“Xenon texted me. He wants to talk to us.”
I didn’t blink or back away, just stayed exactly where I was. “About?”
“Fuck, Bodie. When we gonna work this shit out?”
I moved forward a step and closed the distance between us. My eyes wanted to cross we were so near to one another. “When you stop fucking with me, Rael.”
The right side of his lip curled up in a snarl. “You know, I kind of like how you don’t take my shit. It’s fucking sexy, brother.”
Motherfucker was crazy. That was all there was to it. Neither one of us moved for about ten seconds.
With a shake of my head, I gave him a light shove. “You’re sick in the head.”
A wide grin spread across his face, looking like some demented Halloween mask gone wrong. “Knew you thought I was special.”
Snorting, I flipped him off and turned toward the entrance to the clubhouse. “Stop fucking around. We need to talk to Xenon.”
“Right after you, honey.”
Asshole.
“You cut your hair.”
Cindi was seated at one of the tables in the common room, painting her nails a dark shade of red that was nearly black. “Hey, Sasha. Yeah, I did.”
I supposed she probably needed a change after all that happened. “I like it.” Spiky, blonde, and sassy. Just like Cindi although she had a sweet side too.
This was the first conversation I’d had with her in weeks. I was always working or with Bodie and she was spending a lot of time with Lucky. He hardly left her side.
My gaze swept over the scars visible on her arms and legs. Pink, puffy marks that ran the length of her skin and were still fading in spots. I swallowed hard. Guilt surfaced every time I bumped into her as the memory of that day invaded my mind with a vengeance. It was my fault. I left her stranded without her phone or a vehicle when I sped off to rescue Trish. It was obvious now that Dawg had been tailing the SUV and noticed when we stopped at Wal-Mart. He probably staked the Crossroads for the opportunity.
While I was on my way to meet Acid, Cindi was left alone and vulnerable. Dawg carved her up and left her to die in the cold by the trash dumpsters. He probably thought she would bleed out. The frigid temperatures had saved her life. Over a hundred stitches later, she was sewn back up but the trauma of the attack hadn’t faded completely.
I doubt it would for any of us. Trish was just as fucked-up as me and Cindi.
Cindi was the only who carried the visible scars. Lowering my gaze and prepared to rush toward the room I shared with Bodie, she caught me off guard with her softly spoken words.
“You don’t have to act like I’m made of glass.”
I swallowed hard, meeting the determined set of her jaw as she gestured to the table. “I know.”
“I’m not,” I argued, taking the seat across from her. “I just feel so damn bad about what happened. It kills me to know you got hurt because I left you –”
She cut me off. “You didn’t slice me up with a knife, Sasha. Dawg did.”
Sighing, my head fell into my hands. “How can you be so nice? I left you. I abandoned you.”
Cindi blew on her nails, waving them lightly in the air. “You ditched me in what you thought was a safe place to save your best friend.”
“Yeah,” I admitted.
“Trish might have died if you didn’t do what they said. That’s Grim’s woman.”
“And you’re Lucky’s,” I pointed out.
“Yeah, but I wasn’t being held at gunpoint.”
“He-he hurt you,” I stuttered, upset that she wasn’t mad or frustrated. Why wasn’t she pissed that I took off and left her stranded? “Dawg almost killed you.”
She blanched at my words. “I know that, Sasha.” It was the first time I detected any emotion in her tone. “I refuse to break. I won’t lay down and forget that I exist or drown myself in drugs or booze. I’m a survivor. I didn’t die.” She pinned me with a focused look. “We aren’t victims, Sasha. We’re fucking badass bitches. I plan on living my life and not having any regrets. I’ve dealt with my shit.” She ticked her head in my direction. “Have you?”
Wow. She completely caught me off guard. “Shit,” I whispered. “I don’t know. Yes and no.”
“Then I think your looks of pity and remorse can fuck off. Yeah? I need a friend not someone who tiptoes around me or thinks I’m too fragile to hang with.”
My lips lifted in a smile that felt way too wide but was genuine. “You’re right. I could use a friend too.”
She tilted her head to the side. “What’s your favorite color?”
“Purple, like royal purple.”
“Knew it.” She gave me a smirk, plucking a bottle from her bag and reached for my hand. “I think this shade is perfect.”
“Yeah, it is,” I agreed, admiring the sparkles in the light.
Half an hour later my nails were done and the tension was gone. I may always feel a bit responsible for what happened to Cindi but I wasn’t going to let that ruin our friendship.
My phone chose that moment to vibrate my pocket and I was glad my nails had just finished drying.
“Better answer that,” Cindi advised with a smile, “It’s probably your man.”
I swiped across the screen at the same time I heard Bodie say “Hey, baby.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of that greeting.”
“Oh? Like the sound of my voice?”
I heard one of the guys make gagging sounds in the background and giggled. “I don’t think there’s a thing about you I don’t like,” I admitted, walking away from Cindi for privacy. “As a matter of fact, I was just thinking how much that cock of yours makes me smile.”
“Fuck, baby. You can’t say shit like that when I’m not home to take care of you.”
“What?” I asked innocently, playing coy. “I could always pull out my vibrator and –”
“No fuckin’ way,” he growled. “That pussy is mine and there’s only three options, sweetheart – my tongue, my fingers, or my cock. Can’t have any confusion on who’s fucking you and making you come.”
My thighs clenched together as I leaned against the wall close to our room. My teeth began to nibble on my bottom lip as I imagined all the ways he would follow through with those words as soon as we were together.
“I need you,” I whispered huskily.
“Fuck, that makes two of us.” He was breathing heavy and I knew if he was here, I’d be bent over and fucked hard within minutes.
“When are you coming home?”
“Not sure.”
“Maybe I’ll have to play with my pussy and get ready for you. You sure you don’t know how long you’ll be?”
“Baby, you’re gonna be the death of me.”
“Wanna lick my fingers later? You might taste a treat.”
A husky groan escaped. “This is fuckin’ torture.”
“Hurry up with your club business,” I replied breathlessly.
Never took long for me to grow needy in his presence.
Bodie muffled the phone and I heard someone speaking in a furious tone.
“Fuck. Need you to do something for me, Sasha.” His tone was so serious that my smile disappeared.
“Yes?”
“Don’t leave the Crossroads.”
He’d already mentioned that before so I wasn’t sure why he was bringing it up again.
“I’m staying the night just like I promised,” I reminded him.
“The whole weekend, baby.”
Shit. I couldn’t do that. “I can’t, Bodie.”
“You don’t have to work, right?”
“No, but Gina’s kids are expecting me. They’re alone tonight and Saturday night.”
“Can’t someone else drop in and check on them?”
“No. Not anyone else that Gina would trust.”
He mumbled a curse. “You don’t go alone. I’m sending Patriot and one of the prospects with you.”
Great. A big
biker babysitter. “I don’t think that’s necessary.”
“I do.” His tone became hard and I sighed.
“Fine. I’ll bring Patriot with me.”
“Good.”
“Wait. I thought you said you were coming home tonight?”
More muffled voices and I thought I heard an argument.
“Change of plans. You have a girl’s night or read one of your sex books, baby.”
Sex books? “They’re romance novels.”
Bodie snorted. “Uh huh. Just remember, no vibrator. Nothing other than your own fingers, sweetheart. I’m a jealous motherfucker.”
Laughter echoed in the background and I rolled my eyes. “Whatever.”
“No sass, baby.”
“You love my sass.”
“I just fuckin’ love you.”
Damn. That hit me right in the heart. “Love you too, Bodie.”
“See you soon.”
He hung up and I smiled, staring at the blank screen. Sometimes that biker was full of surprises.
I knew something serious was up but it wasn’t my place to ask about it or dwell on it. The Tonopah chapter of the Royal Bastards MC was unique. These bikers had an advantage over their enemies.
I’d seen Bodie’s Reaper and I knew what he was capable of. Sure, it freaked me the fuck out at first but then I saw his softer side too and realized the man was a complicated mixture of dangerous and protective, as well as a fierce lover. He was everything I never knew that I wanted.
Bodie Whitman was my man. Now and forever.
That meant I took the good with the bad, the danger with the calm.
When my phone began ringing again, I thought it was Bodie.
“Hey, honey.”
“Sasha?”
A tiny voice was on the other end, hiccupping so often that I couldn’t understand any other words that were spoken.
“What’s the matter, Liv? Are you and Rev okay?”
“We’re fine but Buttons is missing!”
“Is that your cat?”
“Yeah. He’s not supposed to be outside. Last time he got in a fight and scratched up bad.”
Shit. “I’m on my way. Stay in the house until I get there.”
“But he could be hurt right now!”
“Liv, honey, I’m leaving right now. Wait for me.”
She sniffled. “I’ll try.”
Shit. When Bodie found out I left the Crossroads he was going to be pissed, especially when I didn’t have time to find Patriot.
“We’ve got a problem.”
I stared at Rael first and then Xenon, wishing I never had to hear those words ever again. “What now?”
Bad luck was like a Reaper way of life.
“Got cameras all over Tonopah but that’s not all. Stashed some in Reno, Carson City, Hawthorne, Goldfield, and Vegas.”
Rael looked impatient. “We know. Every place we’ve got business or an interest, you’re there with eyes and ears.”
Xenon shot him a look. “You fuckin’ wanna hear what I got to say or not?”
Rale lifted his hands in surrender. “Fine.”
Damn. Xenon was on edge and he was never this defensive. “What’s up, brother?”
Xenon ran a hand through his hair. “Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep up with all this shit all day every damn day? I’m fuckin’ stressed.” He pulled out a pack of Marlboro’s and lit up one, puffing hard a couple of times. “There’s been movement around that bar The Blacktop in Hawthorne.”
Shit. The same bar where Suraya, Sasha, and Trish all worked in the past. “What kind of movement?”
“I’ve seen Scorpions MC members but it’s the fact that Chamuco has been hanging around that’s the issue. Not just the Blacktop either. I think he’s patched in now. Grim said I should mention it to you both.”
“Fuck,” Rael cursed.
“Have you seen Chamuco tonight?”
“Yeah,” Xenon took a long pull on his cigarette and began clicking a few keys on his massive keyboard. A dozen monitors were set up around the room. Not only were his own cameras up but Xenon had hacked into local businesses like banks for their secured feeds to watch for enemy activity. He was fucking brilliant. “He’s been frequenting the Iron Bull.”
“In Vegas?”
Xenon nodded. “That was this afternoon.” He showed a few images. “This one is the kicker though.” He pulled up another set of images that showed Chamuco wearing the same Scorpions MC cut but he was in Tonopah at the Shell pumping gas. “Look at the time stamp.”
I glanced at the first photo. It read 3:38 p.m. My gaze shifted to the next photo and it also read 3:38 p.m. Two cities over two hundred miles apart at the exact same time.
“No fuckin’ way,” I snarled. “What the fuck?”
“He’s a hell of a magician,” Xenon agreed.
“Or he’s fucking with us and he knows we’re watching.”
Rael was right.
Xenon shrugged. “Is that a surprise? Come on. The guy is known for his ability to manipulate his enemies. It’s fuckin’ war, my brothers. I expected something like this to happen. It’s not the first time I’ve heard of rumors about Chamuco being in multiple places at once.”
“What are you sayin’?” Rael cracked his neck. “He’s got a twin?”
“Nothing that interesting.” Xenon was enjoying stringing Rael along and although I was amused, I was also ready to snap.
Sasha was on her way to the Crossroads and I needed her safe. She was at her apartment and I was glad Xenon had the place up on one of the monitors. I watched her doing a load of laundry and blew out a frustrated breath. Didn’t she ever listen?
“My ol’ lady is on her way here soon. I need to know she’s gonna be protected.”
“I think Chamuco has a few lookalikes that he stages in different cities. They wear a similar cut and dress like him. It’s nothing more than a ruse but keeps up the mysterious and dangerous reputation to his enemies.”
“That’s all fine and everything, but where the fuck is he right now?”
“That’s the thing. Hard to tell on video. I’d say he’s here in Tonopah or at least that’s what we should focus on. He’s got to be hanging around one of the local bars or shops. He wants to be found. I don’t doubt he’s anxious for a confrontation.”
“And Mammoth is gonna give him one.”
Xenon smashed the butt of his smoke into a nearby ashtray. “Might as well let it happen. We need to know if the real Chamuco is here or it’s just a decoy.”
Rael nodded briskly. “Agreed.”
“I’m going to call Sasha.” I pulled my phone free and dialed her number just as the monitor on her place went blank, skipped a couple of times, and then straight to static.
“Son of a bitch!” Xenon yelled, clicking a bunch of keys.
“What’s happening?” I asked, rushing over, and smacking the monitor in the hope that it would clear.
“Fucking hell! Don’t break my shit, bro.”
I could care less if the damn thing was scratched as long as it came on and showed Sasha was alright. Nothing happened. The screen never worked again, even after another five minutes.
“I’m heading out! I need to get to my girl.”
Rael nodded. “I’m coming with you.”
We left Xenon and he promised to let Grim know where we were headed. I saw Rael fire off a quick text and knew he was also touching base with our pres. I was far too amped up to do anything but hop on my Harley and pull back hard on the throttle, revving the bike and tearing up gravel as I sped out of the gate.
When we arrived at the apartment, it was locked up and no one was there. Sasha was already on her way to the Crossroads and I was surprised we didn’t pass her or notice the black SUV on the road. Both Rael and I searched the outside but saw no evidence of tampering or anything out of the ordinary.
“I guess the place is still secure,” Rael announced. “She’s fine, bro. Give her a call.”
; I dialed right away, anxious as fuck.
After hearing her voice, the tension eased in my shoulders but not by much. “She’s home.”
“Then we’re good.” Rael tilted his head to the side, contemplating me with an expression that could only be described as conniving. “Wanna have some fun?”
Fuck. Those words should never be uttered from his lips. Rael was more horror than humor.
“I’m afraid to ask.”
“Come on, Bodie. Don’t be a pussy.”
I followed him back to the driveway and our bikes, certain I was going to regret whatever happened next.
RAEL DIDN’T SAY A WORD until we arrived at a little joint that we liked to frequent outside of Tonopah off the beaten path. Place didn’t even have a name on the building, just read LIQUOR on the faded sign to keep out unwanted patrons. It was probably one of the few bars in the state that boasted a clientele of strictly bikers, muffler bunnies, and waitresses looking to lay as many guys in leather as they could. Place had a reputation for fights, booze, girls, and metal music. A favorite of the club when we weren’t home. Nothing compared to the Crossroads but this was close.
“We’re playing fucking darts?” I would rather have been catching up with Mammoth but knew that wasn’t possible which only made me feel grumpy as fuck.
Rael looked offended. “Not darts. Knife throwing. It’s a fuckin’ art, bro.”
Smirking, I shook my head. “I need more beer for this.”
Rael shrugged, grabbing a few bottles off the bar that a cute blonde shoved in his direction with a wink and we approached the back of the room. I noticed the knives he unwrapped from a thick fabric case and wondered where the fuck he had kept them. Never saw or noticed he was carrying a damn thing. Rael was a stealthy bastard. I’d give him that.
“These belonged to Mammoth before he bought his new set. Gave them to me for practice.”
Who the fuck thought it was a great idea to teach Rael how to throw knives with precision?
Mammoth needed to rethink that move but it was too late now.
“You’ve got to be shitting me.”
Bloody Mine (Royal Bastards MC, #2) Page 3