by Nicole James
“Not real busy,” Cole observed.
Marty shook his head. “This time of day, all I get in are the painters and drywall installers. Apparently, they knock off early.” He nodded toward the four guys in the back at the pool table. “They’ve been here since two.”
Cole nodded. “Mind if I close the place for about half an hour. Meeting someone here in about fifteen minutes.” He slapped a fifty dollar bill on the bar top. “Make it worth your while.”
Marty’s eyes fell to the bill. “Yeah, sure. You want me to run ‘em off?” He nodded toward the men at the pool table in back.
“Yeah, thanks. I’ll get the front door.”
Crash watched as Cole walked over to the front door and flipped the open sign to the closed side. He paused, one hand on the doorframe, watching the street. Hearing the backdoor open, he twisted, looking over his shoulder. Crash followed the line of his gaze. The four drywall guys were walking out. Marty locked the door, turned, and nodded. Cole returned his attention to the street, dipping his head to look through the glass.
Crash wondered why Cole was even bothering with this girl, but then he figured Angel had something to do with that. Crash had to admit, this girl had brains. She was smart enough to use Angel to get Cole to do her bidding. And by the tension around Cole’s mouth, Crash figured Cole knew her angle, and he wasn’t too happy about it. Crash walked over, handing him his glass. “Here you go, brother.”
He watched as Cole took it and downed a sip, his eyes scanning the street. Dog joined them at the plate-glass window. They watched the workers’ crew-cab pickup pull out of the lot to the right.
“Last time I met Shannon here, she was early. I figure she’ll be here any minute. When she gets here, I want you to keep an eye on the street,” he instructed, turning to Dog. “She’s worried this guy is following her.”
Dog nodded. “Right.”
Crash scoped out the street. “It’ll be easy to spot him from here. There’s no parking on the street. He’d either have to pull in here, or that chicken place over there.” He nodded to the fast food place across the street and half a block down.
“Yeah.” Cole’s eyes went to the chicken place. It was almost deserted. Only two cars were in the lot. A moment later, Cole was straightening, his body coming alert as his eyes tracked a cab pulling into the lot. “Here she is.”
Crash’s eyes moved to the cab and watched as a tall slim blonde stepped out. He’d met her briefly, years ago, but he barely remembered what she looked like. He’d remembered she was a knockout blonde, but he hadn’t really been able to place her features when Cole had told him about this meet. He thought she’d been about twenty then, which put her around twenty-six now.
Cole opened the door for her as she approached the entrance lugging a wheeled overnight bag with her.
Crash was stunned by her beauty as he took in the whole package.
She had on a short-sleeved sweater dress in a soft cashmere that hugged her slender curves and fell about four inches short of her knee. It was the color of buckskin and set off the beautiful blonde color of her hair that fell to the tip of her breast. The V-neck dipped just low enough to show a bit of cleavage while still being classy. His eyes skated down the length of her long shapely legs set off perfectly by the nude colored four inch stiletto pumps she wore. An obviously expensive slouchy handbag of soft, supple golden leather was slung over her shoulder. As his eyes ran over her, Crash had a hard time deciding which was her best feature, her legs, her tits or her ass.
And then she pulled off her designer sunglasses and Crash was lost in her crystal blue eyes. And there was no doubt in his mind. Those eyes were by far her best feature. They were large, tilted at a seductive angle and set off by perfectly arched brows. He had to admit, if he was her ex-boyfriend, he’d have a hard time letting this gorgeous woman go, too.
“Holy fuck,” Crash heard Red Dog whisper from behind him. He gave Dog a swift elbow to the solar plexus and heard an “Umph” just as Shannon’s gaze swung to him. If he’d thought her eyes were beautiful before, it was nothing to how stunning they were when they looked straight into his. Of course, the effect was kind of ruined when she rolled her eyes as if dismissing the men with Cole and returned her attention to him.
Cole closed the door and threw the bolt. “Shannon.”
“Cole, thank you for seeing me.”
He nodded, then ducked his head and glanced out the window. “So, if this ex of yours was following you, what kind of car would he be in?”
Her eyes moved from Cole, to the window and back. “I was careful. I left my car at one side of the mall and called a cab to pick me up on the other side. I don’t think he followed me.”
Crash watched Cole’s head drop and his eyes bore into her. It was a look that had put the fear of God into more than one man. “Shannon, what car?” he repeated.
Her chin came up and her head tilted to the side in an arrogant pose, as if she wasn’t going to let him intimidate her. But Crash also saw her swallow before she replied, and he’d bet Cole had picked up on the telltale sign as well.
“Probably a black SUV.”
Cole’s gaze swung to Dog, who nodded and moved to the window to take up watch. Then he lifted his chin at Crash, signaling for him to follow Cole. He turned back to Shannon. “You dump your phone, too?” he asked, leading her to a booth.
She nodded, wheeling her bag behind her and sliding into the booth. “I left it in my car.”
“Good.” Cole slid onto the seat opposite Shannon.
Crash pulled up a barstool and leaned his ass back against it, his arms folded. From this position, he towered over Shannon and a smile pulled at his mouth as she slid a glance up at him. It was easy to see, she didn’t like having to look up at him.
Cole nodded toward the bag on the floor. “Babe, tell me you didn’t pack a bag before you left the house. That’d be a major red flag.”
“Give me some credit, please.”
Cole raised his eyebrows, waiting for an explanation.
She huffed out a breath. “I picked up the bag and some necessities at the mall. If I’m going to hide out, I’ll need a few things.”
Crash looked over at Cole and asked with a grin, “Is this what they mean by ‘high-maintenance’?”
Cole grinned back. “Yeah, I think she’d be the definition.”
If looks could kill, Crash thought as Shannon swung an icy glare his way.
“Which mall?” Cole asked, drawing her attention back to him.
“Santana Row.”
Crash let out a whistle. “High class.”
“I wasn’t speaking to you, was I?” Shannon sneered at him.
“Look, bitch-” Crash came off his barstool, his arms unfolding as he stepped toward her.
Cole stopped him with a raised hand and a look. Then his eyes returned to her. “Watch it, Shannon. You’re the one asking for a favor here. I can walk out that door.”
“Can we talk, just the two of us?” she asked, giving Crash a glare.
“No,” Cole replied.
“Bet that’s not a word you’re used to, is it, princess?” Crash taunted with a smirk.
Her chin came up, and Crash could practically see her eyes ice over with a glacial freeze. He grinned, enjoying putting her in her place. “It’s a word you’re gonna be hearing a fuck of a lot in the near future. So, get used to it, sweetheart.”
“Let’s cut to the chase. Tell me what we’re dealing with here, Shannon. And I’ll decide if I can help you or not. When did you breakup with this guy?”
After another glare at Crash, she returned her eyes to Cole and her demeanor changed. Back to the little miss innocent, Crash observed. Jesus, did she think she could play him? Cole would see through that in a New York minute.
“I’ve tried to break it off with him and…well, he just won’t take no for an answer. And, now…now he seems to know every move I make. He knows where I’ve been, who I’ve seen, who I’ve talked on the phone
with. And, well, frankly, he’s starting to scare me, Cole.”
Crash watched her bite her lip, and he knew she was holding something back. He knew Cole would see it, too. He was damn good at reading people.
Cole remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
“He’s leaving for Europe for the summer in a few weeks. If I can just avoid him until then, Cole, I’m sure I’ll be fine.”
“This kid’s got some rich parents, too, I take it?”
“Yes, something like that.”
“And the police? Your father? They can’t help you?”
“He’s crazy, Cole. He threatened to hurt me or my family if I go to the police.”
“Threatened you? Outright?”
“Well, not in so many words, they were more like veiled threats, but I know that’s what he wanted me to think.”
Crash watched her body language, listened to the tone of her voice. On this, now, she was telling the truth. At least the fear he sensed in her was real. Very real. She’d actually started to tremble. Oh, it wasn’t that noticeable, but he’d picked up on it. He knew Cole probably had as well.
“And what could the police really do for me, anyway? File a report? Even a restraining order-”
Crash cut her off, interjecting, “A restraining order wouldn’t do shit. If he wants at her, police aren’t going to stop him.” His words were for Cole, but he held Shannon’s eyes as he said them.
Cole’s eyes cut to Crash and then returned to Shannon. “What about hiring a personal bodyguard? Your father’s loaded.”
“My father likes him. He wants us together. He thinks it’s a perfect match. I can’t figure out why. He somehow wormed his way into my father’s graces.” She shook her head. “Anyway, my father thinks I’m overreacting.”
“Are you?” Cole snapped.
She shook her head. “No, Cole. I swear. Please help me. I don’t know who else to turn to.”
Crash studied her. The fear was there again, but it was mixed with a hint of desperation now. And she’d have to be desperate and out of options, if she thought an MC was her only option, but Crash had a feeling that may be the only honest thing she’d said.
Cole looked up at Crash as if he could read his mind. Then he looked back at Shannon. “Give us a minute, darlin’,” he said and not waiting for a reply, he slid from the booth. With a jerk of his chin, he motioned for Crash to follow him.
They went out the front door, and Cole lit up a cigarette. Blowing out the smoke, he turned to Crash. “I’m not getting the whole truth. She’s hiding something. I can feel it.”
“She’s a woman. Chicks are experts at keeping shit from men. I think it’s in their DNA. Must be something attached to the X chromosome. The lie-to-your-man G-nome.”
Cole rolled his eyes. “Can you be serious?”
“I’m always serious. I’m serious as a heart attack. What are you talking about?”
“Right.”
“Look, yeah, she’s hiding something. They all are. And you won’t have a clue what it is until it bites you in the ass. Get used to it.”
Cole shook his head. “I don’t have to get used to it.”
“You gonna stand there and pretend Angel didn’t keep shit from you?” They both knew the truth on that one.
Cole took a hit off his cigarette, squinting down the street. “Well, I can’t bring this shit to the club. We’re not in the Goddamn protection business. And I sure as hell am not bringing her home.”
Crash let out a laugh. “Christ. Angel would adopt her in ten seconds flat.”
“Exactly. So what the fuck am I gonna do with her?” He shook his head. “I dump her in a hotel, she’s gonna be as unprotected as she is now.”
Crash studied Cole, looked back toward the bar, and then down the street and said casually, “I guess I could take her.”
“You?” Cole snorted, disbelievingly.
Crash’s eyes returned to him. “Yeah, me. You got another solution?”
“You sure? She’s a spoiled princess, and we’ve both seen her bitchy side before. She gave you a taste of it not five minutes ago.”
“Maybe I can do something about that. Give her a taste of life on the other side of the wrought-iron fence she’s been living behind.”
Cole’s eyebrows rose. “She’d be a handful. Sure you want to sign up for that?”
“Have you looked at her?”
Cole grinned. “Point taken.”
“Besides, I could use somebody to do my laundry and clean up around the place.”
“You’re delusional if you think you’re gonna turn that spoiled princess into your personal maid.”
“Want to put your money where your mouth is?”
“Hundred bucks says not only doesn’t she clean up after you, but she has you waiting on her by the end of this.”
“You’re on.”
Cole chuckled. “Let me lay out the terms to her. I’m gonna enjoy the look on her face.”
“Sure.”
“Well, I’ll give her a ride to your place. You take her bag, and-”
“I got her.”
“You got her?”
“Yeah.”
“Crash, you’re running a solo seat,” Cole said, pointing out the obvious.
“She’ll ride the fender.”
“You’re shittin’ me, right?”
“Nope.”
“Crash, you live in fucking Oakland.”
“Know where I live, Cole.”
“It’s forty miles.”
“Yep.”
Cole grinned. “You even got foot pegs?”
“I got those long bolts I put on.” Crash grinned.
“You did see the fucking ridiculous shoes she’s wearin’, right?”
“You worry too much.”
Cole shrugged. “Okay. It’s your face she’s gonna scratch off.”
“By the time I get her home, she’s not gonna sit for a week.”
“Plan to hit a few potholes on the way?”
“You know it.”
Cole shook his head. “Payback for her smart mouth?”
“Payback’s a bitch,” Crash grinned.
“Yeah, and she can be one, too. You may be spending a couple of weeks together. You really want to start it off this way?”
“She needs a lesson. I’m only too happy to give her one.”
“Alright, brother. I hope you got this.”
“I got this.”
Cole looked over at him with a doubtful expression.
“Just leave me your extra helmet, and get that bag of hers.”
“I’ll drop it by tomorrow.” Cole tossed his cigarette, and they headed back inside. He slid back into the booth, folded his arms, and leaned his elbows on the table. “Here’s the deal, Shannon. I think you’re holding something back from me. I don’t believe I’m getting the whole story.”
Crash watched her expression. Yeah, there was definitely more to her story.
Cole continued, “And I don’t like the fact you used my wife to get to me. Way you went about that, babe? Not good. I don’t want my family dragged into the middle of your shit.”
Crash watched the hope almost deflate right out of her. He was sure Cole saw it, too.
“That said, I don’t tolerate men terrorizing women. So, we’ll give you a place to lay low for a while.”
“Really?”
“But you stay on my terms.”
“Of course. Anything.”
“Don’t be so eager, darlin’. You haven’t heard them yet,” Crash advised.
She looked at him and swallowed.
Cole drew her attention back to him. “You’ll be staying with Crash.”
“Crash?” She looked back at him.
He grinned at her like the cat that ate the canary.
“He’ll be responsible for keeping you safe. You’ll do whatever he says, you understand?”
“You’re joking.”
“Nope. And it’s not gonna be a free ride. Yo
u’ll cook, clean, and do his laundry to pay him back for his time.”
“I have money. I pulled out cash, like you said. I was able to get five thousand. That should cover any expenses I have until this blows over, and pay for his time.”
Cole nodded towards Crash. “You’ll give that money over to him.”
“All of it?”
“All of it. Now.”
“But, I’ll need it if I have to buy something.”
“You need something, you ask Crash. If you really need it, he’ll get it for you.”
“You have got to be kidding me? Every time I want some of my own money, I have to ask him for it?”
“Yep.”
“Forget it! I’m not doing that.”
“Then there’s the door, darlin’. Walk.”
“But…Cole, I can’t.”
“Make up your mind, Shannon. We help you, it’s on my terms.”
She rolled her eyes.
“Yes or no, Shannon, what’s it gonna be?”
Her eyebrows shot up, and she bit out, “Okay. Fine.”
The corners of Crash’s mouth pulled up. Oh, it was anything but fine, judging by her tone and body language. Obviously, his VP saw it, too.
Cole leaned forward. “Piece of advice, babe. Lose the attitude.”
Shannon folded her arms and leaned back against the seat. Crash could tell it was costing her dearly to sit there and say nothing in response.
Cole looked at her and nodded toward Crash. “Give him the money.”
She reached into her handbag and pulled out a thick envelope. She held it out to Crash.
He took it, opened the flap and thumbed through the stack. Fifty one-hundred dollar bills. Then he whistled low. “That’s a pretty sight.”
Apparently satisfied, Cole grabbed his glass up off the table and slid out of the booth without another word to her. As he passed by Crash propped on the barstool, he paused next to him, leaned in and mouthed silently, “She’s all yours, brother.”
Crash made a barely perceptible nod of his head, his eyes moving to Shannon as he stood and slid the envelope in the back pocket of his jeans.
Cole continued to the bar, where he downed the rest of his drink, set his glass on the bar, and gave a chin lift to Marty. He turned and headed towards the door.
Crash watched Shannon as her eyes tracked him.