by K Harris
“I have to agree with that one and considering Dez is reopening the diner, I can only assume she took away some skills in the cooking department.”
“Though my old lady tends to get on me about my eating habits if the food is as good or better than before – it’s worth the battle.”
The men that seemed for the decision had nothing but good things to say. It would appear that they were excited to have the ladies start up their own group for selfish reasons. I wouldn’t lie and say that I didn’t have a selfish agenda myself. A nice homecooked meal wouldn’t be such a bad thing but having immediate access to her was even better. When my mother was alive, the women really rallied around the club and played a very important part of the day to day operations. While my father and the executive committee handled the business side, my mother and the other old ladies handled the order of the compound.
“No offense Prez, but we could use a little order that mainly women bring about.”
“No offense taken.” The room erupted in chuckles and coughs. “Let’s bring it to a vote, all in favor of the ladies forming a leg of the Knights.” I posed the motion. Most of the men raised their hands in favor. “All those opposed,” even though a few seemed unsure they didn’t oppose. That could only mean that they were indifferent and probably planned to wait to see what happens. If any issues were to arise from this, I’m quite sure they won’t waste a moment speaking about it.
“Majority rules, the ladies have our blessing to move forward.” Tech notated.
“On to the second topic, the club sluts,” I said and paused to regain everyone’s attention. “It has been brought to my attention that a change is needed. In my opinion, their expiration has come and gone. The only reason why they have been around for so long is that many of them live in the compound.”
“So, you are proposing that we kick them out?”
“They have given up everything to be a part of this club in some way or another.”
“Again, I know that most of them would have nothing if it weren’t for the club and I would never suggest leaving someone destitute. With that being said, maybe a change would be prevalent. Some of the old ladies have always considered their constant being around as disrespectful and degrading.”
“So, you are doing this because of a woman you haven’t even claimed yet?” The same man portraying grumpier old men asked with disdain. Choosing to ignore the rant from the lonely older man, I reared back in my chair and leveled him with a look of pure indifference. On the inside, I was simmering at his audacity to falsely call me out.
“I suggested it.” Wood stale faced Grady and his sidekick.
“It was brought to the Prez’s attention by Wood, but I wholeheartedly agree. While having a discussion with some other brother’s we realized just how useless and annoying the club sluts have become.” Reno admitted.
“I must agree.” A few other brothers spoke up.
“Fucking annoying,” Wood added.
“Word.” Torch spoke.
“To be honest, after the whole debacle with the rat and his bitch, I thought it was time to clean house anyway.” Arapaho admitted.
“What other issues do you have with removing the sluts, Grady?” Black asked. “I’m sure if you want to fuck one or more of them outside the compound, that can be arranged.”
“Fuck you, Black, I’m not the only one that fucks any of the sluts. I’m just saying they have been here a mighty long time. I don’t think it’s wise to change so much just to accommodate the new additions.”
“This is no way, shape, or form brought to the table because the ladies have been allowed to join in any way. It does, however, have everything to do with some of them becoming too comfortable in placing themselves in a certain position of hierarchy because they live here.”
“To take it a step further in good faith and show that we mean them no ill-will, we have set aside four apartments in the new division that we built in town. There are eight chicks considered as club sluts that live on the grounds. They can room together just as they do here, and they have a three-month head start to get onto their feet to support themselves. Jobs are available all through town as we all know with the new and established business ventures coming about.”
“In that case, you got my vote. The only reservation I had was leaving them high and dry.” The other member voted and along came agreeing votes from other men in the room.
“No, they have been loyal to the club for quite a while. And this is not to say that they aren’t welcomed around here during get-togethers but living here permanently is out.” Everyone in the room nodded in understanding, including Grady. “Let the voting begin,” I announced.
“The motion for removing the girls from the clubhouse has been passed. Because Christmas is right around the corner, the first of the year seems like a better time to address the changes.”
“Agreed.”
Over the next thirty minutes, we discussed more club business, possible threats, and concerns. While I kept my ear to the table and heard everything that was said, the thought of Dez still lingered nearby. Grady had spoken the words that I’m sure many men were thinking to themselves, me claiming Dez. Was that where this was leading? Would she accept if I posed the question? Is she it for me? Could I spend my life with one woman and was that woman Dez? Sure, I was hella attracted to her, damn near craved her ass. But the question of a lifetime was a tricky scenario.
Chapter 15
Dez
The flight to Nashville was filled with trepidations and excitement. Excitement for this getaway to the mountains and trepidations because I would be within driving distance of Cage. Though we wouldn’t be in Lincoln too long, it would be long enough to see him if I weren’t careful. He’d gotten the message that I wasn’t interested in speaking with him after the third day of ignoring his calls. In my heart, I was a little hurt that he gave up so quickly but then again, I knew I needed time to think. My focus needed to be on my next moves and how to execute them, period.
“Hey boo, I will be so happy when you are back in town for good.”
“Syd, I just saw you a little over a month ago.”
“Did I ask you that?”
“Don’t be so cranky, what has crawled up your ass and died?”
“Nothing, I’m chill.”
“Bullshit, what is going on with you?”
“Nothing, is this all of your stuff?”
“This is all that I walked out with, right?” The stale face that she gave stole the straight face I tried to hold on to.
“Don’t get left at this damn airport.”
“Just say the word, I will turn my happy ass around and catch the first flight back to my neck of the woods.”
“I can’t stand you.”
“I love you too, now is this shit with Wolf bothering you that much?”
“Who said Wolf had anything to do with anything?”
“You just did, evasive much.”
“We need to get to the clubhouse. Cage wants to meet with us.” That successfully shut me up.
“Why? What happened now?”
“Nothing probably wants to discuss the whole start-up club business.”
“Damn, I almost forgot about that.”
“With everything that has been going on, me too. Planning this trip, overseeing the renovations, and preparing for the grand reopening, I am swamped.”
“And crankily obsessing over your need to seduce Wolf,” I added.
“Forget you sister, what about you? While you are bringing up my hormones where Wolf is concerned, let’s talk about you and your desire to ignore all things where Cage is concerned.”
“Pleading the fifth,” I vowed.
“Same,” she countered.
“Noted,” I concurred.
We both had some things we needed to sort through in order to move forward. Only time will determine who will make it to the end or crumble before anything can begin. The entire ride from Nashville to Lincoln was fil
led with silent pondering over our separate love-lives or lack thereof. The music that played was considered as background noise but every once in a while, I would tune in and couldn’t help but compare the lyrics to my life. “Let it burn” by Jazmine Sullivan was giving me life as I softly sang the words to myself.
“It’s pretty quiet around these parts to be so late in the day,” I commented.
“Yeah, it is but I think it has something to do with everyone working so much lately.”
“Oh yeah, they have been on assignment a lot lately?”
“That and other work around town,” Syd confirmed.
“Soon it won’t be such a surprise when I see your pretty face,” Black smirked.
“It’s nice to see your handsome as ever face too, Black.”
“How was your flight?”
“It was cool but flying back and forth is beginning to tire me out.”
“I bet.”
“Easy fix, move back now.” Wood gruffly stated.
“I can’t just yet and you know that.”
“Nah, why is that?”
“How am I going to support myself Wood?”
“How are you supporting yourself now?” He had a point, but I wasn’t going out like that.
“Where would I live?”
“Take your pick.” Another point for Wood and his limited vocabulary. Though he doesn’t say much, what he does say speaks volumes.
“When the businesses are up and running, I will be back. Hell, I have to come back.”
“Speaking of your businesses, I want you to take a look at the progress when you get back. So, don’t try and hop on the first flight out of here when you all return from your getaway.” Black interrupted Wood and I’s silent stare down.
“Yes sir,” I mockingly saluted causing everybody around to laugh.
“Y’all ready?” Cage asked suddenly. My heart literally stuttered hearing his voice. That was a loaded question if I ever heard one. My horny ass was always ready for him. Wordlessly, we followed him through the bar to the conference area and took the seats he pointed out. Across the conference table sat Wood, Black, Reno, Tech, and Torch. Cage took his seat at the head of the table and looked our way before starting the meeting.
“Your petition to start your own chapter of sorts was brought before the board and the brothers. The decision was unanimous, congratulations.” He announced.
“Wow, that is great news.”
“I can’t wait to tell the girls.”
“Y’all decided on a name?”
“The Lady Knight Ryda’s,” I smiled brightly.
“She has even designed our tattoo, that is for the ones that will be getting one,” Syd said.
“That was not the reason why I got that tattoo.” I nudged her.
“Yeah but it fits us perfectly.”
“Oh, so you are tatted now?” Black asked.
“I have a few now. The latest one is visible if my arms are out.” I said and snuck a look in Cage’s direction since he pointed out my newly inked body the last time we were together. That wasn’t the only thing that he found intriguing either but none of the other brothers needed to be made aware of any of that.
“Look at you now, turning into a little ole badass.” Reno joked.
“Let’s see it.” Wood sat up in his seat.
“It’s still fresh,” I removed my jacket and lifted the sleeve that I had on as a cover.
“That’s nice right there.” The guys all chimed in with praise.
“All that is needed is your club name and you will damn near match ours.”
“Wolf may be mad that he wasn’t the first to stamp you.”
“What do you mean?”
“That is his field of choice. He is taking it upon himself to open a tattoo parlor in town. Though he had some training before, he is officially an apprentice to Dale out of Nashville.”
“He was on one of those shows right?”
“Yeah, he won.”
“That is so cool. I’m sure this won’t be my last one, so he has time. Plus, the ladies that wish to get tatted would probably rather keep it local. Isn’t that right Syd?” I nudged her seat and she scowled in my direction. “Ethan just so happened to appeal to do my tatt’s first since we have been around each other. It didn’t hurt that he has done plenty for my dad and Davey, so I knew what good ink looked like.” I didn’t miss the low grumble that came from Cage’s direction, but his face was blank when I looked at him. Just the mention of Ethan’s name made him groan as if he were in pain. There is no way Cage is jealous of Ethan. Remembering what Ethan had to say about Cage and his demeanor, maybe he was on to something.
“I figured Ethan was the one who did yours. DT only allows the best of the best to work on his art. Torrent too,” Black commented.
“He did all of your work?” Cage grouchily asked. That question seemed to throw everyone else off, but I knew what he was referring too.
“Yes,” I nodded with a twinge of embarrassment. Ethan had seen me in some compromising positions to not have been blessed with the goods. The pensive look on Cage’s face and my determined one caused everyone to look back and forth between the two of us. Cage suddenly released a dry chuckle filled with malice; it was clear that he was pissed.
“What are we missing here?” Reno asked with sheer curiosity.
“Definitely an inside joke,” Syd snickered. Now it was my turn to scowl at her choice of comedy.
“I bet.” Wood smirked and Cage cut him a look.
“Thank y’all for allowing us entrance into the all-boys society. I’m sure everyone wasn’t gung-ho about us forming an alliance.”
“You would be right but majority rules around here.”
“I guess we better get out of here, it is pretty late, and we have an early start in the morning.”
“Congratulations again and you all be safe on the road.” Cage announced. Hugs were given around the room but when it came down to just, he and I, it was noticeably awkward. The hug was different, it almost seemed as if neither of us wanted to let go. My heart was beating so hard it was actually painful. When we finally parted, we realized that everyone had basically vanished. The only remnants that someone else was in the room with us was the door closing.
“Hey Cage, oh I’m sorry I didn’t know that you were still in your little meeting.” Candie’s nasty ass interrupted our intense moment. Her supposedly sweet apology grated on my last nerve, but I had no right to feel any kind of way where she is concerned. Cage wasn’t mine, especially since I still hadn’t moved back yet.
“Candie, give me a minute.” Cage gritted out.
“No don’t go, I gotta get out of here anyway.” I interrupted his dismissal. Whatever that was happening between us needed to cease. Sharing was not my thing, if he wanted this nasty skank around, he could keep her ass – I would not be the third wheel.
“You wanted to see me.” She purred. Rolling my eyes at her exaggeration, I removed myself from Cage’s embrace. Frankly, I forgot that we were still touching.
“Get out,” Cage barked at Candie and even I jumped in fright. She scurried away like the rat she is. “What’s up Dez?”
“Nothing. What's up with you?”
“Why have you been ducking and dodging me?”
“I haven’t.” I rolled my eyes at that unsuccessful lie.
“We lying now?” He smirked as he picked me up and sat me down on the edge of the table.
“I'm here now, what is it?”
“Why did you dip out without a word?”
“There was nothing to talk about.”
“Bullshit.”
“No, you pretending that you care all of a sudden is bullshit.”
“I have no reason to pretend Destiny.”
“You got what you wanted, right? Ass, now can we move forward.”
“Is that what you really want?” He pried.
“Yes.” I lifted my head in the air as if that was my final answer. Hopefully, it was
enough conviction in my tone that he would drop this. I’m still not ready to fend off my desire for him, hell if I ever will be is the great debate.
“I don't believe you.” Cage closed the gap between us by pushing my legs apart and filled the space with his large body.
“Why does that not surprise me?” The words were whispered out, but he heard me just fine. One handcuffed just under my chin with his fingers resting at the nape of my neck, while the other gripped my hip and pulled me closer to him.
“Smartass mouth.” I heard him say but was more focused on him closing in on me. There was nothing easy about Cage, and his kisses were no exception. He went straight for the kill with an open mouth. Tongue and lips forced me to comply with his sensual song and dance. Once again, I was stuck in this lustful fog that only Cage could produce, struggling to get out unscathed.
“We can't keep doing this Cage.” I barely got out before he resumed his assault on my senses.
“What?” He kept kissing me like a thirsty man in the desert and I was the last drop of water.
“You can’t keep building me up to tear me down, Cage.” Cage was now lavishing my neck and chin with this deliciousness.
“That’s not my intention.”
He continued to kiss me like a man on a mission to prove himself. Every logical part of me wanted to make him stop. The vengeful piece of my Anatomy wanted to make him suffer, get hard and leave him stuck. But what would that really do besides make him relieve that stress with Candie’s nasty ass? For all I knew, that is what he has been doing while I was here, the time that I've been gone and any other time the mood rises. Then there was the sentimental, mushy, side that wanted nothing more than to open wide for his insistent intrusion.
Cage confused me so. Most times I didn't know if I was coming or going when dealing with him. And they say women were complicated. “Stay with me tonight.”
“Is that a demand or are you asking me?” The predatory look that he gave me made the winds from hurricane Ike swirl through my belly and the levee to break in my panties, flooding them with moisture.
“This will solve nothing you know that right?”
“It will solve the drought that I have been in since the last time I was inside you.” I gasped at that revelation and he only chuckled. He’d unknowingly answered the query that just flew through my mind. “Fuck my last meeting.” He grumbled and swooped me up from the table. Over his shoulder I went with a shrill from me, he surprised the shit out of me.