by Avery Abbott
Chapter 14
BOYSCOUT
I wished I had woken the next day with amnesia, forgetting everything I saw. I even wanted to forget her and the way she looked at me before I left, take back the words I had said to her, but life was never that easy for me.
It was now Thursday morning and I’d kept her secret, but it chewed me up inside for two reasons. One, I needed to tell Smokey, but if I did, she’d never forgive me. And at this point, I needed her to forgive me, so I could start showing her the real me, and what we could be together, if Smoke even allowed it.
Kids, sisters, family… all that shit was off-limits, but Smoke didn’t know he had a kid, so I was hoping since he never got that chance to love her, bond, he’d let me do that for him. The second reason I had refrained was me being hopeful she would heed my words and come to him herself, so I wouldn’t have to betray her.
Slider had been missing since yesterday, which meant he was balls deep in a woman, therefore occupied, or he knew something about Shaw and didn’t want to share.
I headed inside the shop and found Kick rummaging through the desk. He looked up when he heard me come in. “Hey, man, where’s the order form for that ’71 Nova? And do me a favor and start welding those door jams for me by tomorrow on that ’69 Camaro. And we need to look at the roof, too. Fucking mangled.”
“Yeah, Kick, I will.” I paced, hearing Led Zeppelin playing in the background.
Kick was going over the order form making notes when he looked up and dropped the pad down on the table. “What’s up, man? You look like you have the weight of the world on your shoulders.”
I snorted. It certainly felt like I did. My life had shifted, and I felt like I had lost control since I met her. I didn’t know if telling him would help, or if I should let her run again and leave me heartbroken and Smokey in the dark. I was confused. I didn’t know my head from my ass the last few weeks.
“I don’t know. My gut’s all twisted over something. Something big.”
He grinned, lighting up a smoke. “Let me guess, Sweet Little Lips?”
“Yeah.” I grumbled.
“Don’t blame you, Scout. Slide, Hound and I went in the other the night. She came on to fucking Floyd, brother. Any woman who strips to “Dirty Woman” has my vote. I’d put a ring on her finger, like yesterday. She was hot as fuck up there.”
“You bored and looking for a fight?” I teased.
He leaned against the wall and inhaled. “Man, if you want her that bad, I’ll talk to Smoke and the boys, and let you back at her.”
I wished it were that simple.“It’s not that, Kick. I mean, part of it is, but there’s more.”
He shook his head, blowing the smoke from his mouth. “Please tell me there isn’t going to be a little Boy Scout running around in nine months?”
I held up my hands. “No, man. Barely touched her.”
He shrugged, tilting his head. “All right, now you really have me curious. Spit it out.”
I sat down and scrubbed my bearded chin. “She has a secret and if I tell anyone, I’ll probably lose her.”
He shrugged, stubbing his butt out. “So keep it. We all got our ghosts, bro.”
I sighed heavily, feeling exhausted. “She’s a girl I really want.”
He came around the desk and clapped my back. “If she’s all that, Scout—and like I said, she’s fucking exquisite—keep it locked in the vault.”
He started to head back out to the shop when I added, “What if I said it affects the club,” I mumbled, almost afraid of that he’d confirm my fears.
He went back around and grabbed a chair, sat and propped his legs onto the desk, assessing me while taking a drag. “How bad does it affect us?”
“Well, not all of the club, just one of us, and me, too, I guess.” I lowered my head and fisted my hair.
“Scout, on your brother’s grave you can tell me, and I won’t say shit to anyone if you need to get this out.” Kick and my brother Jacob were close friends back in the day, so I knew he meant he’d keep the secret.
“All right, yeah.” I paused and thought for a sec and then looked up. “I knew something was up the moment I saw her. All of a sudden this chick comes out of nowhere, and since you all think with your dicks and not the right brain, I noticed something about her that was eerily familiar.”
“And that would be?”
“Her eyes. I’ve only seen eyes that shade once before. She has a dad here, one she never met and came to find him. Now, she says she doesn’t want to since that prick, Charlie, is feeding her money hand over fist down at L&L, and she’s suddenly all about doing it on her own.”
“Fuck, the only other dude’s who’s old enough to have a kid is Smoke, Hawk and maybe Hound, and that’s reaching. Are you telling me Shaw is one their kids?”
“Bro, I saw the birth certificate and everything. She’s Smokey’s.”
He flinched. “Shit! You got to tell him, man. This is a big fucking deal. A secret I don’t feel good about knowing, brother.”
“I know, but if I do, I risk losing something I really want. And I know we’re not all about feelings and shit, but I like this girl a fuckuva lot, man, like, claiming her kind of feelings. Shit Kick, we’ve barely kissed and I’m ready to lock her ass down. What if Smoke makes me choose? What will I do if he forces club laws?”
Kick stood and leaned over the desk. “John, he might, it’s a risk.”
I flinched. He never called me that.
“Rip that Band-Aid the fuck off for her. You might lose her initially, but she’ll come back and we’ll talk to Smoke about that when and if it comes to that.” He started to head toward the Nova he was working on, but stopped and turned. “Think of it this way; you’re killing two birds with one stone. Smoke finds out Shaw is his kid; he’ll pull her from L&L faster than you can blink. And, if you tell him fast enough, Shaw, ain’t going to Santa Barbara with Chucky. So, I suggest you move quickly.”
“You know about that?”
“Slider.” Then he walked away and started on the rebuild, leaving me to wonder what the hell I was going to do next.
Chapter 15
SHAW
I’d been working at L&L for six weeks making amazing money, but the last week I had noticed my clients weren’t coming in and new ones were staying away. I wasn’t being requested for any private dances and the men who did come in barely paid me any attention, except for Scout, he had been showing up and watching me.
Although, tonight, I had caught the eye of a kid who barely looked old enough to get into a place like this; he even had the pimples, making me wonder if he was still in high school and using a fake I.D. To top it all off, instead of twenties raining down on the stage, he was tossing singles, which would not help my new rent at all.
As the song continued, I had picked a favorite of mine called, “Everybody Wants You,” by Billy Squire. The others liked to dance to newer music, but I loved the solace I found in the classics.
My eyes were trained on the front, wondering if any of the regular’s would stroll in while I was on all fours, when I caught a flash of leather. Since I assumed that leather was being worn by none other than my watchdog, Scout, I decided to give Mr. Prepubescent a show, hoping to draw Scout out from the shadows.
I moved with the music, hand on pole, slowly walking around a few times. Since I started here, I had a no-nudity policy, heck, not even the top would come off. The music and my slow, sexy dancing seemed to be enough for them, but not tonight—tonight, I wasn’t being good little Shaw.
I hooked my leg around the front and spun into a move called the carousel. Then, feeling desperate, I talked myself into a move Scarlett had been working with me on, but each time I had fallen and bruised my body, but desperate times and all. I sent a silent prayer and then placed my hand on the pole, then my other slightly higher, placing my right hip and pulled myself up into a V.
Still no Scout. I had no idea if he went to the sperm donor and told him or not, but fig
ured since I hadn’t met him yet, he was keeping my secret.
Coming down, I placed my hands on the pole, bent over, baring my barely covered ass in a black lace thong. When I turned, Scout was approaching, his eyes glued to me. I went down on all fours, crawling to the front of the stage. The kid’s eyes grew wide, a huge smile plastered across his pimpled face, lust in his eyes. I came up on my knees, winking, my hand caressing the front of my shirt and tugged on the little string that held it together, freeing my chest.
Scout narrowed his eyes and whispered something to the boy in heat, who proceeded to Kick all the money in his hand, then ran like he was on fire. Scout lit a cigarette even though there was a no smoking policy and blew the smoke my way, his eyes dangerous but full of desire.
Scout crooked his finger, calling me closer. I went on all fours, seductively crawling to the edge. He lifted my chin with his finger. “You only dance for me.” He kissed my lips hard, then pulled back and walked out.
While Cheyenne took stage, I found Howie pouring himself a drink behind the bar. “You got a minute?”
“Sure, doll, what’s up?”
“Is Scout keeping people away?”
He looked over my shoulder. “What are you talking about? It’s pretty busy for a Wednesday night.” I studied him for a few long minutes while he looked everywhere but at me. Realizing I wasn’t going to get anywhere with Scout’s little cohort, I figured my best bet would be Lance, who bounced at the front door.
After two hours, and a few more dances to a barely attentive audience, I left out the front door and not the back with Joe like we were supposed to, who oversaw keeping us safe until we took off for the night.
Lance was perched on a stool reading a book. He looked up when I came out. “What are you doing?”
“Lance,” I said seductively, running my finger down his beefy, black tee covered chest, doing my best to flirt.
He took my hand and placed it down by my side. “I don’t date the strippers.”
I crossed my arms over my chest, frankly perturbed at his dismissal of me. “Not good enough for you, Stud?”
Lance chuckled, shaking his head. “Not that. I don’t mix business with pleasure.”
“Speaking of business, I was wondering how often Scout came by?” I pressed on, leaning in, giving him a peek at the goods.
“Why?” He eyed me suspiciously.
“Where are the men who come in to see me? It’s like poof they all disappeared.” I tossed my hands dramatically in the air.
He shrugged. “No clue.” He went back to reading his book.
I tapped his shoulder. “Lance, he’s messing with my income.”
He shot me a sideways glance. “He’s just looking out.” He confirmed my suspicions. Two guys came up the stairs. “I.D’s?” he asked them, checked them and then flung back the curtain, allowing them entrance.
I chewed on my thumb nail. “And he’s using you to stop them from coming in to see me?” I mumbled, asking when they entered. “Am I, right?”
He stayed silent.
“That bastard.” I stepped down the few steps.
He stood, but didn’t move an inch. “Where you going? You need to go back inside, Shaw.”
He scowled at me and I scowled back. “I’m fine; besides, I got to go kick a biker’s ass.”
I scurried away, reaching into my bag for my keys. “Shaw, get back inside. You know I can’t leave my post. Go back and get Joe to walk you to your car.” His furious voice commanded.
I spun around. “Or what? You going to call boss man and tell on me?” I hoofed it a few feet, anger fueling me when I slammed into someone as I was digging for my keys. “Sor…” I looked up from my handbag.
“Did you really think I wouldn’t find you, Baby?”
My bag slipped from my hand and the keys clanked to the ground. I swallowed thickly in fear. My heart pounding, my head pulling me in to that dark space, I had a hard time getting out of when I thought of him. “Garrett, what are…”
And everything went black.
I woke to different voices, angry voices, being held tightly, my head resting on leather and I knew by the scent that Scout was holding me. He always smelled like worn leather, mixed with musk and tobacco. I cleared my throat, cracking my eyes open. They all turned as I did.
“Shaw, you okay?” he looked down at me, his anger fading.
“Yeah,” I nodded, my head pounding. I lifted my hand to the back of my head and felt a small bump. “What happened?”
“Some guy tried to grab you. Lance was watching and scared him away. Did you know him?” His eyes searched mine.
“No,” I lied, unsure why, but I did. I didn’t want Scout to become my father and murder someone, and I figured protecting him would be the right thing to do, because deep down I knew he’d hurt Garrett for me.
“You got her?” A guy who went by Slider asked.
“Yeah, I’m taking her with me,” Scout answered, and Slider took off with the others.
“What?” I asked, his gaze still on mine.
“Just for tonight, okay? I need to make sure you’re safe.”
“But, I am safe.”
He shook his head. “No arguments tonight. Just once, Shaw, don’t argue.” His eyes were warm and kind as he ran his hand up and down my back.
I nodded.
“You good to ride on my bike, or do you want to take your car?”
“The bike’s fine. I can come back and get my car later.”
I wasn’t okay, but truth be told I needed someone to hold me tonight, and if it meant only on the back of his bike for a few minutes, I’d take it with zero second thoughts.
Chapter 16
BOYSCOUT
“How you doing?” I asked as she came out of my bedroom. I had drawn her a tub in my bathroom for her to soak away the memory of the last hour. I breathed a sigh of relief, taking in the sight of her. She had slipped into one of my club T-shirts that had practically come down to her knees. What was it about chicks wearing your clothes that ignited the fire inside of a man?
“I’m fine. Thanks for the bath. I feel better.”
“Good.” I nodded, trying to gauge her mood. “I know you said you didn’t know the guy, but Lance said you looked like you knew him.”
“Him who?”
“Don’t play that game with me, Shaw. You know who. I just need a name.”
She didn’t answer. She skirted around me and went to the fridge, pulled out a can of beer and popped the tab open. “It’s not important.”
“It is to me. I can’t protect you, Sunshine, if you’re not willing to cooperate.” I paused as she took a large swig, grimacing her way through it. “It was him, wasn’t it? The guy from your past, the one that hurt you? Lance said you dropped like a sack of potatoes; he almost kicked the shit out of the guy, but he pulled a knife and split.”
She took another sip and sat in silence.
I leaned down and planted my hands on the table. “Give me a name, Shaw.” I pressed.
She looked at me, sad eyes, shaking her head.
“Why are you protecting that scum? C’mon, Babe, just a name, please?”
“He’s not worth it, Scout.” Her voice wavered.
“Yeah, you’re right. He’s not, but you are.”
Her brows furrowed at my admission. She took another long swing, forcing it down with another grimace.
“You want something stronger? I got it all.”
“No.” She placed the can on the counter and then walked toward me with a weak smile. I kept my eyes on her, assessing what she wanted, and then she fell in to me, her arms wrapping around my waist. And sobbed. “My mother always told me not to cry in front of a man, but I need to,” she mumbled, quietly laughing like she was going mad.
“You can cry anytime you need to in front of me, Sunshine.” I smoothed her hair with my hand. “I got you, Shaw. Let it out.” I pulled her closer and as I did, her one hand dropped to my waistband, her fingers slipping u
nderneath my shirt. I shivered like a virgin on prom night at the mere touch of her finger touching my stomach.
“I decided to say no to Charles. I’ll work at the club for a year and save.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good, Shaw.” I didn’t have the heart to tell her she wouldn’t be stripping much longer, so I chose to soothe her and appease her needs instead.
She sniffled. “Yeah.” She batted her lashes and I could see the want in her eyes, but she was afraid to make the first move.
I lifted her chin, pressing my forehead to hers, taking her face in my hands as tears wet them. “What do you need from me, Sunshine?”
“You. I need you, Johnny.” Damn, if they weren’t the best five words ever coming from those lips.
“You got me, Sunshine. You’ve had me since the day I met you.”
She moved first, surprising me. I knew because I was watching every motion like it was a movie playing in slow-mo, until her lips pressed against mine; soft and smooth, like her. I hit the fast forward button, needing to be inside of her. I was all about foreplay, the tease usually, but not this time. The animal magnetism I had always felt around her finally took over.
I lifted her in my arms, our mouths sealing as I carried her to my room, placing her gently down on the bed. For the first time, I was oddly nervous about sex. Maybe it was because I knew who she was, or maybe it because I had waited so long for her. I didn’t know and didn’t give a flying fuck about figuring it all out anymore.
Lifting my shirt over my head, I expected to see desire and want; instead; all I saw was nervousness and indecisiveness in her eyes. Walking to the side of the bed, I sat on the edge, my head in my hands debating what to do; fill my needs or do the right thing? If it were any other girl, we’d have fucked weeks ago, but with Shaw, I was going slow. So damned slow, I had been crawling like a fucking turtle when it came to her.