Finding Me: Dominant Devils Book Three

by H. M. Stewart

  Time to make sure that happens before some pretty boy steps in and takes her away from me.

  Bree

  The whole way back to the house my mind swirled with thoughts of what Layla said to me before I left mixed with my conversation with Queenie earlier. To top it off, that look Tank gave me before climbing into the van had my mind spinning so much I could feel a headache starting. The ride home was just over an hour and even with the help of my go-to songs from my playlist I was no more at ease than I was when we left the airport. When the van came to a stop in front of the house Axle threw open the doors almost instantly. “Alright, ladies let me be the first to say welcome home. Know that the fellas and myself are glad to have ya back where we can keep an eye on you. With that being said, I’ve got some bad news for you all, the lockdown is back in effect.” The girls let their displeasure be known before Axle could even continue.

  “Oh, come on ladies, quit with the boohooing. It’s for your own good. We stumbled upon Yasmin the other day and have it on good authority that Jewels and Carmen are in the area as well. Until we can be sure those two fucks aren’t going to make a play at one of you, the lockdown will be in effect. Now I’ve got a long overdue talk with my woman about to go down so keep your comments to yourself for the night. I’ll deal with the rest of you in the morning; same sleeping arrangements as before except Trevor. Trev, you can either bunk in the basement with the unattached females or find a cot in the den with the rest of the fellas. Everyone head inside, and the prospects will bring your bags in later. Try to get some shut-eye because tomorrow morning we’ll be discussing things a bit more.”

  Ok, so would I be leaving or not? I’d like to think that his comments applied to me as well but then again you never know. After the remarks, Queenie made about Marley earlier I can’t help but wonder. I mean at least Marley serves a purpose for Ghost even if it is in bed. I don’t even do that. All I do is sling drinks for the bar they own. Yeah, I’ve become close with every one of them but that doesn’t make me part of the club. I don’t get the privilege of full disclosure. Not exactly sure what Queenie meant at her implication but I’m sure I should fall into the same category as Marley. Hopefully, once everyone was inside I’ll be able to find Tank and get some answers.

  I watched Avery take Axle’s extended hand as he helped her from the van before reaching back in to grab Hunter from his booster seat. Axle situated Hunter in one arm and took Avery’s hand in the other as he escorted them both into the house. I was still looking towards the door when a touch on my arm caused me to jump. “Easy, baby girl. Let’s get you out of here and in the house. From the looks of things there is a big chunk of man meat waiting for you,” Trevor says while shooting his thumb in the direction of the back deck. Tank was sitting on the picnic table staring straight at me. I looked back to Trevor with a look of fear and he knew it too. I wasn’t ready to face Tank or the conversation that was inevitable. The not knowing of where the conversation would lead was tearing me up inside. “Hey, where’s my sexy confident Breezy from yesterday? Don’t be afraid, beautiful. He looks just as nervous as you do. Go get your shit straight. If it doesn’t go the way I’m thinking it will the rest of us will be down in the basement if you need someone to talk to.”

  I couldn’t muster any words for Trevor. I stared at him for a few seconds before nodding my agreement. With his help, I stepped out of the van. The prospects were already working on getting everyone’s bags inside leaving me with nothing in my hands to fiddle with. Part of me hoped that he would be gone when I got to the deck; no such luck! I walked up the steps and to the picnic table with my head down. I did manage to sit next to him on the top of the table without making a fool of myself, which was a good thing. It wouldn’t be the first time I embarrassed myself in front of the hunk of a man.

  After sitting for what seemed like forever I raised my head towards the stars. They were out tonight all bright and beautiful. If it wasn’t for his words shocking me to my core I would have sat out here stargazing all night.

  “So, I was wondering what it’s going to take to get you on my bike? Have you ever been on a bike before,” Tank asked sounding a little nervous himself? When I didn’t answer right away he began to fumble for words. “I mean… I mean if not, it’s no big deal; just thought you might like a nice ride under the stars. I don’t want to step on toes or anything.”

  Step on toes? What in the world was he talking about? Why would the two of us taking a ride step on anyone's toes? Unless he’s decided to keep one of his women around for more than one night. Maybe he doesn’t want to make the long line of Barbie dolls mad by riding around town with me on the back of his bike. Well, the hell with that! I don’t need him or his bike. I’ve got my IOU from Madison for a few hours of her time. I’ll get her to take me for a ride or show me how to ride myself. My emotions have gone from nervous and insecure to pissed and sassy in mere seconds.

  “Thanks for the offer but like you said I wouldn’t want you stepping on anyone's toes. I don’t need any more of you bottle blondes bothering me at work. It’s okay; I’ll catch a ride with someone else,” I snapped as I tried to get up from the table only for him to grab my hand to stop me and spin me so I was looking right at into his face. The face with the deep mesmerizing purple eyes a girl could get lost in forever, however, I wouldn’t have a chance for that. After a brief once over before he pulled my face to his crashing his lips to mine. I was too shocked to even reciprocate at first but Tank didn’t give up. Before long I had my arms around his neck pulling him closer. He was able to get up from the table with our lips still intact prolonging the kiss. His grip on my arm loosens allowing his hand to travel up my arm and cradle my neck holding me in place while his other hand rested on my hip trapping me. I couldn’t even move even if I wanted to.

  Just as the tip of his tongue slipped through his parted lips to seeking entry to mine we were interrupted by a motorcycle starting. The sound from the exhaust was enough to distract me; giving me time to take in what just happened. I turned from Tank just in time to see Wall take off down the path leading over to the clubhouse. Judging by the speed he was going I would have to say he was agitated. I look from side to side looking for anyone else that would have caused his abrupt exit. That’s when I caught sight of Madison coming around from the side of the van. Her hair was disheveled and her lips were swollen like she had just been kissed an inch from her life but there were tears in her eyes. No doubt, minus the tears, I looked exactly the same way.

  As much as I wanted to be selfish and stay lost in Tank’s kiss I couldn’t abandon my friend. I’d help get her in the house and to the basement unseen so she could pull herself together in private. With a quick look to Tank, he understood my intentions. With a quick peck on the lips, he nodded towards a distraught Madison before taking a step back from me. Madison was already coming up the steps so I waited for her to reach the landing of the deck before wrapping my arm around her shoulders to navigate her in the house. At my touch, Madison leaned into me for support before letting the damns loose.

  Not sure how we managed but we made it through the kitchen undetected and down to the basement without anyone laying eyes on us. The exception being Trevor. He was waiting in the basement with arms wide open. Somehow he knew one or both of us were going need comforting tonight. Madison left me to walk right into Trevor’s open arms and bury her face in his chest. He gladly hugged her tight and tried to get her to open up to him while I sat down on the couch to the side of them. “It’s okay beautiful girl. Tell big brother what has you so upset. Do I need to go pick a fight with tall, dark and broody?”

  Madison shook her head as she cried harder, no doubt leaving a trail of snot across Trevor’s shirt. “So if I’m not picking a fight, why don’t you try to tell me what happened so we can get you back to the ball busting crazy bitch you are. I’ve never seen you so broken like this, babe. I can’t fix it if you don’t talk to me,” Trevor says calmly while rubbing circles on her back.
<
br />   I sat quietly taking it all in while I waited for Madison to pull herself together. It didn’t take long before Trevor had her calmed down and sitting between the two of us on the couch. I didn’t notice Romy, Hyde and Athena walk in but one minute we were alone the next I had three other faces sitting across from me. This is what being a part of the group means. When someone is down everyone rallies to bring them up. Together the five of us had Madison opening up in no time.

  “I told him that I’m moving to California as soon as I can,” Madison tells a stunned group.

  “When did you decide that? I thought for sure you would go to Florida to finish school and getting to hang with your baby brother in the process. You sure you want to move clear across the country? Won’t the band be touring again by the first of the year? Then you’ll be out there all by yourself with no support system,” Hyde questions first.

  “At first that was my plan, but after this weekend I know going to Florida isn’t the way to go. It’s still too close to home. I need a fresh start and space to clear my head. The first time I ignore one of Axle’s or Wall’s phone calls, they’ll be hounding Brendan or jumping on the bikes with the rest of the assholes around here to hunt me down. At least in California, they’ll have to take the time to organize things. The plane ride alone would buy me at least a day before someone showed up at my door. It would give one of you enough time to get a hold of me before to diffuse the situation before they flew six hours to check on me.”

  “Yeah, I see your point. When are you planning on leaving? Are we going to be able to throw you a farewell party at least? Plus, after what Axle said things around here have stirred back up again. Not sure you’ll be able to get away from here just yet,” Hyde answered while the rest of us listened. Trevor was the only one who seemed to be thinking about things.

  “I’m hoping that I’ll be able to get in a class or two for the summer session although I doubt it. The one class I was looking into taking over the summer starts the middle of next week. I’m going to try and get things together but I’m not getting my hopes up. If not I’m going to plan for right after my birthday in August. It’ll give me three months to get my shit in order and hopefully, the boys will have the shit with Carmen finished. If not I’m sure with the help of Ben and the band's security detail Axle will be more inclined to agree. That and I’ll promise to fly home once a month as well as holidays, breaks and long weekends.”

  “I talked to Ember and Demi about moving into the apartment above the garage where Ben’s mom and sister stay when they come to visit. When they bought the house they were thinking of Avery and Hunter moving there at the time but now that she’s decided to stay here and commute when needed it’ll be empty. They assured me they would talk to Layla and Cali about it. I had a text waiting for me as soon as we landed. Looks like everyone is waiting for my return,” Madison finishes.

  “I hope everything works out for you. I might be speaking out of turn and it’s not my place to really say anything but just know that if you need anything I’ll be here for you,” I say. The rest of the women added pretty much the same thing I said in their own way. Everyone agreed to stand behind Madison’s decision and help however possible. Trevor again was the only one that remains quiet, looking deep in thought.

  From the looks of everyone we all really needed to get caught up on some much-needed sleep however we spent the next several hours talking and plotting the future. By the time Happy came busting down the stairs to the basement the group had Madison smiling and talking about her impending plans. If the look on Happy’s face wasn’t enough to scare the living daylights out of me his next words had fear coursing through my veins.

  “Just got a call from the clubhouse. Half the crew is headed towards the bike shop. You all keep your asses down here and wait for someone to come to you. Athena, get your piece locked and loaded. You shoot anyone who doesn’t look familiar. I don’t give a fuck if they’re wearing our patch. The boys from Rowensville have been warned to stay out front. If it ain’t someone from this chapter that comes to check in you unload the clip in their chest. You feel me?”

  Athena nodded before springing to life. I sat frozen as Izzy and Romy started demanding answers from a retreating Happy. He left without saying another word leaving us all wondering what heck was going on. My first thoughts went to Tank and where he was in the mix of things. Fear for his safety was overtaking my body but somehow I manage to tap in down and bring myself back to the situation at hand. Within minutes everyone, with the exception of Trevor and myself, had a gun of some sort within arms reach. Athena was pacing looking out of the basement windows checking for any sign of action. I’ve been told the retired marine was a force to be reckoned with and seeing her now only drives it home.

  Chapter 11

  Tank

  After Bree left me standing to comfort Madison I was left no choice but to seek out Happy. The oldheads were planning on bringing the news about Rowdy and Breezy up in Church tomorrow night. Ghost is convinced that somehow the shit with Carmen and Bree’s parents are connected somehow. He doesn’t believe Bree has any knowledge of it but something in his gut was telling him to look outside that box or at least that’s what he told me a few minutes ago anyway. Ghost approached me as soon as the door closed behind Bree and Madison. Even in his old age the fucker still had the ability to blend in the shadows. I’ve been told that’s how he ended up with his road name. You never know where the asshole was lurking until he makes himself known. Sometimes it gets a little fucking creepy.

  It didn’t take long to track Happy down. I found him shooting pool with the prospect at the clubhouse. I stood back and watched the asshole sink ball after ball. The prospect didn’t stand a chance against him. I learned that shit the hard way many moons ago. I waited for the Happy to finish his rehearsed lecture about patience to the now sulking prospect. I’ve heard him give the same speech too many times over the years. I could probably repeat it word for word.

  When Happy’s is finished schooling the poor prospect he follows me to the table in the far corner of the bar. “I take it you need to talk about something? Why the fuck are you over here with me anyway? Didn’t your bitch just get back? Next thing you know you’ll be sitting up at the bar with that mopey mother fucker,” Happy ends with pointing at Wall. I didn’t see Wall when I came in. He’s sitting at the bar with a bottle of whiskey by himself. Everyone seems to be giving him a wide berth given the mood he seems to be in.

  I pull my attention from Wall to address Happy’s accusations. “Yeah, we need to talk and yes my woman’s back. She left me to go deal with the fucking mess his ass left behind,” I pointed to Wall as I continued to speak, “Madison was a fucking mess. Before you ask, No, I don’t know what it was about. I was occupied with my own mess to work out. Hence why you and I need to have a chit-chat. Ghost is on my ass about the shit with Rowdy being Breeanna’s father. The old head thinks somehow the shit is connected to the mess we’ve had brewing with the rogue Grizzlie’s,” I paused before continuing on, “I’ve made the decision to make Breezy mine and this shit is going to mindfuck her. I need to know what you’ve dug up on her mother and fill in daddy.”

  “Yeah? You finally gonna man up and take what you want, fucker?” I couldn’t respond verbally without snapping, so instead, I just gave a sharp chin lift. Happy’s started grinning like a fool but didn’t say another word in regards to my decision. Thank fuck for small miracles! Happy’s just kept grinning as he continued to lay out what he was working on. “Ghost and I had a chat right after you came to me. He gave me the all clear to use whoever and whatever I could to get to the bottom of this shit. I reached out to a guy I know to check into a few things. I met with him earlier this afternoon. From what I’ve been able to sort threw I gotta say I agree with Ghost. Something is telling me we’re all on one big fucking merry-go-round. There’s a few things about your girl you should know, not that I think she has a clue, though.”

  “Like what? Does that mea
n you’re trying to tell me Breezy has something to do with all this shit,” I question Happy?

  “Easy dude. You asked me to dig into financials. Your girl is fucking loaded and I don’t mean her parents. I mean she herself is filthy rich or will be on her birthday this year. She stands to inherit just over two mil and twenty-six percent of the family business giving her one percent more than dear old dad. The other forty-nine percent of the company is divided up between past CEOs and distant family. She’s going to have one explosive fourth of July this year and I’m not talking fireworks either,” Happy explained.

  “You’ve lost me, man. I know she was born on the fourth of July but what the hell does this year have to do with anything? Why the hell wouldn’t she know about this?” I lowered my voice as I watched Axle rush into the clubhouse going straight to his room. I looked to Happy with silent plea to keep quiet. It didn’t take long before Axle was walking back out to the main room headed straight for Wall. After a brief conversation, I watched as both Axle and Wall left. The sounds of their bikes disappearing down the path that led over to the house was Happy’s cue to pick up where he left off.

  “Brother, the cunt that gave birth to her is a total fucking wackjob. You haven’t a fucking clue what that woman has gone through, along with the asshole Bree thinks is her father, to get control of Bree’s inheritance.” I sit speechless as Happy goes on to explain the lengths the two people who are supposed to be my woman’s parents were willing to go in order to keep her from getting what was left for her. Happy stumbled on a few classified legal documents that make her a very rich woman within the next thirty days or so. When her grandmother died she left her shares of the corporation as well as a nice nest egg for Bree. I assume this is the grandmother she’s spoken about a few times. Bree had made it seem like they were close and from the information, Happy found I’d have to say so. The problem was technically the dead woman wasn’t her grandmother, not by blood anyway because Rowdy was Breeanna biological father. Happy was able to pull up the will that clearly spelled it out backing up the information we were able to prove with a simple lab test thanks to Doc. Happy seems to think the woman was a little on the feisty side or at the least vindictive. According to Happy, there wasn’t a very nice picture painted of Bree’s mother in the will nor of her son. The grandmother was determined that Bree would be left everything. It seems the will had been contested by Breeanna’s parents several different times over the last few years but were unsuccessful. The only conditions for Bree to receive her inheritance where she couldn’t touch it until she was twenty-five or if she were to marry before that. There were specific instructions that Bree would be able to do whatever she chooses with her controlling stock in the company. Bree could remain a silent partner, sell off her shares or even kick dear old dad out of his seat to take the helm of CEO if she wanted.