by Bella Jewel
“Cut her some slack, old man. She’s old enough now to make her own choices.”
“She’s livin’ in my house and she’s my little girl. While those two things exist, she ain’t doin’ what she wants.”
Danny shoots me a look and I shrug, then he goes to find Mercy. I turn to Skye and whisper, “What was that about?”
“Apparently Mercy snuck out the other night and got into some trouble, and her dad found out. He wasn’t happy.”
“Seriously?” I gasp. “I can’t believe she didn’t tell me.”
“You’ve been a little busy.”
I frown. Too busy to be there for my friends?
“It’s okay,” she amends quickly. “No one is holding it against you.”
I force a smile and stand. “I’m going to find Max. I haven’t spoken to him in ages.”
“Ebs is back, so he’s been hanging out with her.”
I beam. “I didn’t know Ebs was back.”
Ebony is Max’s step-sister. Her dad was a member of a rival club, and he died, leaving her mom, Janine, my mom’s best friend, alone. Janine met Muff and he instantly adopted the two, falling in love with Janine and practically adopting Ebony. Then they went on to have Max.
“She is, just for a week.”
Ebony has finished college and is now working her dream job, being that she’s a few years older than the rest of us. She comes home when she can, but she seems to be making a good life for herself. That’s all anyone can ask for.
“Well, I’m going to go and say hello, and make sure Mercy is okay.”
“I’ll be here. I want to talk to Dad.”
I smile at her. “Later, chicky.”
“Laters.”
I walk down the halls, poking my head into each room until I find Mercy sitting in one of the club rooms that is no doubt used for unsanitary things. It only has a double bed and a couple of ratty old bedside tables, but she’s in here anyway, standing by the window, staring out. I guess Danny didn’t find her, or maybe he did and she sent him packing.
“Knock knock,” I say, and she turns, smiling weakly at me.
“Hey Ava.”
“You okay?”
She shrugs. “Sure, if I wasn’t on house arrest.”
“What happened?”
She sighs. “I . . . god, I don’t know.”
“Skye said you snuck out and got busted.”
She nods and stares out the window again.
“Wanna share, or do you just want to go get a drink?”
“I met this guy.”
I go over and stand beside her, saying nothing, just letting her go on.
“I . . . I can’t even explain this without it sounding really bad.”
“Try me,” I say, encouraging her with a smile.
“I went to a small local concert with a friend. We won a couple of VIP tickets through a competition. Since I turned twenty-one, I thought it would be awesome to see, even if the band is just small and nothing major. So, we went to the concert, we watched them play, and then we went backstage to meet them. Pru went and got chatty with one of the members and so I got stuck with the lead singer, and god, Ava, he was a jerk. An absolute pig. I was excited. I asked him questions and he just grunted at me, treating me like a stupid little girl. I got so angry I told him exactly what I thought of him, as I have a bad habit of doing. I mean, I got right in his face and just ripped it up him, and then he stood up and kissed me.”
I blink. “Pardon me?”
She flushes and nods. “Yep, he just stood up and kissed me, then he was gone. I’ve never . . . God, Ava, I’ve never felt anything like it in my life. It was so intense and he was so . . . hot. They were playing again the next night and I wanted to see him, so I tried to sneak out. I don’t know why. I just . . . I needed to know what the hell went on.”
“Wait, first, why did you sneak out?”
She huffs. “Dad cracked the shits because I didn’t come home on time the night before. He likes to know where I am—you know what they’re like. Anyway he told me I wasn’t going out again that weekend and while I could refuse, being that I’m twenty-one, I didn’t want to poke the bear so I agreed to stay in, but . . . I just couldn’t.”
“So you made the bear really, really angry,” I laugh.
She nods. “Yep, and I never got to see the guy again.”
“What’s the band?”
“They call themselves Wrath. I don’t know why. They’re only local, obviously just trying to take off.”
“And did you catch his name?”
She nods. “Diesel. That’s all I got. No last name. Nothing.”
“That’s a pretty unique name. You could probably find him if you wanted to.”
She shakes her head. “Nah. The more I think about it, the stupider I feel. I mean, he probably just kissed me to shut me up and hasn’t thought about it again. Last thing I want to do is come across as a stalker.”
I laugh. “No, I guess not. Still, couldn’t hurt to maybe find out if he’s playing again.”
“I start college next week. No doubt I’ll be too busy for bands and boys.”
I nod. “Are you excited about college?”
She nods. “Hell yes. I love my dad, but I’m really tired of living under his fierce protection.”
“Feel ya, babe.” I chuckle, and she giggles.
“Bikers, eh?” She grins.
“Bikers.”
“What would we do without them?”
God only knows.
~*~*~*~
“So you’re loving your job?” I ask Ebony as we mix up some drinks later that night.
“Yeah.” She smiles. “It’s pretty damned good.”
“Done anything horribly rebellious?”
She laughs and flicks her pretty eyes in my direction. Her long blond hair falls over her face as she does, so she shoves it back. “I’m always rebellious.”
“Yes.” I grin. “But how rebellious?”
“Yeah,” Muff says, coming up behind her. “How rebellious?”
She turns and grins up at him. He might not be her dad by blood, but he’s her dad in every way that counts. “I’m a perfect angel.” She winks.
He chuckles and curls an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him. “You learned from the best. It really doesn’t surprise me.”
“Don’t talk about Mom like that,” Eb teases, and Muff grins.
“Oh, I wasn’t talkin’ about your momma.”
I roll my eyes and laugh. “You two are nuts.”
“What about you?” Eb asks, when Muff shakes his head and walks off. “Anything interesting happening aside from the drama that’s been going down?”
My cheeks grow hot, and her eyes widen. “Oh, do tell!”
“Nothing to tell,” I say, wishing I could tell them all about Lucas, but none of them would understand. In this world, he is basically the enemy.
“You’re so lying!” she chastises playfully. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re seeing someone.”
“Say what?”
I spin around and see Danny, Skye and Max all staring at me. It was Danny who spoke.
“I’m not seeing anyone,” I scoff, waving a hand.
“Oh my god! You are!” Skye squeals.
“She is what?” Addison asks, coming up next to Skye and throwing her arm around her.
“She’s seeing someone,” Skye yells.
My cheeks burn and Addison’s eyes widen. “My baby sister is seeing someone?” she screeches. “No way. Come, tell your sister all about it. I want details.”
My face burns.
“Since when are you seein’ someone?” Danny grunts.
“I’m . . . I’m not!” I say, but even I don’t believe it.
“Oh, bull!” Mercy grins. “You’re a bad liar.”
“Really bad,” Max agrees.
“Daddy!” Addison yells. “Your daughter is seeing someone.”
“Addi!” I cry out.
“Hey.” She grins. “I had to endure his wrath; so do you, sister.”
I put my head in my hands, and Ebony giggles beside me.
“What’s this about my baby seein’ someone?” Dad grunts, close by.
“I’m not seeing anyone!” I grumble into my hands.
“She is. She so is,” Skye sings.
I lift my head and shoot her a glare, then I give Dad a sheepish look.
“Well,” he grunts, crossing his arms, giving me his Dad eyes. “Who you seein’ and where can I find him?”
“Dad!” I protest.
“Spill the beans, baby girl. I’ll find out.”
“I’m not seeing anyone,” I attempt again.
I mean really, I’m not seeing anyone. I slept with Lucas, but that doesn’t mean we’re seeing each other. He hasn’t indicated even for a second that that’s what we’re doing here, hell he hasn’t even called me, just a few simple texts. Besides, even if I was, I’m not about to tell my dad about it. He’d lose his shit. No, that doesn’t even cut it. He’d probably kill Lucas, chain me up for life, and then lose his shit.
“Don’t lie to me,” he warns.
“Dad,” I huff. “I’m not seeing anyone. I’m being serious.”
“Then why are you blushing?”
“I’m embarrassed,” I correct, “because you all just bombarded me!”
He studies me. “I don’t like any fucker touchin’ my baby girl.”
“Oh poo!” Addison waves a hand before I can speak. “She’s a grown girl, Daddy-O. She can get touched as much as she likes.”
Dad shoots her a glare, and I can’t help it—I burst out laughing. Addison is forever on his case, and sometimes she just says the most ludicrous things.
“It ain’t funny,” he mutters, crossing his arms and staring at me.
“It’s a little funny,” I say, pressing a hand over my mouth.
“It’s really really funny.” Skye giggles.
Cade comes over and joins the group, throwing his arm around Skye’s shoulder, too. “What’s funny?”
“Dad is having a fit at the very thought of Ava getting some lovin’,” Addison taunts, giving our dad a shit-eating grin.
“So he should. You okay with our daughter getting some lovin’?” Cade grunts, and Addison stops grinning.
I laugh harder.
“You lot are up to no good again,” Mom says, coming in beside me. “I can hear you all the way in the kitchen.”
“That’s because Dad is being an overprotective rock ape again,” I tease lightly.
Mom grins. Dad’s lips twitch.
“He can’t help it.” She smiles at him. “It’s just the way he is.”
“Well, maybe he should channel more of it on you,” I point out.
She flushes, so adorable. “Oh, he does.”
“Ew!” Addison cries. “No! I’ve told you about details, woman.”
Mom flips her the bird, and I start laughing again. My crazy awesome family—I don’t know where I’d be without them.
CHAPTER 28
NOW – AVA
What the hell am I doing?
This is too much. It’s too much, right?
I glance down at the sandwiches in my hands, and the bag of pop in the other, then I look up at the police station where Lucas works. I don’t know if this is the right thing to do. Hell, I don’t even know if Lucas wants to see me. We haven’t talked for the past four days. He probably wants to run a good mile and here I am bringing him lunch, like I’m his damned wife.
Oh God.
It’s definitely too much.
He hasn’t even called me. He texted last night saying he was busy at work and would call me today. Stupid me thought it would be a good idea to bring him lunch if he was busy.
I keep staring at the building as if it’ll miraculously give me the answers I’m seeking, but no, it just sits there as it was five seconds before.
I should go.
Yes, I’m going.
I start walking in a hurry so I can pass the building quickly. I don’t want anyone to notice me. Thank god Lucas’s office is located on the other side of the building. Just as I pass the building, I catch sight of two people against it. There is a little seat and a couple of tables there. I skid to a stop when I realize those people are Lucas and Sheila.
My heart skids to a halt as I take them in.
Sheila is standing against the wall, her back pressed against it, her face tilted up towards Lucas. He’s got one hand on the wall beside her head and he’s leaning down close, saying something to her, their bodies quite close, maybe only inches apart. My hands tremble. The position they’re in doesn’t leave much to the imagination. There are only a few scenarios that would put people in that position. Something tightens in my chest, something painful and ugly. I take a step back and trip on a chair, stumbling once or twice before catching my footing.
When I look back up, Lucas is watching me. He steps away from the wall, his eyes on mine, confused, intense.
“Ava,” he says, his voice thick.
“I was just,” I say, my voice small and timid, “I was just . . . I thought . . .” I hold up the bag of food. “I . . . never mind. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
I drop the food and pop onto the table and turn, rushing off. The second I hit the street, tears spring to my eyes and rush down my cheeks. I find my car and throw myself in, speeding off before anyone can stop me. Not that I think anyone would. Clearly I interrupted Lucas with the woman he was dating. God, she probably doesn’t even know about me. She’s probably his girlfriend.
I’m an idiot.
A damned idiot.
My phone rings once, then twice, and on the third time I glance down at it to see Lucas’s number on the screen. I turn it off and keep driving. God, my mascara is probably running. I am ready for work. I thought I’d have lunch with Lucas and then head in for my shift, but clearly that won’t happen. I’ll go in early. Michael won’t care. The more he can make me work the happier he is.
I arrive at work ten minutes later and get out of the car, leaving my phone behind. I dig through my purse and find a tissue, cleaning up my face. I’m red and blotchy, but I’m sure no one will notice. I take a deep, shaky breath and head inside. The office is busy, as always, so I quickly go to my desk and fire up my computer. I don’t need to talk to anyone; I’ll just do my job and distract myself.
“Ava, you’re here early.”
I look up and see Michael coming towards my desk, carrying a stack of papers.
“Yes. I was in the area; I thought I’d come in and get a bit extra done.”
He nods, his eyes dropping to my breasts. Ugh. Such a fucking pig.
“Yes, well, it’s nice to see you. May I have a word with you in the conference room?”
Great. He’ll probably fire me. It’s that kind of day.
“Sure.”
I stand and follow him into the conference room. When we’re in there, he turns to me. “I just wanted to see if you’re okay.”
I blink. “Pardon?”
“Well, you look like you’ve been crying.”
I study him. Michael doesn’t do anything to help anyone. He’s selfish and creepy, and there is always a reason he asks questions like these.
“I’m fine. Just a long night.”
“I’m heading out to lunch soon. Would you like to join me?”
Um. No.
“No thanks,” I say quickly. “I have a lot of work to do.”
He steps closer, and my skin prickles. “Of course, but I’d still like you to join me.”
He’s creeping me out. “My boyfriend wouldn’t like that, I’m afraid,” I say quickly. “Unless it’s to do with business, I must decline.”
There. That sounds professional.
“I didn’t think you had a boyfriend,” he says, stepping closer. “I imagined you to be . . . somewhat innocent.”
Okay. He needs to get the fuck out of my space. “I’m sorry?�
�� I say, my voice a little pissy.
“I just didn’t picture you as the type to date. You’re so sweet, so innocent.”
Ick. “Well, I have a boyfriend, and he’s great. He’s also a cop.”
That makes him step back, but he still gives me a skeptical look. “I hope you’re not lying to me, Ava. Because I’d find out. And I really wouldn’t be happy.”
“No sir,” I mutter, stepping towards the door. “Not lying. I have work to do.”
I rush out before he can say anything else. My skin is crawling. I hurry back to my desk and sit down. I’m there barely five minutes when our receptionist, Hayley, comes over. “Ava? You have a visitor.”
I stare up at her. “I do?”
“Yes. He didn’t give a name, but he said it’s urgent. I’ve buzzed him up.”
Lucas. I’d bet on it.
“Thanks.” I sigh.
She disappears and I turn back to my computer, anger and sadness competing in my chest. When I hear the deep, sexy voice behind me, I stop scrolling through my screen, but I don’t turn.
“You goin’ to ignore me all day?”
“Why are you here, Lucas?” I say, not glancing at him.
“Look at me, kid.”
“Don’t call me that!” I snap. “And I’m working. You need to leave.”
“I’m not goin’ to leave,” he grinds out. “So turn around and give me your eyes.”
Lucas is pissed. I shiver and turn around, looking up at him. He looks so good, so damned good. He’s got a pair of black jeans on and a white button-up shirt that’s rolled up at the sleeves. His tie is loose and his boots are slightly scuffed. He looks like a rebel cop, and that’s hot. His hair is mussed and he has a few days growth on his jaw. His eyes are intense as hell as he studies me.
“Can you hurry it up?” I say, my voice pathetic and weak. “I’m busy.”
He furrows his brows. “You stormed off before lettin’ me explain.”
“Explain what?” I mutter. “You’re seeing another woman—that’s fine. You and I...it was fun. I get that. You don’t need to explain.”
“Ava. . .”
“No seriously, it’s fine, Lucas. Just because we slept together doesn’t mean anything. I get it.”
“Ava,” he growls.
