Baby (Black Rebel Riders' MC)

by Glenna Maynard

  My mother's friend—Rush has been getting pushy lately trying to setup another meeting with me. I don't know what he wants from me, I almost told my father about him...almost. Another reason I broke things off with Lucky, he was asking me questions that made me think that he doesn't love me at all, that maybe he was ordered to date me and patience is running out, because he wasn't getting the information he needs or wants from me.

  Rumor thinks I am being paranoid and should give him a second chance. As if she is one to talk, she dumped Tread two months ago because she had the feeling he was fucking around on her on the road. But what was she expecting—she isn't giving him any. The man is going to go where he can get a taste. I know her situation is different with her past but at some point if she wants to hold a man she is going to have to work through it. Not that she really wants a patched man anyways. Rumor is heading off to college in the fall; she has been accepted to a University in Illinois. I wish I could go with her but Grim and Sunshine think it's best that I do my first year at the local community college, they don't trust me and I don't have the smarts that my sister does for her fancy pants school. I haven't been the best student. I am lucky to be graduating at all next month. I can't wait for graduation I will be a legal beagle, ready to mingle, I am already eighteen but until I am officially out of high school, I am stuck under Grim's thumb. There won't be a damn thing Grim can do about it then, I smirk to myself, relishing in the thought of being able to say when and where without my old man's permission.

  Things with Rumor and I have been going decent. We have grown a lot closer since we both left Rebel alone. Don't get me wrong, we are both still friends with him, but things between he and I will never be what they used to be. Rebel has been fucking some whore from the Fox's Den, her name is Amanda but the brother's call her Diamond whatever and the fuck for I have no idea, but Striker says it is because she bedazzles her vagina. Who has time for that, I mean shit, wax that motherfucker and go on, ain't nobody got time to be making it all sparkly and shit. Anyways Rumor and I get a good laugh out of it but I suspect it bothers her more than she lets on. I think she is afraid I will be mad at her if she admits to me that she still cares for Rebel. I thought about trying to talk to her about it. I really am over that. It was puppy love. I guess in my mind I had built up this fantasy of the life I thought Rebel and I would share, but reality wasn't anywhere close to living up to the dream.

  However, tonight I do not care about any of that heavy stuff; I am going to my senior prom. Trouble is going to be my date, he is the only guy Grim would approve my going with and he is my best friend.

  **

  "You look beautiful Baby." Sunshine snaps a picture of Trouble and me, as we get ready to go to the dance. I do a twirl for her and Rumor showing off my pink dress. It is strapless with a heart bust line and it is a-line resting above my knees. This shade of pink compliments my skin tone and red hair perfectly. This dress was made for me, hugging my curves in all the right places. I wish Lucky could see me. I almost sent him a picture. But that asshole doesn't deserve to see how fuckable I look.

  Walking out onto the front porch Grim and some of the brothers—including Rebel are watching us leave. That's right Rebel this could have been yours...eat your heart out. Striker waves at me as we pull away. Trouble looks so handsome in his tux, I know he is going to get a lot of shit for it, but he says it is worth it just to see me smile. He really is the bestest friend a girl could ask for. He even got a haircut and shaved his beard for tonight. Trouble is allowed to be my date because he is only nineteen—had he been twenty I would be SOL—shit out of luck. Always the perfect gentleman he opens the door to his Transam for me. He wanted to ride his Harley, but not in this dress and these heels. Besides, I spent way too much time on my hair to fuck it up.

  We decided to skip dinner; I'd rather smoke a little smoke and drink a little drink before we get there anyways. Trouble stops off at the carryout to grab us some beer and some Zigzags. The carryout is owned by Foxie's dad so we don't have to worry about being legal to buy alcohol. My phone beeps with a message from Lucky.

  Lucky: You look beautiful tonight.

  Baby: How would you know?

  "Because I am standing right here." Lucky is standing next to the car with Trouble wearing a tuxedo. What in the hell is he doing?

  "I'd like to take you to prom, if you'd have me." Trouble is grinning at being able to put one over on me. "So what do you say, can I take you to Prom Baby?" He flashes his wicked smile at me, knowing I can't say no, no matter how pissed I am. I mean look at him. His shaggy dark blond hair is slicked back, his blue eyes shimmering with hope, so full of promise. His eyes call to me, they draw me in and I get so lost in him. When he and I are together nothing else exists it is only he and I.

  "What about Trouble, he's all dressed up and nowhere to go." I ask feeling guilty for thinking about ditching him after he went through all this inconvenience for me.

  "I have plans Baby, don't worry about me. I just want you to go and have the night of your life." My best friend gives me his blessing and his word so Lucky and I leave Trouble at the carryout and he escorts me to my senior prom.

  Lucky clutches my hand and holds my palm flat against his heart. "I have missed you so fucking much. I'm sorry I hurt you. But Baby you don't understand shit is so crazy right now. I understand why you don't want to be with me. But give me tonight to show you how good we could be. I'm lost when I'm not with you. I love you so damned much." He brings my hand up to his mouth planting a sincere kiss against my skin sending goose bumps across my flesh. I want to trust him, but this could just be another game on behalf of the Devils Rejects. I don't know what's factual anymore.

  "I'll give you tonight, but I can't promise any more than that."

  "I'll take it," he smiles at me his smile not quite reaching his eyes though showing a hint of disappointment. We get to the gym of my high school; we are running behind and have missed grand march, which is probably for the best. If Grim was to ever find out that I went to prom with a Reject he'd never let me out of the house again.

  Lucky is on his best behavior all night. He hasn't complained the first time and he didn't even get jealous when some of my guy friends asked me to dance. Somehow, we have managed to escape being photographed together for the most part. I just hope the few pictures that were snapped of us don't end up in the local newspaper. Lucky offered to break the photographer's camera. But if the pictures are printed and Grim happens to see them I will play dumb to knowing whom Lucky is.

  It's the last song of the night, 'You have been loved', is playing and Lucky takes my hand and leads me to the center of the dance floor. "Baby, tonight has been perfect, except for one thing." He tilts my chin and angles his mouth centimeters from mine. "I love you," he says looking me straight in the eyes before sealing the end of a perfect date with a kiss. And not just any kiss, this is the kiss of all kisses we have ever shared. This is a kiss that doesn't lie, Lucky loves me, but can I confide in him with my heart. The song has ended but we are still in the middle of the floor locked in our kiss, his hands travel down my arms reaching around my back, he lifts me up, breaking our kiss and spins me around.

  Out in the parking lot Trouble is waiting with Lucky's motorcycle to trade for his car and me. I feel like Cinderella after the ball, when the magic ends and she returns to being ordinary. Lucky whispers in my ear, "no matter what happens and what is said trust in us and trust in my love for you." His words feel like a warning and a promise. I'm not sure what to make of any of it. And hello it's prom night and he didn't want to even sleep with me he says he is waiting until he claims me, who says chivalry is dead, I found it in a crude biker named Lucky.

  "Lucky...what," He cuts me off with a kiss before getting on his Harley and riding off into the night.

  "Alright, Trouble what is he talking about and don't act like you don't know. I don't care what either of you say I know the two of you trade secrets." Of course, he gives me a dumbfounded look,
playing the innocent card. "I mean it Trouble, is something about to happen. Should I be worried?"

  "I don't know Baby, but all I can say is shit is about to go down and you need to be prepared to handle whatever comes your way." Like that is supposed to reassure me or make me feel any better. "Now let's get you home before Grim has my ass."

  When I get into the car he is playing a song and the guy is singing about he doesn't know why she treats him like she does. Trouble is belting out the lyrics and it fits my mood perfectly. Him and his fucking ability to choose the perfect songs when I need to hear them most leaves me scratching my head.

  When Trouble first started hanging around me I didn't know if he had a crush on me or had hopes of me helping him earn his patch, but whatever the reason I am thankful for his friendship. I don't know what I would do without him. He always has my back and if he says to get prepared for a shit storm, things must be serious. But what's coming? Why do I feel like I am lost at sea in a paddleboat in the calm before the storm without any paddles?

  9

  Rumor

  Baby looked like a princess tonight as she left for her senior prom. A part of me is envious, I never had a prom and the whole school experience, but I am happy to see her live through it. I can't wait for her to come home and tell me all about it. Pulling my hair back I get ready for the night shift over at the Roadhouse, Grim finally let me out of the kitchen and is letting me serve at the bar, and the tips are great. A few more weeks of this and I will finally have enough saved up for my apartment. Well the place I am going to share with Aspen. I am leaving a month early for college to get settled before my classes start in the fall. I cannot believe I am really going to do it. I am going to get out of the only life I have ever known and enter the real world on my own. It will be my first time living alone and away from club life. Grim and Sunshine keep offering to pay for my expenses but I can't let them do that. They have already done so much for me. Grim saved me and I feel weird taking anything else from him. My mom left money for me, I will receive it in a few more years and I intend to pay Grim and Sunshine back for all that they have given me when I obtain it.

  The Roadhouse is dead tonight, all except for a few brothers and some whores they brought over from the Fox's Den. I could have went to work there for LL and Foxie, but the thought of men touching me sends shivers down my spine and makes me nauseas. That's one reason things didn't work between Tread and me. He was understanding and patient, but I knew he wouldn't wait forever. I hope he isn't here tonight. There isn't any hard feelings between us but it is awkward enough having to watch Rebel and Diamond, I don't need to see Tread and his latest conquest too.

  Rebel could do a lot better than that skank he is with now, hell I'd rather see him with my sister than watch him parade around here with Diamond. She has no self-respect. I have seen her give blowjobs right here in the middle of the bar to anyone willing to drop their pants. Rebel waves his empty beer bottle at me signaling for me to bring them another round.

  "Thanks," he smacks my ass when I turn to leave from their table and Diamond cackles like a hyena. I don't know what he sees in her. Sure, she is pretty. Her black hair hangs to her ass; she has pretty skin with a deep tan. She looks like she could be Indian, Rebel's very own Pocahontas, but the girl is dumber than shit. I snort at the thought. Baby will love that comparison. You would think I would be over Rebel by now, but if anything I miss, him more and my nightmares are at their worst. I think with everything that happened with Tread coupled with my anxiety about leaving soon, it's made them stronger. We are still friends but Rebel no longer comforts me on the nights I can't sleep, on the nights when my past is more than I can bear. Rebel is one of the things I will miss the most about Drag Creek.

  I roll my eyes as Diamond makes an ass of herself; she is standing in her chair flashing her tits at anyone that will pay attention. Is she the kind of woman Rebel wants on his arm? I cannot believe I almost thought about being with him once upon a time. Foxie comes in and Rebel automatically straightens up and orders Diamond to cover up, least he still has respect for his mother. Foxie whispers in his ear handing him a burner phone and he rushes out in a hurry, without a word to his date. Foxy hasn't been coming around much lately, word is she has her a new man. No clue as to who he is though, she seems to be pretty tight lipped on the subject. At least that's what I hear from Betty, she always fills me in on the latest gossip when she swings by, which isn't often. The only reason she ever stops by here is to bring me a book. She knows Grim doesn't want her around and the only reason she is still breathing is because of me.

  Foxie hauls off and smacks Diamond across the cheek, "I thought I told you to stay away from my boy, whore. I suggest if you want to keep your room at the Den you take head to my advice."

  Rubbing her cheek, Diamond retorts, "he isn't a child, he is free to fuck whomever he pleases. Rebel doesn't strike me as a man that needs his mommy's permission to get his dick sucked."

  Romeo steps in before more damage can be done. He orders Diamond to leave and Foxie comes to the bar for a drink. "I wish Rebel would find him a nice girl. Someone like you or your sister. One of you girls would make a fine old lady," she says and I just smile and pour her a double shot. She looks like she could use one. I don't think Diamond is really the cause for her mood. She comes across as though something is weighing heavily on her heart.

  Rebel never came back and by the time, I got off work Baby was already in bed.

  Rebel

  Damn, Rumor looked so damn sexy. I love that I can still make her blush. If I thought, she'd give me a chance I'd drop Diamond and go after her. I thought for sure she'd be sportin' Tread's mark by now, but seems to me they have broken things off. He hasn't said anything and I haven't asked, he knows I'd take her in a heartbeat. He knows I threatened to cut off his balls if he ever hurt her too. Rumor doesn't seemed phased by the breakup so I haven't felt the need to confirm that they ended on good terms. I have other shit to worry about too. The Devils Rejects are getting impatient, they are ready to take out Grim. As much as I hate him for taking out my father, I respect the hell out of the man. He is a man of his word and he seems to be a great prez. When I first started talking to the Rejects about taking him down, I was so hurt—angry. I was in a bad place, drinking and smoking to where I didn't know my own name most nights. I hurt a lot of people I cared about especially Baby. I was sending her mixed messages, leading her on. I knew the kid was in love with me and I used her. Looking back on everything that went down with my old man, I know that Grim did what he had to for the good of the club. Slim—my dad made many shit decisions that hurt a lot of us and I am afraid if I continue down this road I am going become the thing I fear most...my father.

  Baby says she forgives me, but I can't forgive myself for hurting her. And Rumor, she still has it in her to smile at me and be so motherfuckin' sweet to me though it is the last thing I deserve from her. Some nights I think if Rumor were to ask me to leave with her, I'd go, if it meant not becoming my old man. If I stay here, I am afraid I will give into the temptation to avenge my father's death and marry a woman I don't really love.

  Lucky wants to meet with me to discuss business, I know he is feeling the pressure to make things pop off as well. I know he has been sneaking around with Baby. The only thing that has kept me from stopping it is the way she lights up when he is near her. She used to light up that way for me and I want her to be happy however short lived it is. I know something bad is coming I just don't know what it is.

  I make the drive to The Razor's Edge to meet up with Lucky. When I get to our usual table in the back, he has a hard expression on his face and he isn't trying to hide it either. Shit must be getting ready to go down. "What's so urgent that this couldn't wait until next week?"

  "I'm worried about Baby."

  "Why's that?" I swear if he has put her in danger, I will kill him.

  "Lucky called me; Baby and Rumor both are in danger." Trouble pops out of nowhere and pulls a chair
over to our booth.

  "I heard some talk. Rush wants to take Grim down bad and he isn't above using Baby or Rumor to make it happen. I can only do so much to protect her from my end. I'm getting cut out of plans and left out of meetings. I think Rush knows where my loyalty lies when it comes to her. I was supposed to pump her for information, not fall in love with her."

  "You mean that, that you love her. Would you die for her?" I lean across the table and look him dead in the eyes.

  "I'm here talking to you about it aren't I?" He has a point why tell me any of this and bring Trouble into the mix if he is planning on helping Rush use Baby to get to Grim.

  "The thing is, Rush claims Baby is his daughter not Grim's. Says it's only a matter of time before he tells her the truth."

  "Bullshit, everyone knows Baby is Grim's kid. What's the connection?" Trouble asks in an annoyed tone. It seems there is tension between these two, my guess is Baby is the source, but I do not have time to worry about her love life when her life is in danger.

  "Well, story is that Red was seeing Rush on the side when Grim was on the road and that is when Baby was conceived. Grim even caught them together once and Red told Grim he was her brother and Grim ordered him away believing the lie. Rush claims that he and Red set up Benji and that Sarah might be his as well. What a better way to mind fuck your enemies than by having them raise your kids thinking they are your own and working to turn them against you. "

  "Why Grim though, what happened to keep him from taking out Benji?" I am so confused but a part of me believes it could be true. My mom says that Grim and Red had a whirlwind romance and that he never even really knew her. And when Grim took out Benji and Squirrel to rescue Sarah he found out that Red had played him.