by Nikki Landis
Two hours before closing, the door swung open and bikers infiltrated the bar. I’d seen these guys before with Moby. He entered after the others and walked with a swagger. His head was held high like he was someone not to be messed with. Rolling my eyes at Sasha, I lowered my voice.
“That shorter guy with the reddish blond hair is Moby. He’s my stepbrother and he’s a dick.”
She nodded, narrowing her eyes. “Good to know. I’ll probably spin in his beer.”
I laughed. “I don’t want to know, and I don’t care.”
Her smile widened. “Who are the others?”
“Scorpions MC. Pres is Acid, I think. Moby used to mention is name. I don’t know the others.”
One of them was tall and sexy, his smile a little too dark and unsettling for me but Sasha liked him right away. They hit it off and before I knew it, she was dating him. His name was Zook and she said he was hot in bed and just the kind of distraction that she needed.
I couldn’t help but think that was a mistake. He had this cold stare that made my skin crawl. Acid was worse. He watched us often when he came in but never said much. He didn’t come up to the bar either. His MC guys always snatched a waitress or walked up to us when they needed another drink.
Almost felt like the bar was being stalked. Acid and the Scorpions usually only showed up when Grim was gone with club business. When Grim showed to pick me up, they were gone. I never thought to mention it to him. Didn’t seem important. I wasn’t in danger. Or so I believed. After all, my dipshit stepbrother was a prospect. Had to mean these guys weren’t the sharpest tools in the shed.
Moby sauntered up to the bar as I wiped the surface clean. His drunken ass could barely stay upright as he swayed on his feet. “Need another beer, honey.”
“Sorry. I have to cut you off.”
He narrowed his eyes. Voice slurring, he tried to sound like a man and failed. “Listen, bitch I need another drink for my pres. He doesn’t like to be kept waiting.”
Whatever. I poured a fresh beer and handed it over. Moby sloshed half the damn contents as he walked back unsteadily, and I shook my head. Why would anyone think that moron was worth a patch?
I was stocking the bar when I heard Acid’s voice a few minutes later. “Moby give you any trouble?”
Startled, I glanced up and caught his dark blue eyes roaming my body with an unwanted and creepy stare. The same kind of perusal I usually got from Moby, but Acid was far more calculating. “Uh, no more than usual.”
“An honest answer. That’s good, honey. Men don’t like to be lied to.”
Yeah. Alright. “Neither do women,” I pointed out. “But yes, he’s a handful.”
“I’ll make sure it doesn’t happen again.”
Uh, thanks? “Okay.” I didn’t want to answer but he wasn’t leaving. In fact, he was smiling like he had a secret and really wanted to share but held back.
“Don’t worry. I’m not cashing in on all the favors I do for you.”
Huh? What in the actual fuck?
I must have looked confused because he didn’t pause but rambled on.
“Been taking care of your dad and his medical bills. Quite a few of them now that he’s older. Moby ain’t doing shit to help him out so I stepped in. Trailer needs a new roof. I’ll take care of it. Maid comes in once a week and cleans for him too.”
Surprised, I didn’t know why he was doing those things or telling me. “I don’t know what to say except thank you.”
“That’s all I want. For now.”
For now? What did that mean?
Acid winked and pushed away from the bar, joining the rest of the Scorpions. As soon as the last customer was gone, I locked up and double checked to make sure. Sasha folded her arms across her chest and blocked my way as I tried to move around her.
“Something happened tonight. Tell me.”
“Acid,” I spat. “He’s been taking care of my dad and Moby hasn’t done shit.”
“Uh oh,” she breathed out.
“Yeah.”
“What does he want from you?”
“Nothing,” I admitted. “Yet. You can be sure he’ll say something once he’s ready.”
“Bet he wants you to pay him by spreading your legs.” She sneered at the door. “Nasty fucker. He’s a psycho.”
“I think the whole club is like that.”
“Not Zook.” She shook her head. “He’s good to me.”
I didn’t want to argue with her, so I nodded, and she moved out of the way, both of us lost in our thoughts.
A few days later I was sleeping in after closing alone. Sasha had gone on a date with Zook and it had been a long hard night. I never remembered my head landing on the pillow. I’d been dead to the world. The sound of buzzing slowly brought me back into awareness.
Groggy, I reached for my cell and dropped it. Wouldn’t you know it? Shit like that always happened when it was inconvenient. Groaning, I was forced to crawl from bed and locate my phone. Someone was persistent as hell as it vibrated again in my hand. I yawned and answered without looking at the display.
“Yeah?”
“Trish?”
“That you, Sasha?” Suraya never called. She usually texted.
Sasha’s voice was so low that I wasn’t sure if it was her on the line or not until she continued. “Yeah. I’m in trouble, babe. I need you.”
Shit. “What’s the matter? Where are you?”
“A payphone. Listen, I don’t have long. I’ll have to hide soon. Write down this address. I might be a little off on the location but I’m pretty sure it’s accurate enough that you can find it.”
I did as she asked, snatching a pen and paper off my dresser. “I’ll be there as quick as I can.”
“Don’t honk. I’ll watch for you.”
“Okay.”
“And Trish?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“Don’t panic when you see all the blood.”
Fuck. “Alright. You stay safe.”
“Will do.”
It took about an hour to locate Sasha on the outskirts of Hawthorne. She was splattered in bloodstains and her clothes were torn. There was a wild look in her eyes, and I was afraid my friend had been sexually assaulted. Dried tears left a salty path down both of her cheeks while her dark makeup had smeared underneath both eyes. She was a total wreck. I’d never seen her look like that since we met.
She jumped inside when I pulled up and we sped off, scared to death we were being followed. I should have called Grim the second I knew something was up, but I didn’t. It wasn’t my secret to tell and I was burdened with guilt about it. Dating Grim as long as I had, I finally overheard some of the Royal Bastards talking about Acid and Razr. Brothers in the Scorpions MC. A lot of things fell into place after that like why Razr showed up at the pool party and why Grim was so overprotective.
I brought Sasha home and she showered. Later, we burned her clothes and everything from that night in a trash can in the backyard. I was terrified for my friend. She kept shaking and I sat next to her on the couch, passing a cup of hot tea with honey into her hand.
“You’ve got to lay low. Call off work for a few days and say you have the flu. I don’t know if the Scorpions are going to show up or not.”
“Yeah, that’s probably best. Zook never picked me up from here. Just the bar. I’m hoping none of them know where we live.”
“Yeah, probably not. Moby has never been here either.” I sighed softly, reaching out to pat her hand. “What happened, Sasha?”
“I guess you have a right to know since your ass is on the line for helping me.” She took a few sips of her tea and placed the cup on the end table. “Zook picked me up from the bar for our date like usual. That’s why I went in early to snag a few extra hours. Acid and Dawg were waiting for Zook when we arrived at their clubhouse last night. It was the first time Zook brought me there. I didn’t know it, but I was being set up. Zook planned to share me with Acid and Dawg.”
I sucked
in a big breath of air and squeezed her hand. “Shit.”
“It didn’t make sense at first. Zook was so cold and detached. I was shoved into a room with a locked door and a bed. The three of them cornered me. I can’t explain where the strength came from to fight back. Maybe,” she faltered, “Maybe I knew I was going to die. I don’t know.” Trembling fingers rose to push a loose tendril of hair behind her ear. “You remember that small pocketknife you gave me? Zook never thought to search me or he would have found it.”
I could see where this was going. “I’m glad you had it.”
She nodded. “That blade saved me. I managed to reach for the knife and I,” she faltered, “I used it against the three of them. It’s sort of a blur,” she admitted. “I fought like hell, Trish.” She lifted her gaze to mine and the sorrow and fear were so vivid I brought her in for a hug. “I fought like a woman possessed. I don’t know how but I managed to stab Zook in the shoulder and I cut Dawg on the arm.” She swallowed hard, her voice wavering slightly as she continued, “I did the most damage to Acid. The knife slid down the left side of his face and sliced deep. There was so much blood. I think I cut his left eye too. I can’t remember.”
Aw fuck. This was bad. Really bad.
“Did they rape you?” I asked softly, hoping she’d answer no.
“No, but they were going to do it together. I would have been assaulted by all three of them at once.”
Fuckin’ animals. I was so angry I rose to my feet. “How did you escape?”
“I kept using that knife until I was close enough to the door and then I made a run for it. I heard the shots they fired but none of the bullets ever hit me. It’s crazy,” she whispered. “I never should have survived.”
“But you did,” I pointed out, staring down and into her eyes. “You were so fuckin’ brave. I would have shit myself.” No lie. She kept a level head and stayed calm. It helped save her life along with the knife.
This was a problem though. Those Scorpions would be out for payback. They would kill her. “You need to leave Nevada now. As soon as possible. If you don’t, they’ll find and kidnap you. I don’t want you hurt again.”
“I’m not leaving Suraya. I just finally caught up to her. We talked for a long time when she called me back Monday. I know I’m in danger, but I’ll just lay low. This has to blow over soon.”
“I hope you’re right.” I didn’t think the Scorpions or Acid were going to forget anything, but it wasn’t my choice to make. “I’m going to put a couple of getaway bags together. Clothes, food, cash, extra I.D.’s and stuff we’ll need in case shit goes down.”
“Okay. That’s smart.”
“I’ll stash the bags at the Blacktop. That way, if anything happens, we can sneak away fast.”
“Where are you going to keep them hidden?”
“There’s that old vent in the stockroom. A new system was installed last year so its not in use. No one will ever know the bags are there.”
Sasha dragged in a shaky breath. “Okay, babe. I trust you. It’s a good plan.”
We needed one if either of us was going to stay alive. I didn’t voice it aloud, but I was terrified. If Acid and the Scorpions decided to attack the Blacktop and search for Sasha, I was totally and completely screwed.
Nothing happened for the next few days. It was eerily calm like the way everything silences right before an earthquake. No birds chirping. Hardly any wind. Just hot and dry and as quiet as death.
Sasha stayed home. She never left for any reason. I think she tried to call Suraya but didn’t get through. I wasn’t surprised. Suraya would surface when she wanted. She was all about Bodie and his dick and I didn’t blame her. Life was a lot less complicated when you let all the shit go and just enjoyed the moment.
Grim was out on a run. He called in the morning and said he’d be back tonight. I didn’t ask for details. That had become our normal. He didn’t say much about what he did with the MC. I didn’t confide in all the shit happening in my personal life with Sasha, Moby, or the Scorpions. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to tell Grim. The opposite. I just didn’t want to burden him anymore than he already was. That man was the pres of a motorcycle club and the weight of his crown was heavy and packed full of thorns.
The bar was less busy tonight. I wasn’t sure if it was the weather or something else keeping people away. I grew bored and cleaned, keeping one eye on the door. Grim was supposed to pick me up at the end of my shift. I looked forward to seeing him all day. The time dragged. I was wishing things weren’t so fucked-up so Sasha could have been there with me.
It had been quiet for over an hour when the front doors swung open and Suraya walked in. Her wide smile was a shock to see. She couldn’t have picked a worse time to stroll through the door. Close to freaking out, I rushed forward and grabbed her arm, tugging her toward the back stockroom.
“You can’t be here.”
“Why? What’s the matter? Where’s Sasha?”
“This is her night off, babe. Shit has gone down, and she’s got to lay low for a bit.”
“What are you saying?” She yanked her arm free. “Is my sister in trouble?”
Frustrated, I tried not get pissed at the fact that Suraya should keep in better contact with Sasha. Wasn’t my job to make sure they spoke. “Listen, Sasha was attacked ––”
I didn’t get a chance to say more.
“What!? Is she okay?” Suraya spun around and started to stomp toward the front exit. “Where is she?”
“My place, babe. Our old apartment. She’s fine but I don’t think you should drive over there right now.”
“Why the hell not?” Suraya’s hands went straight to her hips. “I love you, babe. You know I do but I need to see my sister. Sasha wasn’t answering her phone earlier. That’s why I came here.”
Ugh. This was ridiculous. “Honey, you’ve got to go. Now isn’t a good time for drama.”
Suraya narrowed her eyes and followed me back toward the bar as I picked up the cleaning cloth and wiped down the surface for the twentieth time tonight.
“I realize you’re trying to keep Sasha safe and I love you for it. I’ve fucked up with her and I just want to make it right. She’s gotten in enough trouble because of me.”
What did that mean? “Babe, she’s not hurt. She’s going to be fine. I know you both need to talk but I think she’s in bed. She’s not been sleeping well since the attack.”
Suraya’s expression crumbled. “Fuck. And I haven’t been there for her.”
“Hey, don’t beat yourself up. It’s just life. Go home to Bodie. I’ll make sure Sasha calls you tomorrow.”
“Alright. Yeah, maybe you’re right.” A long sigh left her lips. “Thanks.”
Suraya was halfway to the door when it opened again and this time it was Acid, Zook, and Dawg that walked in. I backed up toward the bar and slipped behind it, reaching underneath to press the panic button. The authorities should arrive soon. Hopefully before shit could go down. My cell phone was in my pocket. I pulled it free and hit Grim’s number, relieved when I saw that it only rang once before he answered. I didn’t dare say his name or hello and placed it on the countertop out of view.
“Well, look what we have here, brothers. The same bitch who decided to give us all a good time.”
Suraya was staring at him like he was crazy. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
My gaze went from her to Acid and I gasped. No wonder he was pissed. His face was completely deformed and nothing like it was before. A long scar ran down the left side and tugged his eye lower than normal and ended at his lip with a puffy curl. Gave him a mean appearance that was accentuated by the sneer on his lips. Sasha cut him good. Holy shit!
“Don’t you remember, baby?”
Suraya was losing her patience. I edged my way around the bar and tried to grab her closer, but she shook her head. “I don’t know what the fuck you’re trying to prove. Leave me alone. I have no interest in speaking to you.”
S
hit. Acid’s face grew red and he yanked a gun from behind his back. The end of the barrel was pointed at her chest. “Quit fucking with me, bitch. Get on your knees.”
“Fuck off!” she screamed, clenching her fists. “You don’t know who you’re speaking to. Bodie will kill your dumb hick ass for messing with me.”
Acid snorted. “I don’t think so.” He turned in my direction. “Get Grim on the phone.”
Trembling, I slid behind the bar and lifted my cell, hitting the speaker button. “Grim?” The fear in my voice was palpable.
“Trish? What the fuck is happening?”
“Acid is here at the Blacktop. I’m with Suraya.”
Bodie’s curse could be heard in the background.
“You stay cool, baby. Okay? I’m on my way.”
“Grim?” Acid asked with attitude. “You’ve got five minutes before I start shooting more bullets.”
More? He didn’t shoot any yet. I paled when I realized he was going to fire soon.
Grim’s voice was deadly calm. “Don’t do anything dumb, Acid. We both know this isn’t about the girls. I’m staying on the line and I’m on my way.”
“Good,” Acid bellowed as he lifted the gun higher and pulled the trigger. A bloodcurdling scream launched from my lips as I stood helpless and watched the bullet pierce Suraya’s chest, directly into heart. Her eyes widened and then she made a funny sound before falling to the ground. Two more shots rang out and both Zook and Dawg shot her too. I didn’t realize I was still screaming until Zook had grabbed my arm and tugged me toward Suraya.
Falling to my knees, I didn’t know what to do. I pressed a palm over my friend’s chest and tried to stop the bleeding. There were three wounds, and I didn’t have enough hands to touch them all. “Suraya, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry.” I kept repeating the words as her body shook and she convulsed. Blood spurted from between her lips. “We need to call 9-1-1!”
“No gonna make it in time,” Zook announced, unfazed.
I slowly became aware of Grim yelling over the phone. “They shot her,” I wailed.