Allegiance: Nomad Biker Romance

by Chiah Wilder

  Maniac: Cougar’s collecting tonight. He’s gonna mess with ur woman. He’s pissed as fuck at u. Just wanted to give u the heads-up.

  Tank: Thx.

  For a long time, Tank sat in his office chair, staring out the window. He knew what he had to do, but it meant choosing between the club and Lena. In his heart, there was only one choice, and that was Lena. His mind was in conflict with the tenets of the brotherhood: loyalty, honor, and respect. Since he’d first put on his cut, he’d never been faced with such a dilemma. For him, the club always came first, but at that moment, it didn’t.

  Tank hadn’t pronounced Lena as his woman, so the club saw her as just another sweet piece of ass. He knew Raptor would understand that Tank had to defend her. Cougar was planning to punish Lena because Tank beat his ass, and the fucker knew that messing with her was the best way to retaliate and destroy Tank. Maniac wouldn’t have warned him if he thought it was against the club. The dilemma lay in the fact that Tank wasn’t going to let Cougar and Rubble take one more dime from Lena. He was going to stop that shit right in its tracks, and that was against the club.

  “Tank? I’m having a problem with one of the printers,” Dylan said, standing in the doorway.

  He pushed up from the chair. “What’s it doing?”

  “Freezing up. I checked off all the boxes, and it looks like everything’s in order, but I can’t get it to unfreeze.”

  “Let’s have a look.”

  For over twenty minutes, Tank’s mind was on the task at hand.

  “It’s fixed,” he said to Dylan.

  “What was the problem?”

  “The settings were off, and I needed to readjust some other things. It’s good to go.”

  “Thanks.” Dylan walked over to the computer and tapped the keys. Soon the whir of the printer filled the shop as pages spewed out.

  Turning to go back to the office, Tank stopped in his tracks at the sound of Quinn’s voice.

  “Tank! I had to come all the way to your store just to see you.”

  “I’m busy right now.”

  “Too busy to say hi to an old friend—emphasis on friend and not old.” She laughed as she brushed back a few stray hairs from her face. “I’m mad at you.”

  The last thing he wanted to do was entertain Quinn in his office when he had so much on his mind. He wanted to get to the restaurant before closing. He knew Cougar and Rubble wouldn’t go inside as long as customers were around; the cardinal rule in the outlaw MC world was to have no witnesses.

  “We can talk another time.”

  “No way. You’ve been ignoring me for too long, and I want to know why.”

  Two things he could say about Quinn Fitzgerald were that she was persistent, and not above causing a scene.

  “All right. Come on back.”

  With a satisfied smile, she walked past him and straight into his office. She sank into one of the leather chairs and crossed her legs, hiking her skirt higher to reveal more thigh.

  “You’re looking good,” she breathed as her gaze lazily traveled over his physique.

  Going around the desk, Tank took his seat, tapped some information into his computer on an order, then sent it to Dylan.

  “You’re ignoring me,” she whined.

  “I told you, I’m busy—working.”

  “Why haven’t you returned any of my texts or phone calls? After our history together, you owe me some respect.”

  He pivoted away from the computer and looked at her. “Why the fuck did you let Lena believe you and I were dating?”

  Quinn’s eyes widened as she leaned forward. “What? I never told anyone we were dating. Besides, I don’t even know who Leann is.”

  “It’s Lena, and she owns the bistro on Main Street.”

  She looked upward, as if she were thinking hard. “The bistro? Oh, yes, I think I remember her. She was the caterer at Tabby and Dawson’s engagement party, right?” A sweet smile turned up the corners of her mouth.

  “You know damn well who she is.”

  “Okay, now I remember her, but I don’t engage in conversations with people who are… well… not my type.”

  “Cut the bullshit, Quinn. You’re pissed because we’re dating, and you lied to cause trouble. That’s pretty fuckin’ pathetic.”

  Anger sparked in her blue eyes. “Is that what she told you? You’ve known her for like, two months, and we’ve known each other since high school. I’m insulted and hurt that you believed her over me.”

  “It’s because I know you that I believed Lena. Stop interfering in my life. You and me are history.”

  Gripping the sides of the chair, she demanded, “What do you mean?”

  “Just what I said—we’re done.”

  “But we’re friends.”

  “No, we’re not. We were fuck buddies, and when that ended, we were two people who used to date in high school.”

  “You’re dumping me for a food service worker?”

  “You got it.”

  “Why? I don’t get it.”

  “Because I love her.” The words tumbled from his mouth, shocking him as much as they did Quinn, judging from her incredulous look.

  Regaining her composure, she settled back against the chair. “You’ve got to be kidding. Didn’t you try the love and marriage thing with Trisha? Remember how well that worked out?”

  “Lena’s nothing like Trish. But even if she were, it’s none of your fuckin’ business.”

  “You’re letting your dick think for you. She must be a damn good lay.”

  Tank stood up. “Get the fuck out of my office.”

  Rising slowly to her feet, her nostrils flaring, she pulled back her shoulders and glared.

  “You’re nothing but white trash, and you deserve that bitch. She better enjoy her mediocre bistro while she has it, because when I get done spreading the news about the awful food, she’ll be lucky if she can sell a croissant. Jesus, I don’t know what I ever saw in you.”

  “People aren’t going to listen to you. Everyone in your circle knows your daddy got his money by crooking, stealing, and bribery. And just because you live in a fancy mansion on the cliffs, doesn’t mean shit. You and your family are nothing but scum. Those people you call friends laugh and talk shit about you and your family. Everyone knows the score. Your dad’s illegal money buys fake loyalty and silence.”

  “You’re going to be sorry you spoke to me like that. I hate you, Drew. I really do.” With a dramatic flair that Tank was sure would’ve won her some kind of award in Hollywood, she stalked out of the room, slamming the door behind her.

  A few minutes later, he heard screeching tires as her gold Mercedes convertible sped away.

  “Good fuckin’ riddance,” he said out loud.

  Opening the drawer of his desk, he took out his Glock and a handgun. Before going to the restaurant, he’d slip the handgun in his right boot and secure the Glock in a clip holder. He didn’t trust Cougar one bit. Being an outlaw taught him to always be prepared, and to stifle emotions by approaching any problem with cool detachment. Tank had no doubt in his mind that Cougar would do the same. Afterall, he and Rubbles were outlaws. That night, it would be brother against brother.

  Sighing heavily, he turned back to the computer to do some work before it was showtime.

  Lena

  Lena pushed open the swinging door with her hip, balancing a quiche in one hand and a pie in the other.

  “Let me help you with that!” Sarah yelped as she ran over to her.

  “Thanks.” Lena handed her the quiche. “There are two more in the kitchen.”

  “Perfect timing. Mrs. Davidson called and said she was on her way to pick up the order. I’ll get the other ones.” Sarah pushed through the doors and disappeared down the hall.

  The bell over the door chimed as Lena began boxing the order.

  “That was quick. Sarah said you’d just called.” Looking up, she gasped.

  Tank stood there with his hands shoved in his pockets. “Hi,
Lena.”

  The momentary shock of seeing him wore off, bringing out her anger.

  “Get out of here, now.”

  His gaze drifted to the flowers on the shelf behind the counter, then back to her. “I see you got them.”

  “So?”

  He shrugged. “So nothing. At least you didn’t throw them in the trash.”

  “My employees liked them.”

  “And you didn’t?”

  “Do you honestly think sending me flowers is going to change my mind? Are you here to collect payment? Where’s your lowlife partner?”

  The muscle in his jaw clenched.

  “I’m not here for that. You gotta get out of the store.”

  “You’ve got a lot of nerve coming to my—”

  “A little help here,” Sarah called out.

  Lena rushed over and opened the swinging doors. “I already took the boxes out for them.”

  “Okay.” Sarah looked at Tank and smiled. “Can I help you?”

  He tipped his head to Lena. “She’s on top of it.”

  A brief look of disappointment flashed through Sarah’s eyes as she glanced over her shoulder at Lena.

  “Hello,” Mrs. Davidson said as she walked into the bistro.

  “Hello,” Lena greeted her. “Sarah is boxing your order now. Would you like a café au lait?”

  “That would be wonderful. It always smells so delicious when I come into your place. I heard you’re catering the McNeal wedding?”

  Lena started on the coffee. “I am.”

  “I’m so glad. At least I know that Bernard and I will enjoy the food. I don’t have high hopes for the rest of the wedding.” She looked around the shop and said in a low voice, “Darla’s daughter and fiancé are getting married on the beach by one of his friends. Can you imagine expecting us to stand on the sand in our expensive shoes? I can’t believe she’s allowing it.”

  Lena just smiled and set the café au lait in front of Mrs. Davidson.

  “Please tell me the reception’s not on the beach.” she said before bring the cup to her lips.

  From the corner of Lena’s eye, she could see Tank fidgeting in place while looking at his phone. “It’s not. It’s going to be at the Sunset Pavilion.”

  “Thank God. My husband and I were worried about that. The views are spectacular at the Pavilion. At least Darla got something right with this wedding.”

  “I’m sure it’ll be lovely.” Lena set the boxes of quiches in front of Mrs. Davidson, who was sipping her coffee. “I hope your committee meeting goes well tomorrow morning.”

  “Thank you, dear. It’s going to be perfect now that I have your delicious quiche and blackberry pie.”

  Setting her cup down, Mrs. Davidson picked up her boxes, thanked Lena, and exited the eatery.

  Tank opened his mouth to speak, but Lena cut him off. “I’m busy.”

  “I don’t have time to fuck around,” he growled, looking down at his phone. “We’ve gotta talk.”

  “I told you, I’m not interested in talking to you.”

  “It’s not about that.” His eyes darted over to Sarah.

  Sighing, Lena turned to the woman. “Sarah, can you finish tidying up in the kitchen for me?”

  She looked up from the case where she was boxing cookies for the homeless shelter run. It was nearing closing time, and that night, Sarah had offered to drop off the packages after work.

  “Do you want me to finish boxing these first?”

  “I’ll do it, and I’ll do the drop off.”

  “Are you sure?” Sarah looked over at Tank, and then back to Lena. “I don’t mind.”

  “I’m sure.”

  “Okay. I’ll finish up in the kitchen and then take off.”

  “Thanks.” Lena waited until Sarah was out of earshot before she turned her attention to Tank. “I’m not giving you the money.”

  “If you’d let me talk for a damn second, I’ll tell you why I’m here.”

  She waved her hand in the air, gesturing him to go on.

  “You gotta get out of here. Cougar’s coming for the money tonight, and he’s not gonna play nice. I’ll be here when he comes, and I’ll take care of it.”

  “Take care of what?”

  “I’ll give him the money for now.”

  She shook her head in confusion. “For now? What does that mean?”

  A frown wrinkled his forehead. “I’ve told you I can’t tell you stuff. Just believe me. You have to get out of here.”

  “Wait. Is this your way of seeing me? I mean, you could pull this act every two weeks.”

  “Fuck, you’re an aggravating woman. I have better things to do with my time than play some lame-ass game with you. This is for real, and you have no fuckin’ idea what Cougar is capable of, so you need to listen to me and get the fuck out.”

  Tank’s stern look, coupled with his tone, sent shivers racing through her body.

  “You’re serious,” she whispered.

  “Yeah. Go. Now.”

  “Bye, Lena,” Sarah called out from the kitchen.

  The sound of the back door closing echoed through the bistro. For a few seconds, Lena could only watch Tank, who was looking out the front window.

  “What time do they usually come in?” he asked.

  “About this time. They’re not supposed to come for another couple of days, though.”

  “Yeah, well, they’re coming tonight.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I just do. You’d better get going.”

  “Okay. I should lock up, or they’ll wonder why the door’s open.”

  “Do you have a spare set of keys so I can lock the door when they’ve gone?”

  “Hang on.” Unlocking a drawer under the cash register, she pulled out the spare and walked over to him. “Here.”

  His fingers brushed against her wrist as he took the key. The touch jolted her with an intense emotion. At that moment, she craved the comfort of his arms around her, and the feel of his hands stroking her back.

  “Lock the door and go.” The rumble of his voice almost made her cry.

  Tank stood to the side, plastered against the wall when she crossed the room and went to the door. Just as she was locking it, Cougar appeared on the other side.

  “He’s here,” she whispered.

  She rushed behind the counter as the biker flung open the door and sauntered in.

  “I’ll get your money.” She forced herself not to look at Tank. So far, Cougar hadn’t seen him.

  “We’ve got time for that, sweet cheeks. We’re gonna have some fun first.” A cruel smile twisted his lips.

  In her peripheral, she saw Tank, gun in hand, creep toward him as quietly as a leopard stalking its prey. Raising his arm, he swung the gun at the back of Cougar’s head. Blood spurted out, spraying minute droplets over the glass cases.

  “Fuck!” Cougar cried out.

  As Tank was poised to deliver another blow, Lena saw Cougar’s accomplice and two other mean-looking men rush.

  “Tank!” she screamed as one of the men punched him from behind, the blow forcing him to his knees.

  The man kicked the gun out of Tank’s hand, and it slid under one of the cases.

  “You fuckin’ traitor!” Cougar growled, stumbling to his feet. “I had a feeling you’d be here to help your whore.”

  That’s why he brought men with him. How is Tank going to fight them all? I can’t call for help because the damn sheriff’s in on this. Her mind raced a mile a minute, trying to come up with a plan to help him.

  “You know what we do to traitors, asshole,” one of the men hissed as he rolled his hands into fists.

  Cougar was leaning against the wall, barely able to stand up. Maybe it would be enough to keep him out of the fight.

  Tank grabbed the leg of one of them and yanked hard, bringing him down, then pushed up to his feet.

  “Watch his fuckin’ legs!” Cougar roared.

  While Tank fended off the other two bikers,
another one took out a heavy-duty chain from his pocket and swung it at Tank’s legs. When the metal snake wrapped around them, the biker yanked it back, pulling Tank’s feet out from under him.

  Rolling over, Tank pushed himself up and bent down low, delivering a punch to the man’s stomach.

  “Tank, behind you!” she screeched.

  Cougar glared at her. “Shut the fuck up! When we get done with this turncoat, you’re gonna beg for a quick death, bitch!”

  When the bastard turned his attention back to the fight, Lena dropped to her knees, searching for Tank’s gun.

  “Fuck!” Tank yelled.

  Jumping up, she found him on his knees again, but now blood was running along the back of his neck. The biker with the chain was down on the ground, and the other was in front of Tank with his hands around his neck. Cougar had sunk down to the floor, his head in his hands.

  Lena ran back to the kitchen and grabbed a butcher knife and the heaviest rolling pin she could find. When she came back out, two of the bikers were hovering over Tank. They’re going to kill him! Without hesitation, she charged them, plunging the knife into one of the men’s back. He cried out, and before the second one could react, she mustered all her strength and clobbered him in the head with the rolling pin. Stumbling the from the blow, he fell back, blood running down the side of his face.

  “Fuckin’ bitch!”

  Running on pure adrenaline, she held the pin tight in her hands, ready to strike again. She shot a quick look at Tank, who threw her a crooked smile before slipping his hand into his boot and pulling out another gun. The biker she’d clobbered came toward her, glowering. Just as she raised the rolling pin, she heard the echo of a gunshot fill the room. The biker went down on one knee, shock spreading across his face.

  “Get the fuck outta here, now!” Tank yelled, jerking his head toward the door.

  “You’re dead!” Cougar shouted.

  “We’re gonna enjoy torturing you, you fuckin’ traitor!” The biker shot in the leg spit on the floor. “You’re worse than scum, you motherfucker!”

  “And Raptor’s not gonna save your pussy ass. He’s gonna be sorry he ever gave you the patch, you asshole. When Hammer hears about this, it’s your death!” Cougar thundered, spit flying from his mouth..