She smells fucking amazing. Don’t get me wrong, I’m here for a reason, but there have been some perks to hanging around the club—the women for one. Leaning back, I let my eyes roam up and down her body, liking what I see. She’s got distraction written all over her.
“I’m Tal.”
Her hair slips over her shoulder as she turns her head to look at me, her smile as bright as her eyes.
“Hi. I’m Holly.”
“I haven’t seen you around here before.”
“My friend tells me this is the place to be to forget all the crap in your life, so I thought I’d check it out.”
“What could be so bad you’d think a motorcycle club is the place to run to?” I inquire. I mean, as far as I can see, this isn’t a spot you’d escape to, thinking you’re any safer.
“It’s none of your business, but if you want to help me forget, you can buy me a beer.”
I find myself smiling, signalling for the prospect to come over. This night could end a lot better than the day started, and right now, I’m all for her being my distraction.
* * *
The brothers are all smiles because it’s payday. Sparky rounds the table, dumping an envelope in front of each of us. They’re thick, telling me it’s a substantial amount as I tuck mine into the inside pocket of my cut. Myles opens his envelope and whistles, thumbing his wad of cash.
“As you can see, the deal with the King’s is paying off, and there’s plenty more to come our way. But…” He pauses, making sure everyone’s attention is on him. “We’ve got shit to deal with before we can start spending it. First, we have to be here to spend it. Bert,” Sparky says. “He has the fed, so we get to him, and…”
Ricky asserts, “And what? We take out a fed?”
The weight of the club’s decision takes a moment to settle over the brothers.
Pope sits forward, stating, “In order to protect the patch, we do whatever’s necessary.”
The fed they’re talking about is in town because of me. He’s a retired agent, but every now and then, he takes on cases to help out where he’s needed. Having found his number in my dad’s work stuff, I reached out to him after India was murdered.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it,” Cas concludes, with everyone seeming content on dropping the subject for now.
“Before I end the meeting, I want to set out plans to secure this place. It’ll cost us, but times are changing, and people are growing bolder every day. We’re going to be earning enough with what the Kings are paying us to handle it. I want it fortified, even from a federal raid. We need to be five steps ahead of everyone. We’re not going to be caught out again.”
When everyone voices their agreement, Cas bangs the gavel. Brothers are quick to leave the back room and head into the bar. I take my time, knowing all I’ll be doing is watching for signs of trouble.
Chapter Two
Holly
I always vow to never drink again when I wake the next morning, never knowing if I’m hungry, or sick with a hangover. One thing I do know is that I need painkillers to stop my head from feeling like it’s splitting open, and lots of water, seeing as my mouth is as dry as the desert.
I vaguely remember being brought home by Tal, the biker, because Zara hooked up with one of the guys at the club and I lost my ride. If I’m pushing through the hangover fog and remembering right, Tal offered for me to stay in his room, but I wasn’t going to sleep with one of them on the first meeting. It took more bravery than I had just to venture into the club in the first place.
Though he’s hot, and I could totally imagine myself slipping under the sheets with him, I stayed resolute and kept my legs closed.
“How nice of you to join us.”
My father, Edward Tucker, is seated at the kitchen table, and I curse myself for forgetting it’s Saturday. Smelling the soup simmering on the stove, my stomach rolls. My mom, Janine, is buttering slices of crusty bread, and wordlessly reaches for a third bowl.
Pouring myself a glass of water, I take small sips and sit opposite of my dad, who’s not always a jerk. As long as I fall in line with what he wants, he’s pretty cool. However, I tend to stray from that line quite often, and he isn’t afraid to voice his disapproval.
“Do you plan to drink the entire summer away?” he huffs, setting down his newspaper.
“It’s called fun, Dad. This is what everyone does when they’re home from college.”
Studying for my business degree, I do the work and put in the effort. I work hard, and I plan to have fun when and where I can. I have one year left of school, and then I’ll be heading into the big wide world, slogging my guts out for a job I’ll probably hate just to please him.
“I worked two jobs when I was your age. I didn’t have parents who paid for my college tuition, and I still gave them the respect they deserved. Life isn’t all about having a good time, Holly. You should know that by now.”
I’ve heard this speech every summer since I was sixteen: “You can’t keep your grades up if you don’t study every chance you get. You won’t get into college if you don’t put in the extra effort.”
My headache doesn’t seem so bad now. At least it drowns out his disappointment and too high expectations for me.
Pushing up from the table, I take my water and head for the stairs. I can’t face eating, and I need more sleep.
The hope is that when I wake up, he’ll be out, and I can slip away without being interrogated as to where I’m going, who I’ll be with, and when I’ll be home. I’m twenty-one, and still have to answer to him like I’m fifteen. I have respect for him as my father. I appreciate him paying for college, and giving me a chance to make something of myself. But, for once, I’d just like to make my own decisions without him forcing his expectations onto me.
“Hank’s hiring. You’re not spending the summer living off of your mother and I again. You go talk to him or you’re out. He’s expecting you.”
Freezing in the doorway, I turn to see him looking deadly serious, while Mom concentrates real hard on the soup. No surprise there. I sigh, knowing where she stands on the matter. Nevertheless, I should’ve seen this coming. I can only push him so far, and by the sounds of his threat, I’ve pushed him far enough.
* * *
I’ve been coming to Hank’s diner all my life. When I was little, my parents would bring me here for breakfast every Saturday morning, and for ice cream after every gymnastics meet. Walking inside, I head for the counter where Hank himself is flipping through a wad of cash, tucking various bills into the register.
Plastering on my brightest smile, I introduce myself. “Hi, I’m Holly Tucker. My father, Edward Tucker, said you were expecting me?”
I can’t afford to be kicked out, so I keep my voice chirpy. I need this job, something I didn’t think I’d be needing when I woke up today.
“I know who you are, Holly. I need a new waitress. Your dad said you’ll be more than capable of handling the job.”
I frown. “What does it entail exactly?”
“It’s a waitressing job,” he snorts, like I’m stupid. But I bite my tongue to keep from replying with some snarky comment. Like I said, I need this job. “You’ll have to take orders, and sometimes deal with grouchy customers without losing your cool. Oh, and there’ll be cleaning. You’ll be on your feet most of the day, and it’s tiring.”
I’m sure I can handle it. I have the incentive of wanting to keep a roof over my head.
“Can you handle it?”
“Sure. When do I start?” I ask with as much enthusiasm as I can muster.
“Now. You can shadow me today and find your way while it’s not too busy.”
The bell over the door rings, and I look over my shoulder to see a group of Lost Souls walk in, taking up the large table in the middle of the diner.
“They look dangerous, but they never cause trouble here. Don’t be afraid of them.”
I nearly burst out laughing. I was around them last nigh
t, and not once did I feel afraid of them. Actually, I quite enjoyed myself.
“Come on. Watch what I do and store it in your memory. I don’t want to keep having to show you.”
Throwing me an apron, he grabs a pencil and a notepad. Following behind him like a freaking puppy, I find Tal sitting with the group, smiling at me.
The alcohol definitely dulled his appearance to me last night. I remembered he was hot, but I failed to recollect how blue his eyes are, and the way they shine when he smiles.
Focusing on Hank as he takes everyone’s orders, I ignore the urge to look at Tal, and exhale a shaky breath as I walk behind my new boss to the kitchen. Showing me where to peg the orders once taken, I watch everything he does with the coffee machine as he sets out to make the drinks.
When the cups are filled, I help Hank deliver them to the table. Setting Tal’s drink in front of him, I go to set down another when he grabs my wrist.
“Is there anything else I can get you?” I ask, remembering what Hank told had me.
“A date—tonight. I’ll pick you up.”
My cheeks flame with embarrassment when his friends start whooping and hollering.
Giving Tal a stern look, Hank growls, “Hey, leave my new waitress alone. I don’t want you scaring her off on her first day,” then turns his attention to me. Jerking his chin, I follow him back toward the kitchen.
“Just ignore them. Like I said, they’re only dangerous if you cross them, but they’re harmless otherwise.” Reaching under the counter, he passes me a cloth and a spray bottle. “I like to keep the diner extremely clean. When you’re not dealing with customers, you clean. You can start today by wiping down the counter, then everything behind it.”
Swinging the door open to the kitchen to sort out the meals, I tune out the bikers and get to work, realising the place is already near spotless. It’s cleaner than home, and that’s saying something, considering Mom cleans like it’s an Olympic sport.
Grabbing the broom, I begin sweeping when a shadow falls over the counter. Looking up, I see Tal leaning on the counter with a cocky grin.
“You never gave me an answer.”
I lean the broom against the wall.
“I didn’t think you were being serious.”
“You better believe it. So, what do you say?”
A date? The last date I was on still gives me nightmares. I wasn’t exactly nervous, as I liked the guy, but the whole night was awkward as hell, and I avoided him around school after that.
“I don’t date.”
“Why?”
“They’re awkward and humiliating.”
Why did I just blurt that out? I guess it just proves my point.
I wait for him to laugh at me, but he simply says, “That’s a shame.”
Turning his back to me, he takes three steps before I call out, “We could hang out like last night, minus the amount of alcohol?”
His smile returns. “Yeah, I can deal with that.”
“I don’t know what time I’ll finish here, but I’ll come by the club around eight.”
“See you then.”
The day may have started shitty, but it seems as though it’s not going to end that way.
Chapter Three
Tal
“Who the fuck dates anymore?” JJ mocks me as soon as I cut my ride.
Myles laughs. “Would you even know what to do on a date?”
“Fuck you. Not all women fall on their backs,” I snap back, causing them to howl with laughter.
“We’ve got ourselves a romantic, brothers,” Sparky heckles, lighting a smoke.
I’m hardly a romantic. These guys are used to the women who hang around the clubhouse, seeking them out for a fuck. They wouldn’t know a woman with self-respect if they were slapped by one.
Leaving them to their laughter, I head up to my room and lock myself inside. Using the crowbar, I inch up the floorboard, retrieve the burner phone, and punch in my father’s number.
Just as I knew he would, he answers quickly. “You’re lucky you called. I was just looking at flights.”
“Don’t do that. I’ve got everything under control.”
His snort fills the line. “Yeah, you’re a real mastermind, son. Come home.”
I grip the phone in my fist.
“I can’t. I’ve got to see this through to the end.”
“And what is your end goal? You’re playing with your life, and for what?”
For what? I’m doing this for my him, my mom, and everything they’ve been put through for trying to do the right thing. I’m doing this for all the innocent people caught up in the club’s destruction.
He should understand that; I don’t feel the need to explain myself.
“I’m safe. I’ll call again soon.”
Hanging up, I put everything back in place, lock up on my way out, and head back down to the bar. Using my phone as a ploy to stand near the table Cas and Sparky are sitting at, heads bent together, voices quiet, I pretend to be typing out a message as I listen.
“Have you noticed anyone acting differently since Bert dropped the rat bomb under our noses?” Cas asks him.
“No, but if there is a rat amongst us, he’s not going to make himself known, is he?”
Cas clenches his fists in frustration. “Has anyone left without making it known?”
“No. I’ve got the prospect informing me on who leaves and when they return.”
I knew they wouldn’t let this go. Everything I’ve collected so far on the Lost Souls has been without proof. At this point, it’s all been heresy, which isn’t enough. So, I’ll keep my head down, and act the way I usually do while I get the proof I need to bring these assholes down.
* * *
It’s nearly nine, and Holly is a no-show. A part of me is glad, though, as she doesn’t fit in around here, but I was looking forward to the distraction she could provide.
“Where’s your date?” JJ inquires.
“She isn’t my date.”
“Yeah, ’cause she turned you down.”
All the grief these men go through, they’re still able to sit around and joke like they don’t have a care in the world. It irritates the shit out of me, but I keep the disgust to myself.
“Maybe she changed her mind ’cause you’re a pussy who dates.”
Just then, Bonnie walks in.
“Hey, Bonnie. What do you think of guys who ask women out on dates? You think they’re pussies?”
“I’m flattered, but you know I’m married to your VP, yeah?”
“No, no, I’m not asking you out, and don’t go telling Sparky I did.”
Shit, that would be all I need.
Her laugh is just as cocky and annoying as her son’s.
“You’re safe. And to answer your question, guys who ask women out on dates are classy. It shows they want to take the time to get to know her. It’s not all about how fast you can get her out of her panties.”
“Yes, it is,” JJ snickers, receiving a slap from Bonnie to the back of his head.
She then walks off, leaving JJ rubbing the back of his head. Someone taps me on the shoulder, and I turn to find Holly.
“I’m so sorry I’m late. My dad was giving me a hard time about going out again.”
She’s cute when she’s flustered, but I don’t understand her frustrations. She’s twenty-one, old enough to come and go as she pleases. But, I decide not to question it.
“You’re here now. Do you want a drink?”
“A beer would be nice.”
Ordering her a beer, I get one for myself and kick at JJ’s stool, telling him to fuck off. Taking the hint, he laughs as he walks over to Harper and Cas.
Holly’s one of the most beautiful women I’ve ever seen, but I’d really like to know more about her.
“So, you said you go to college. What are you studying?”
“Can we not talk about that, please?”
“Why?”
“I’m only there because of my
father.”
Watching as she drains half her beer, I let it go. Apparently, this is a subject she doesn’t like to talk about.
“What would you rather be doing if you had the chance?”
She snorts. “I have no idea, and I’m the only one in the family who thinks it’s okay not to know. My dad is always on my back to have my future planned out. Like, what’s the rush? I don’t believe we were born to work till we die.”
I kind of believe in that too, that some people were born to make a change for the better.
“Where are you from? I know you’re not from around here,” she notes.
“Everywhere. We moved around a lot for because of my dad’s job.”
“What does he do?”
“Army.” Lying comes easily; she doesn’t need to know the truth.
The rest of the night’s conversation flows easily and comfortably, and I try not to think too much at how I’m enjoying it.
She’s a distraction, that’s all.
And I’m distracted.
Chapter Four
Holly
If one more customer walks through the door, I’ll never go on my break. It’s certainly the busiest it’s been since I started last week. I’ve adapted to my routine, as it doesn’t take a genius, saving Hank from having to yell at me. He’s not as bad as I thought he would be. Though he threatens to fire his waitresses almost every hour, no one’s lost their job yet.
With a warm smile, I say, “If there’s anything else I can get you, just let me know,” and turn for the counter, hoping the only thing they’ll need from me is their bill when they’re done.
But luck isn’t with me today. The bell above the door chimes and my parents walk in. A part of me hopes they sit in Rylie’s section, but luck is just a bitch. I breathe in and exhale slowly as they seat themselves in my section.
The Club Betrayal: #8 Sons of Lost Souls MC series Page 2