungs. “Yeah, just not sure how I feel about living here.”
“If it’s too much we can go home.”
“No. She wouldn’t have wanted this house to go to waste. She loved it as much as I did.”
“You never say her name.”
“Jeannette, but I called her Jeannie. Feels weird to say that name after all these years.” I confided opening the driver’s door. “Let’s do this. You’re in charge of making a list of the things we need.”
“We can bring all my shit over.” She suggested.
“No. We need our own bed, not your parent’s old bed. I want new everything, or new to us. Start with a bed and appliances. We’ll go from there after that.”
“This is exciting. I’ve never lived anywhere but the feed store and my apartment.”
“You lived in the dorm for a year.”
“Yeah but that was more like glorified camping. This will be the first real house – holy shit.” He stopped short when we reached the kitchen. “Gunner… this is, amazing.”
For the first time many years I actually took in the view. There’s big bay window over the double sink so you can enjoy the view while doing dishes. That was more for me since she cooked and I cleaned.
Violet walked through the dining area where I put in wall to ceiling windows that’s more of an alcove. The few breakfasts we enjoyed here were spectacular. The place is void of all furniture. I burned it all in a furious bonfire two weeks after burying my family.
The living room has one normal sized window to limit the light for watching TV. Once through the living room you come to the main front door. The door Jeannie answered that cost her her life. Past that are three bedrooms, one very small and more of an office or den, and two bathrooms, the master being in the master bedroom that shares the same view as the dining room, only with windows set into a straight wall not set out like a giant bay window.
Once we covered the square footage of the place Violet seemed to be drawn to the back door between the living room and dining area. “Can we go outside?”
“Go anywhere you want, this is your house too now.”
“It’s too big and fancy to be mine. I live in little apartment with no real windows and barely a view.” She turned around when I stepped up behind her. “How are you doing? Is it weird being here?”
“A little. Seeing you here helps. I take it you like?”
That smile gets me in the gut every time. “I love it. Pinch me.”
I pinched her ass a little too hard.
“OW!! Gunner!!” She smacked my arm. “I said pinch me, not take my ass off!”
“You’re not dreaming Violet. I might be.” She grabbed a hunk of my flesh on my arm and twisted. I closed my eyes. “I deserved that.”
“Yes, you did. Come on, we can’t stay here without a bed so we might as well go home. I’ll order pizza and you can help me pack.” Between you and the prospects we should be okay.” I hope.
“We need to buy a bed.” I reminded her taking her hand and pulling her from the house. Enough of this place for today.
Moving back in here won’t be easy. I can feel her ghost. It’s not entirely a bad feeling, but it’s reminding me that other than pure anger I never really mourned her. Violet blames me for her not being able to properly mourn her parents. She’s right. We both have some mourning to do. I’m just not so sure I’m capable of doing it after all these years.
Seems we each need to deal with our demons at some point. Right now the only demon that concerns me is the one that’s doing drive-by’s on her place. I’ve had the place under surveillance for the last two weeks. Just as I figured the Mexican gangster didn’t get over his little cousin having his balls blown off by my old lady.
10
It took two weeks to get a bed. Another two weeks to get the appliances and a couch. Gunner doesn’t think I know about the drive-by’s but I do. We’re not talking about it because there’s no point when neither of us is going to take action. There’s no point. Driving buy giving me dirty looks isn’t exactly a crime. I keep hoping it’ll blow over eventually. I think Gunner knows better.
My renovations didn’t take nearly as long as I expected them to take, but then again I cut some serious corners due to lack of funding. Liah is ready, and we’ve been interviewing so there’s a good chance I’ll have a couple part time inksters floating in and out. Unfortunately I can’t charge for use of the booth unless they get jobs. Us artists are some broke muther fuckers.
Gunner fell over landing his head on my lap looking up. “Alright, what aren’t you telling me? And don’t lie. I can always tell when you’re holding back or lying.”
I ran my fingers through his hair pushing longer than usual locks off his forehead. “You need a haircut.”
“You can do it later. What’s wrong Violet? I know you’re stressing about something, I want to know what.”
I sighed. “The drive-by’s you won’t talk about. It’s been a month. Shouldn’t it have gotten old by now?”
“Yeah, that’s what concerns me. They like to torment people who offend them. It should have died down by now. My guess is the family is pissed off and keeping the fuel on the fire.”
“I’m going to be opening in a few days. I don’t want people seeing him driving by flashing his gun and shit-eating grin. I can’t ask you to do anything, but I don’t know what to do.” There, I finally said it. “I guess I’m asking for your advice.”
“I’m going to take next week off so I can be there.”
“I don’t know, won’t that pick a fight?”
“Nah. I’m going to be taking everything from your steel building (I call it the shed, but evidently sheds aren’t that big) and move it to the house, so I’ll be in and out. I need you to tell me what you want moved out of your dad’s old shop so you can start setting up your antique store.”
I froze then dropped my hand to his chest. “I’m nowhere near ready to start that phase of my p
lan.”
“That’s because you have too much shit in the way and no time to move it.”
“Why is it weird that you should as impatient as I feel for this dream to come true?”
He shrugged picking up my hand to investigate the calluses. I’ve been sanding the cabinets in the kitchen to get them ready for refinishing. “You have a damn good idea. I can see you making a good living off all three venues. You can take care of me so I can retire early.”
I chuckled and tapped the end of his nose. “You’d like that wouldn’t you? Have your young old lady also be you sugah mama?”
“A guy can dream.” He’s teasing me now with eyes that are turning dark green. I know what that means.
“You’re okay with the guys knowing I make more money than you?”
“Hell yeah. Imagine the envy.” He rolled me under him and that was the end of that conversation.
My first appointments were to fix club ink gone wrong. They guys tipped pretty well so it worked out well enough monetarily. It also helped that when people came in to check us out we were actually working. Three people made appointments the first day. One with Liah and two with me.
My new friend, Emilio Juarez drove by especially slow when he saw the bikes parked out front. If this keeps up a war is inevitable.
Gunner set the alarm and joined me in the kitchen. “I hate to tell you this babe, but I’m going to need you to shut down shop for a bit. Emilio is going too far. I talked to Slider today. He agrees we need to act.”
“I’m not shutting down. I won’t cower for that fucker. You want to start a war, fine. Leave me out of it.”
He set his chin on top of my head and wrapped his arms around my middle from behind me. “Sorry, but you’re kind of the cause. Actually, he’s the cause. Him and his family. I want you on lockdown at the club until this is over.”
“Nope. You can bring the club to protect me, I won’t cower.”
Gunner reached past me and turned off the water before spinning me around by the hips. “I’m not asking Violet. Just because you’re my old lady now doesn’t mean you can ignore me when I tell you do something.”
“I’m not ignoring you, I’m not taking your order because I don’t want to. Emilio’s beef is with me. I’ll confront him tomorrow and see if we can come to some kind of understanding. Maybe some free ink will help settle the score and save his pride. He won’t shoot me in broad daylight on my turf.” I tried to reason with him.
The problem with reasoning with Gunner, is there is no reasoning with Gunner. When he gives an order people always follow it. For me to defy him is something entirely new, for both of us.
“Don’t look at me like that.” I said after a few seconds as he clenched his jaw. “And don’t you make a move against Emilio until after I talk to him. This is my conflict, not yours. Not until I run out of moves anyway.”
“No. You’ll do what I tell you.” He insisted.
“Or what? What are you going to do Gunner? Tie me up and throw me in the closet??”
“Don’t tempt me.” He backed away and snatched his phone off the kitchen table. Less than a minute later he put the phone on speaker and held it out between us. “Sorry to bother you boss, but my old lady seems to think she doesn’t have to take orders from me. I’m hoping you’ll have better luck.”
“Violet?” Slider asked through the phone.
“Yes sir?”
“What’s going on?”
“I want to talk to Emilio before you take action on my behalf. As much as I appreciate your support and backing on this, I can’t let you start a war over this.”
“Did you shoot that guy in the nuts on purpose?” Why does everyone keep asking me this??
“Yes sir.”
“Why?”
“Because assholes like that shouldn’t be allowed to breed.”
He laughed as Gunner rolled his eyes. “You sound like Gunner.”
“Look, Emilio obviously doesn’t feel like he’s gotten proper retribution for his cousin’s loss. All I’m asking is the chance to talk to him one more time. If we can’t work it out then you can do whatever you see fit.”
“I do that anyway. Violet, we don’t take kindly to our old ladies taking a slap in the face. It’s a slap in our face as well. By not taking action you’re making us look weak.” Slider explained.
“By not taking action you look like mature adults, not school yard thugs.” I corrected. “Sorry, that was disrespectful, but true nonetheless. Emilio is the leader of a bullshit gang that gets off on bullying women. He knows his cousin was wrong to chase me into my house, but he can’t see past his pride to let it go. Let me talk to him. I have an idea that might put things right between us.”
“What is it?”
“I’m still working on it, but if it works out you’ll be the second to know. Can you do me a favor and keep your guys away from the studio tomorrow? I don’t want him to get itchy trigger finger thinking I’m setting him up for an ambush.”
Slider exhaled fiercely. “You’re taking a huge risk here Violet. Gunner already lost one old lady. What do you think this will do to him if he loses you?”
“Like I told Gunner, he’s not going to kill me in broad daylight on my own turf. All I’m asking for one chance to prevent a war. I don’t know how big this guy’s gang is, but I’m pretty damn sure you don’t want to risk your guys anymore than I want you to.”
“I don’t like this, but… if you can turn water into wine I’ll have Salina patch you in. You get until tomorrow night. Call me immediately after you speak to him. I’ll have someone nearby in case shit goes wrong, but they won’t act unless absolutely necessary. Oh and Violet?”
“Yes sir?”
“You’re going to make one hell of president’s wife one day. Let’s make sure you live long enough to prove me right.”
“I’ll do my best sir. Thank you.”
“Yeah you better. Gunner?”
“Right here boss.” Gunner replied giving me the dirtiest look I’ve ever gotten from him.
“Keep your distance, but don’t take your eyes off our girl. Take Goat and Joe with you, and make sure Violet is armed with a gun and a knife. Don’t let her go in defensiveless.”
“I don’t like this Slider. Not one fucking bit. I should be the one doing the talking, not my wife.” Gunner is still glaring at me.
“Normally I would agree, but unfortunately Violet is right. Not only that but if I’m going to be leaving my empire to you two idiots I need to know you can handle it.” His tone lightened but it didn’t help lessen the glare I’m getting. “Keep me informed. I want to know the second the meeting starts and the second it’s over. Got it?”
“Yeah sure, no problem. Thanks boss.”
“Relax Guns. If Emilio really wanted a war he’d have done something to start one by now. I’m thinking Violet is right. This is about pride. From his perspective Violet’s little scare isn’t worth his cousin’s nuts. Oh, and speaking of which Violet?”
“Yes sir?”
“Next time shoot to kill. Don’t shoot a dude’s nuts off. That shit gives me the willy’s.”
I laughed then immediately covered my mouth my hand as Gunner tilted his glare at me in a way that tells me I’m in for it when he hangs up the phone. “Sorry.”
“I’ll call you tomorrow brother.” Gunner held his finger over the red icon waiting for Slider to get the last word.
“You better. Goodnight kids.” Slider disconnected first so Gunner just had to put the phone back on the table.
I ran to the bedroom only to get caught by the arm before I could lock myself in the bathroom. “Be nice!!” I ordered putting my finger in his face.
“I don’t do nice.” He grabbed my right wrist and twisted it up between us as he got in my face. “I think it’s time for you to learn your place.”
I snorted and pushed up on my toes daring him to try. “Let me guess, you’re just the man to do it?”
He turned and backed me
to the open door. “You know I’d never hurt you, right?”
“Duh.”
“I’m about to hurt you.” He closed in kissing me so hard it did hurt. He bit instead of nipped. He tore at my clothes before impaling me against the door. When the pain subsided I let go of his ears and noticed the door is making one hell of a racket backing against the wall.
“Bed… please. This door… is annoying.”
He shifted and walked me to the bed with his eyes on mine. “You okay?”
“Took me a minute, but yeah. I’m good.”
“Think you can take a little more punishment?”
“I can handle you Gunner.” I assured him wondering if I’ll walk again when he’s through.
“Once in a while I’m going to need this. Don’t read too much into it.” He lowered us onto the bed with me underneath him.
“You need to blow off some steam. I get it. Just make sure I’m the only one you blow off steam with. If that changes you need to be honest with me.”
“Stop telling the men in your life what to do and roll over.” He pretended to scold me. I know that certain faint sparkle in his eyes and rolled over. “Lift up on all fours. You might want to grab that pillow to bite. I’m not going to hold back.”
“Okay, but if I yell mercy you have to stop because that means something’s really wrong.”
He massaged my rear and lower back as he got in position. “I know you well enough it’ll never come to that.”
I hugged the pillow as he pushed back inside me. “Which is better? My head down like this?” I pushed up on my hands and looked back at him over my shoulder. “Or like this?”
“Both work for me. Do what you like.” He reached up and tugged on my hair. “Don’t let me scare you. Someday you’ll get the need for a good hard fuck.”
“Will you just focus and have your fun already??”
He shot me a mock dirty look then gripped my hips and went to town.
My punishment lasted a lot longer than I expected. Once again I saw a side of the man I love I didn’t know existed. I expected him to get lost in his own thoughts, like maybe he was reliving his past and the choices therein. Instead he was completely focused on me.
Violet's Guns: Book 9 of Colson Brothers Series Page 11