by Jacob Chance
“Hey Josh.” Uncle Billy addresses me, winks and then turns his attention back to speak with my brother again. “I’m telling ya, Frost is gonna snap his neck, if I don’t get right back.”
Jack Noonan is also a member of the Bastards. People call him Frost because of his nearly complete lack of emotion. Jack is a killer. I’m not sure how long I’ve known, or even how I know, but I do. His reputation is notorious. He’s a predator; pure and simple. Men like him are the reason I hate the life my family has chosen.
We trail Billy through the main bay into a hallway just outside the back office. We stop so they can refit the masks over their faces. Jam and Billy nod, then step through the door. I follow them, stopping dead in my tracks once I see who Scott Granger is. He’s someone I recently did a tattoo for and my blood boils when I think of what the letter E he had me permanently ink his body with, stands for. My only consolation is that he’s sitting here in the middle of the room and it’s not looking good for him. Frost is sitting in the dark, behind Scott, out of his field of vision. Scott is duct-taped around the arms, legs and torso, tightly secured to an office chair. He looks frightened and helpless, his face swollen and red.
Jam turns to Billy and cocks his head to the side. “You started without us?”
Billy shrugs his shoulders. “I may have slapped him once or twice.”
“I don’t know who you think you are but…” Scott tries to speak, but Jam cuts him off with a hard backhand across the face. The smacking sound alone is painful.
“Now, now, first you need to pay for what you’ve done. Then we talk about who thinks what.” Jam smiles as Scott winces from the pain of the fresh slap.
Jam and Billy turn to face me, while Frost never takes his eyes off Scott.
“First, he pays for what he’s done,” Jam speaks slowly and directly to me.
I feel the anger surge inside me. Before I even realize what’s happening, I’m standing over Scott, punching him in the face repeatedly, as images of all this piece of shit has done to Elle flash through my mind. I’m not sure how many times I hit him, or for how long, but by the time I stop my hands ache and are covered in his blood. I can barely open my fists.
Scott Granger’s face is bloody and battered. At some point his screams and cries turned into moaning with his chin buried deep into his chest. His breathing is labored and shallow. Three of his teeth are on the floor at my feet.
“Fuck, fuck, fuck - what have I done?” I step back, mumbling to myself and try to focus. I’ve never been afraid to throw a few punches if a situation calls for it, but this is different.
The adrenaline dump hits me out of nowhere and I can’t stop my hands from shaking.
“Now, he needs to know why.” Jam steps over, letting me know I’m not finished.
Uncle Billy steps in front of Scott with a rusted, old mop bucket in his hands. He grins evilly and tosses what appears to be a full bucket of filthy water into Scott’s chest and face. “Wakey, wakey.”
Billy seems to be enjoying this a bit too much.
Scott coughs and hacks weakly for so long, I start to think the fit may end with him dead.
Billy laughs and slaps me on the back. “There he is.”
I see why people call him Bad Billy.
“Now, he needs to know why.” Jam repeats his last directive and nods at me. He’s right. Scott needs to know Elle is off limits from this moment forward. Without thinking, I reach back and peel off the mask covering my face. “Forget you ever knew Elle.”
Scott blinks repeatedly, trying to focus his eyes on my face before him. It doesn’t take long.
“Dawson?” He mumbles, glancing from me to the others. It only takes a moment for him to realize, the other men in the room are from the Bastards.
Before I can say anything else, Jam steps in. “And I’m damn sure you know who the fuck we are too.” Jam and Billy leave their masks on as he slowly nods his head twice.
Frost still sits motionless behind Scott, with no mask; the blank look on his face screams bad intentions.
Without warning, Billy walks out of the office, followed by Jam, who stops at the door and turns to face me. “Let’s go.”
I follow without hesitation.
“So, taking your mask off - that was one way to go, I guess.” He sounds amused.
“That’s what you meant for me to do, right?” I ask.
“Personally, I’d have gone with a detailed threat myself, but it worked for you.” I can still hear laughter in his tone.
“Now what happens?” I ask, my stomach unsettled from the events of this night.
“Now little brother, you use that sink in the garage to clean yourself up, you go home and figure out how to get Elle back.”
“And Scott?” I’m almost afraid to ask, but I need to know.
Jam looks hesitant to answer at first, but then shrugs it off. “While I’m thoroughly pleased and even a little impressed with the beating you dropped on our buddy in there; I’m afraid Scotty is gonna need a more permanent reminder of our expectations.”
“What does that even,” I begin to ask, but Jam interrupts. “Go home, little brother.”
I turn to leave as Jam and Billy head back inside the office. Through the open door, I see Frost finally move, stepping in close behind Scott.
He’s smiling.
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Elle
The past two weeks have crawled by at a turtle’s pace. Every day without Josh feels like three. I’ve been trying to keep myself occupied with work to distract me from how much I miss him, but it’s not helping. He’s never far from my mind, no matter how busy I try to stay.
Tonight, I’m finally going to get out and meet my girls, Janny and Kenna. I need some female interaction and distraction from the mess my love life has become. I never imagined being in this position. Things were much simpler when my heart didn’t get involved. However, I wouldn’t change a thing about the time I had with Josh except I’d wish for more of it - maybe a lifetime of days with him. Forever has a nice ring to it. I haven’t heard from Scott since the night we went to the charity auction. I’m not sure why he hasn’t ordered me to go somewhere with him yet, but I’ll take the respite from his company. It’s wishful thinking on my part, but I hope he forgets about me. Maybe he’ll meet a girl who’ll suck his dick better than anyone ever has.
Gathering up my keys and purse, as I prepare to leave, there’s a knock on the door. Frowning, at the delay this will cause, I open the door.
“Josh,” I whisper. I’m surprised to see him.
“Elle, can I come in?” he questions, both hands shoved into his front pockets.
Nodding, I step back and usher him inside, before closing the door.
Spinning around, my eyes scan over Josh. He nervously runs a hand through his hair and I notice blood on his knuckles. Catching his hand between mine, I draw it closer to my face.
Gently running a finger over the multiple raw splits in the skin on his knuckles, I peer up at him. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Scott Granger, not so much.”
I gasp, one hand raising to my chest. “What did you do, Josh?”
“I did what needed to be done.”
“I didn’t want you to get involved. I don’t want any of this blowing back on you.”
“Don’t worry, it won’t. Why didn’t you tell me he was blackmailing you?”
“I was ashamed of my past with him. He has more money than he can spend in a lifetime, Josh. That means he can buy any favors he needs. Favors that could ruin your business.”
“You should’ve told me and trusted me to do what’s right. Whether we’re together or not, I’m always going to save you.”
We stare at each other in silence for what seems like forever. There are things that need to be said, but I can’t find the courage to bridge the gap.
“I’m going to give you the space you deserve. I don’t want you to feel obligated to be with me because you want to repay
me. You don’t owe anyone anything. Not me - not your father. This is your life, Elle. Do what makes you happy. That’s all I want for you.” He leans forward, kisses my forehead and walks out of my apartment leaving me in a state of shock.
I can’t believe he beat up Scott for me. I can only pray long and hard this doesn’t come back to bite him in the ass at a later date.
Walking into Quake, my mind flashes back to the last time I was here with all my friends. It was shortly after I’d started to notice that Josh was actually hot. Before then I’d never really thought much about him or whether he was attractive. That particular night, he was out on the dance floor smoothly maneuvering around all us girls. His t-shirt was tight on his chest and biceps and his new tattoos were peeking out the bottom of his sleeve. It was like looking at him with a fresh set of eyes and seeing him as the gorgeous guy he is. That revelation freaked me out and knocked me off balance. Josh, my “friend,” became someone I tried to avoid or immaturely insulted because I didn’t know what to do with the attraction I unexpectedly developed for him.
Now, I don’t know what to do about the depth of what I feel for him for a completely different reason. Saying I love him would only hurt more. It’s a secret I’ll probably have to take to the grave with me. Maybe he’ll move on and find a girl who makes him happy. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to get over him. He’s the perfect man for me. How do you move on from everything you’ve ever wanted to something less without being dissatisfied?
The loud music pulses through my body, the bass thumping in my chest as I spot Janny and Kenna at a table in the back. Smiling, I make my way through the crowd until the three of us can exchange hugs. Taking a seat at the table with them, I say, “hey, girls. How are you?”
“I’m tired,” Janny replies.
“I’m pregnant,” Kenna announces, nonchalantly.
Janny and I both scream and jump up from our seats to hug her once again.
“I’m so happy for you,” I say, tears in my eyes. And though I mean my words, I can’t help the pang of envy running through me. I’d give anything to be with Josh and to have a family together.
“I’m going to be an auntie. I can’t believe it,” Janny, says with a squeal.
“I found out this week. I’m only eight weeks along, but I had to tell you both.”
“Is Derek excited?” I ask.
“He’s ridiculously excited. He’s convinced it’s a boy because he has too much testosterone to make a girl.”
We all titter. Picturing him saying those very words isn’t much of a stretch.
“How have you been, Elle?” Janny asks.
“I’m okay. I’ve been better, I’ve been worse.” I shrug my shoulders in feigned indifference.
“What do you mean?” She watches me and I can tell her eyes see more than they should.
“I’ve been busy with work,” I answer, noncommittally.
“How are things with you and Josh?” Kenna asks, jumping in.
“We’re not together.”
“What happened?” they both ask at the same time.
“It didn’t work out.” I keep my answer vague. I can’t tell them about Scott. Now that I know what Josh did, I definitely won’t be sharing that information with anyone. “I’m okay with it though. It was for the best.”
Janny narrows her eyes at me and presses her lips together. “I’ll let it go for now, but at some point, you’re going to have to tell me what really happened.”
“I realize you can’t drink, but I need a stiff one tonight,” I say, nodding at Kenna.
“That’s what she said,” Kenna replies with a snort.
“I can tell you grew up with an older brother,” Janny tells her.
“Yeah and Derek is even worse than Kyle ever was. Half the time he treats me like one of the guys and the other half he’s busy…” her words trail off.
I laugh and gesture at her still flat stomach. “I think we know what keeps you guys occupied most of the time.”
We spend the rest of the night dancing and laughing. It was the perfect way to blow off steam and when I walk through the front door of my apartment building I still have a smile on my face and a lightness to my step.
I stop inside the main entrance to collect my mail from the bank of silver mailboxes lining the wall. I haven’t bothered to check it in a few days and there are quite a few envelopes stuffed inside. Arranging them all in a neat pile, I head down the long hallway to my apartment.
Once inside, I drop my keys on the narrow shelf inside the door and kick my shoes off. As I walk toward the kitchen I shuffle through the mail, looking for anything important. There’s a large envelope, with my name printed neatly on it and no return address. Dropping everything else on the granite counter, I slip my finger under the seal, prying it open. I pull out the card, my eyes quickly perusing the contents. It’s an invitation to the art exhibit Josh is taking part in and a reception that follows. They’re going to announce the winner of the competition during the reception.
Josh has added a note at the bottom of the page.
Elle, I’d really like you to be there. Please consider coming as my friend. It’s only right if you’re there. You were the inspiration for the artwork I entered in the competition. I’d really love for you to see it. Don’t overthink this. Just please be there. - Josh
Smiling, I lower the card to the counter. He knows me so well. I’m going to overthink this entire situation. It’s part of who I am. I want to go. I’d like to be there to see him win. Even if he doesn’t, I’d still want to be there. I’d like to see him - period. But I don’t want to piss Scott off and have him go after Josh. I have a couple of days to think about it. I’m going to get some sleep now and resume my overthinking tomorrow.
I’m on the verge of falling asleep, when my phone rings. Glancing down, my eyes squint as I try to read the name on the screen. Scott. Crap. What does he want?
“Hello,” I answer, tentatively.
“Elle,” his deep voice makes me cringe. “I wanted to let you know you’re off the hook. I don’t want you to be my girlfriend.”
“No, I don’t mind.” I raise my voice, panicked he’s going to go after Josh.
“I’m moving out of town, indefinitely.”
“What about Josh?” I can’t help but ask. I need to know what he plans to do.
“I won’t do anything to your boy. You have my word,” he says. His voice sounds muffled, like his mouth is full.
“Why do you sound weird?”
“I had an accident.”
“Oh.” What am I supposed to say to that? I’m not sorry my...Josh kicked your ass? I’m probably a horrible person for not caring.
“Take care, Elle. Good luck with everything.” He ends the call and I’m left staring at the phone in my hand. What the hell prompted that? Is the world ending and I’m unaware?
Placing my phone on the nightstand, I cuddle under my blanket. For the first time in over two weeks, I feel hopeful.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Josh
After I left Elle’s apartment I immediately returned to my place. Dropping my keys on the kitchen counter, I head into my bathroom. I need to shower off the rest of Scott’s blood and try to put the events of this night behind me.
The shower gets me clean, the whiskey helps me to forget. Five shots in, I realize I need to finish my paintings for the art competition and since I saw the person who inspires me more than any other, I’m going to take advantage of it.
Tearing the t-shirt I put on over my head, I drop it on the hardwood floor and walk over to the two canvases I’ve been pouring all my emotions into. Standing in my black boxer briefs, I pick up a clean brush and study the paintings.
Letting my love for Elle guide me, I add thin strokes where they’re needed and swirls of paint in others. I don’t over think what I’m doing, instead, I allow my paintbrush to go where the emotion takes it.
By the time I’m done, I’m dripping with sweat. Wipin
g my forehead on my forearm, I step back and do my best to peer at my finished works of art with a fresh set of eyes. I smile, proudly. I love what I’ve created.
Wiping my damp palms on the pants of my brand new black suit, I pace back and forth along the narrow hallway near the gallery front door. I don’t know which has me more keyed up - wondering if Elle will show or how my art will rank in the competition. I know which one is more important to me - Elle. Hands down. She’s all I think about. I’ve missed her more than she’d believe, but I was busy working and finalizing my painting for the competition. I also wanted to give her a chance to really miss me so she’ll never put us through this again.
Every time a new guest walks in the door, my heart leaps in my chest with the hope it will be Elle’s face I see. Each time I realize it’s not her, my stomach sinks to the floor. She has to come. I need her to be here with me and share in this moment.
Loosening the knot of my tie, I relieve the pressure on my neck. I dislike wearing ties of any kind. The last time I was this dressed up was at Janny and Kyle’s wedding. I sure made great use of my bowtie that night. I’d love to have the same outcome, with my gray and black patterned tie.
Now that the big day is here, I’m relieved it’s all going to be over one way or the other after tonight. I’m ready to know my fate where she’s concerned. Will we be together or not? Will she be back in my arms? Once she is, I’m never letting her go again.
Winning the competition would only be a bonus. If it goes my way, that’s great, if not then at least I could potentially gain new clients for Canvas and for my artwork. As much as I’d love the business, I can’t worry about that right now. All I can think about is Elle and if she’ll be brave enough to show up. Does she love me as much as I love her? Enough to take a chance on me? There’s nothing I won’t do to have her. If she doesn’t show up tonight, then I’m going to hunt her down and make her see reason.
