by E. C. Land
The more I think about it, the more I want to go after those fuckers. Ally and I haven’t talked much, but when we do, it’s always about me and what my life has been like, never about hers. And then there’s the outburst Emerson had in the main room earlier. Those assholes didn’t only hurt her, they tried to break her by using me as leverage. Letting her think I wouldn’t get hurt worse than what they did in front of her as long as she toed the line.
I’m sure she still blames herself for me being taken even after I explained it all to her. The guilt remains in the depths of her eyes. I don’t know what it’s gonna take for her to get past it all, but damn if I won’t find a way.
Emerson whimpering in her sleep draws me from my thoughts. Is she having a nightmare? Moving the hand from behind my head, I wrap both my hands around her, and she immediately settles back into a peaceful sleep. My heart pounds against my chest that even in her sleep, she knows I’ll fight off the demons for her.
Closing my eyes, I lay there holding my woman while planning the demise of the men who want not only her but Ally and Lynsdey as well.
I groan in pleasure when I feel Emerson's mouth wrapped around my dick. Damn, it feels like I only just fell asleep when Emerson decided to wake up and play some more.
“Baby, you keep that up, and I’m gonna come in your mouth,” I groan, my eyes still closed while I enjoy the feeling of her sucking me off.
“That’s what I want,” a voice not belonging to my woman says before taking my dick back in her mouth.
My eyes pop open to see who the fuck was sucking my dick.
“What the fuck?” I roar at the sight of Susie Cue. Pulling the bitch off my dick, I throw her on the floor just as the bathroom door opens. Emerson steps out, wrapped in a towel. She looks down and furrows her brow.
Fuck, I hope she doesn’t think I’d try something like this.
“Are you serious right now?” Emerson screams. I open my mouth to fix this mess. However, I realize she is not yelling at me when my woman stalks the short distance from the bathroom door to the whore.
“Do you seriously think you can come into our room and fuck with my man while I’m in the shower?” she spits into Susie Cue’s face while lifting her up off the floor by the hair. If I were a nicer man, I’d intervene. Although, even if I were nice, I wouldn’t stop my woman right now, not when she’s coming to my defense.
“He wanted me to,” Susie Cue screeches out.
“Bullshit,” Emerson says as she removes her hand from Susie Cue’s hair only to punch her right in the nose.
Oh, shit, maybe I should step in.
“You’re nothing but a sleazy little whore with a loose pussy. Hades wouldn’t go near your nasty snatch at the risk of losing what he already has warming his bed.” If I didn’t feel the need to wash my dick to get the feel of the whore’s mouth off me, I’d pull Emerson into me and slam my dick into her. Her words aren’t just her coming to my defense— they’re a fuckin’ claim.
Speechless, I climb off the bed and stride toward her only to get a hand shoved into my chest.
“Don’t you touch me until you get in that shower, wash, scrub, and repeat. I’ll be back once I drag the trash out,” my woman mutters. Smiling, I lean in, taking her mouth in a hard, demanding kiss before doing just that.
How did I get so lucky to have a woman who can be shy and timid one minute, then draw out her claws the next?
Susie Cue’s screams for help have me stopping at the entrance to the bathroom. I can’t help but stand there stunned at Emerson, literally dragging the bitch across the floor. When she doesn’t stop there, I quickly throw on a pair of gym shorts from the floor and follow.
Following Emerson into the main room, I spot all the men standing there just as speechless. The women, however, start laughing. When Emerson gets to the front door, she opens it and holds the door open with her ass while she uses both hands to lift Susie Cue off the floor and throw her out the door.
“I don’t ever want to see you around my man ever again,” she yells and slams the door closed. Turning around, her eyes go wide at all the people in the room.
“Umm, sorry, I just needed to take the trash out,” she mutters bashfully.
“Emmy, you realize you’re in nothing but a towel?” Connors asks.
“Fuck, Hades, if she wasn’t your woman, I’d be wanting in there,” Burner says, adjusting the front of his pants. His words send me into action. I forgot all about the towel.
“You’re supposed to be in the shower,” Emerson says through narrowed eyes as I stalk toward her.
“And miss that show? Fuck no, You can come help me,” I growl, leaning forward to put my shoulder into her stomach and lift her. Making sure I don’t give my brothers a show of what’s under the towel, I cart her back to our room. Catcalls and whistles follow us the entire way.
21
Emerson
The last few weeks seem to have gone by in a blur. After putting on a show for all the club to see, the guys started calling me ‘Lady Enforcer.’ It became a joke that I was the women’s version of Hades.
I should feel remorse for my actions, but I don’t. I don’t even feel an inkling of embarrassment for the way I was dressed. The bitch should never have come into our room and then have the nerve to put her mouth on him. All while I was in the shower at that.
Hades was pissed Susie Cue kept getting into our room and asked Gadget to see if anything showed up on the security feed. Come to find out Susie Cue was a pro at picking the locks. Gadget ended up going back to the day we found her and Nikki in Hades’ bed together. I gotta love my sister’s men. Gadget wanted me to see proof, even though I didn’t need it, to know without a doubt, Hades wouldn’t do something to hurt me.
The only time Hades and I have fought since fixing things between us is when he ordered me not to go anywhere near Ricochet. It turned into a huge blow-up where I refused to speak to him, and when the guys from Iron Vex got to the clubhouse, I made sure to give my adopted brother a huge hug and kiss on the cheek. This gained me a punishment I look forward to getting again. Hades made sure I didn’t sit comfortably the next day.
I’d been confused as to why not only the Iron Vex were in town but also the South Carolina and the National Charters. When I’d asked Hades, he merely acted as if it weren’t nothing for me to be concerned with and said the dreadful words “It’s club business.” I didn’t accept this answer, not when Ricochet had whispered into my ear that he’d make sure no one fucks with his family and gets away with it. So, putting two and two together, I realized they were planning something to do with the satanic cult.
With so many people crowding into the clubhouse and the air becoming tense, I was thankful to be able to go back to work at my salon. Even if it was under the eye of the prospect Mac. It was better than being stuck around all the testosterone of big-headed men who want to bang their chests and think they can tell the women what to do. Well, all but Boss, the President of the Iron Vex MC.
Ricochet, Gold, and Chuckles had spoken a little about her but not much. However, from my own opinion of her, I understand why she has the position she does. The woman has more balls than some men I’ve met. My jaw about dropped when I witnessed her and Stoney going toe-to-toe with each other.
“Yo, boss lady, did you hear me?” Nora calls out jokingly, pulling me from my thoughts.
Laughing, I turn my head from where I’d been mixing some color to put in a customer’s hair. “What did you say?”
“Jesus H Christ, woman, have you gone and moved to la-la-land or something?” she says, lifting a brow at me.
“Umm, no, just things on my mind I was thinking about,” I tell her as I go back to finishing up what I was doing.
“Well, I was asking if I’d be able to take a few days off work,” she asks with a smile, though it doesn’t quite meet her eyes and she keeps casting glances in Mac’s direction. Hmm, what’s up with that?
“You know I don’t have a problem with that.
I mean, you did keep the place running while I was gone, so take as much time as you need,” I tell her.
“Thanks,” Nora says, her eyes still on Mac.
“So, what are you gonna do while you’re off,” I ask teasingly.
“Nothing special. Might see if Levi wants to do something.” Shrugging her shoulders, she says it like it’s no big thing and Mac whips his head in her direction, narrowing his eyes. Interesting. I know he’s new around here and wouldn’t know that Levi is Nora’s big brother.
I give her a knowing smirk. “I’m sure Levi would enjoy spending time with his baby sister,” I say, emphasizing the baby sister. As much as I’d love to let her torture Mac, I’m over the drama for now. Maybe next time, I’ll let help her torment the guy. Shit, the woman has three big brothers, but Levi is the only one around right now while the other two are overseas.
“Party pooper,” Nora gripes as Mac nods in my direction and goes back to whatever he was doing on his phone.
“Next time, doll. Next time,” I giggle.
“I’m holding you to that,” she says, laughing right along with me.
Laughing with Nora is one of the highlights of my day. She’s not only an employee here but one of my best friends.
“So you ready to tell me how good the sex is with that sexy as sin man of yours?” Nora asks while I begin to put the color into my customer’s hair. She’s never been ashamed to speak her mind nor care what anyone thought of her. It’s one of the things I love about her. Nora’s simply a free spirit.
“How about we have this conversation later?” I groan.
“Nope, spill. It’s been forever since we’ve talked,” she says, crossing her arms over her chest.
“What if we did it over drinks later? Outlaw Racks?” I try again.
“Oh, this must be good if you’re trying to butter me up with drinks. Fine, Demons Among Us are playing tonight, so that works for me. But be prepared to spill your guts while downing some Screaming Orgasms and Triple Ps,” she says, throwing out the names of my favorite shots.
“What’s a Triple P?” Mac speaks up from where he’d been sitting listening to our conversation.
“Pretty Pink Pussy,” Nora and I say at the same time, laughing at the widening of his eyes. Yep, Nora brings out the fun in me. I admit I can’t wait to have some fun and even spill all the things happening with me lately.
22
Hades
“We need a bulletproof plan for when we take these sick bastards out,” Twister says after filling in the other clubs on what has been going down.
“That’s for sure,” Ricochet growls from his place across from me. With so many members here, the Presidents from each club agreed to have just the VPs, Sergeants at Arms, and Enforcers meet. Afterward, we’d all meet with our respective clubs and fill them all in.
“Hades, you remember anything important about the area they were holding you?” Stoney asks.
“Considering I was chained up my entire stay in the basement, I don’t know shit about the place,” I grumble, folding my arms.
“There’s only one person here who possibly knows all the ins and outs of not just where they are but what they could be planning,” Twister states.
“Not fuckin’ happening,” Burner growls before I can open my mouth to protest.
What the fuck?
“You got something with my niece I need to know about?” Hammer asks, his fists bawled up, ready to hit something.
“No,” Burner says without hesitation.
“Good. Ally’s been through enough. She doesn’t need anyone keeping her from living. Shit, the girl’s been held prisoner for most of her damn life. I’m not about to let anyone, including a brother of this club, interfere with her having the freedom she needs,” Hammer says through clenched teeth.
“Then you have nothing to worry about. Ally and I are only friends. And no offense to anyone in the room, but you don’t know shit about what that woman wants or needs. She isn’t strong enough to give you all the details of the ins and outs. Did you know she screams in her sleep? I do because her room is right next to mine and I can hear it every night. You want her to have freedom? Then don’t even think about bringing her into this. She should be allowed to move on with her life any way she feels. Oh, and FYI, she’ll be starting at the tattoo shop Monday, running the front desk,” Burner grinds out.
As I take in Burner’s words, I feel like a complete ass toward my sister for not thinking she’d have nightmares. I mean, Hammer and Burner are both right. She’s been through enough. Granted, I wasn’t gonna allow the clubs to use her to find information because, honestly, she deserves peace. However, I do think it should be her decision. That’s part of having freedom. I want to put Ally in bubble wrap and set her on a pedestal where I can keep her safe. But then again, I know I gotta let my sister spread her wings.
“What if we ask her?” Boss suggests.
“No,” Hammer and Burner say at the same time.
“Look, if we’re gonna be able to come up with a plan to take these assholes down, you’re gonna have to suck it up and at least ask. Seriously, someone needs to get off their high horse and let the fuckin’ woman decide for herself,” Boss snaps at the two of them.
“Why the hell are you even in here? This is Devil’s Riot business,” Hammer growls back at the woman.
“It became Iron Vex business when Ricochet here claimed Hades’ ol’ lady as his family, which fuckin’ makes her family to the rest of us. So back the fuck down,” Boss throws a hand up in Hammer’s face.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Hammer mutters before looking toward me. “Your ol’ lady better be worth bringing another MC into our business, Hades.”
“Emerson is one of a kind, Hammer.” I can’t help but smirk at him.
“She better be,” Ricochet grumbles. “I find out you hurt her and I won’t just beat the shit out of you, I’ll put you in the ground.”
“Got nothing to worry about from me. Might as well know I plan on putting a ring on her finger,” I tell him.
“Damn, I’m gonna end up dealing with you for the rest of my fuckin’ life, aren’t I?” Ricochet laughs.
“Hey, assholes, can we get back to business and stop gossiping like a bunch of pussies? I know I have one, but shit, I want to get this over with. I don’t have all damn day,” Boss yells out, sounding frustrated before I can respond to Ricochet. For someone as small as she is, the woman acts as if she has bigger balls than any of us. I’m mixed between admiration and wanting to strangle her.
“Hades and Hammer, why don’t you two talk with Ally, see if she would be willing to give us any details. Even if it’s the slightest thing she can give, it’s better than nothing,” Stoney suggests.
“I’ll talk to her,” I say, nodding in agreement.
“Alright, then let’s reconvene tomorrow. That should give you both plenty of time to talk with her,” Twister states, hitting the gavel on the table.
Sighing, I get up and move toward the door, wanting to get this over with. I don’t want to do this, but Stoney’s right. Anything she can give is better than nothing.
Walking into the main room, I go to the bar to get a beer. Taking a long pull, I glance around the room to see if Ally’s in here. Not seeing her, I head toward her room. She spends a lot of time in there. With the clubhouse packed, she’s become more recluse. I don’t blame her since she spent most of her life trapped in Hell, away from the world. I’d be the same way, not wanting to be around large groups of people you don’t know.
Knocking on her door, I wait for her to answer.
“Hey, Hayden,” Ally says the moment she opens the door.
“Hey, Hammer and I need to talk to you about something. Think you can join us in the main room? Or we can go for a walk,” I suggest, preferring not to have this conversation in Ally’s room. This should be a safe place without being darkened by memories I wish more than anything I could take from her.
Keeping my eyes
on her face, I take in the expressions that cross her face.
“I knew this was coming sooner or later.” Sighing, she steps out of her room. “Can we maybe do this somewhere besides here altogether? Maybe somewhere I can feel like I’m normal,” Ally asks.
“Yeah, we can do that,” I tell her.
I know exactly where we can go. The perfect place she can feel normal and experience life.
23
Hades
After grabbing Hammer and telling him the plan, the three of us head to Outlaw Racks in the truck I keep park behind the club. Besides it being the best bar in town, the club owns a percentage of it, though we all still pay for our drinks there. It’s still a business.
None of us talk as we make our way from the club to the bar. It’s an uncomfortable silence, almost to the point I feel myself screaming in my head. By the time we get there, the place is hopping. But that’s to be expected with it being Friday night. Taking a deep breath, I open my door to get out, ready to get this part over with so maybe the three of us can have a few beers.
“Is this a bar?” Ally asks.
“Yeah, sweetheart. This okay with you?” Hammer gently asks her while he helps her out of the truck.
“I’ve never been to a bar. I don’t even have an ID. Will they let me in?” Ally’s expression turns to one of panic.
Fuck, maybe this isn’t such a good idea after all. Since coming home with me, this is her first time leaving the clubhouse. Maybe I should have picked somewhere else, like the pizza joint down the road. But they don’t serve alcohol there and with what we gotta talk about, we’ll need more than just one or two beers, I’m sure.
