Redemption

by Elizabeth Knox

  “Good,” Dmitri mutters, staring at the door.

  “What’s with you, Russian, day dreaming about Jenna writhing under you?”

  “The fuck?” he snaps. I chuckle at his response. I don’t have a doubt that he has a thing for her. I find his eyes lingering on her a little longer than he should. Jenna’s not anyone’s woman, she’s a full patched member like Dais’ is but he’s gotta know Enzo has a thing for her. He’d be blind not to see it.

  “You know what I said. Stop dreaming about it and make it a reality, brother. She may not be a free woman for too much longer; she’s a fuckin’ catch, and you sitting here all silent and broody isn’t going to make her want you. I bet, one fuck, and she won’t want anyone else.”

  “I’ll handle Jenna,” Dmitri growls.

  “I’m sure you will, I’m sure you will.” Can’t help it, I enjoy stirring the pot. I don’t know what it is. Jenna and Dmitri seem like a good fit. They’re both quiet, have this dark and damaged energy about them. If I knew him better, I’d ask him about his darkness. I’ve known Jenna long enough, and she doesn’t talk about hers either.

  Reed and Elena walk in through the door, and behind them is that girl. The one at the bar that day, Katie? I think she’s friends with Elena.

  “So, I’m sure you’re all interested to find out why Kristie is in church with us, but first we’ve gotta handle some business,” Reed says. I don’t speak but observe as some of the brothers have a problem with it. The way jaws are being clenched, eyes locked on the woman. Someone’s gonna speak up soon, I can feel it.

  “Why the fuck is some business bitch up in here?” Bones growls, staring at Kristie.

  Kristie yanks something out of her jacket, tossing it over to Bones. “I prefer Agent Chandler over ‘business bitch’. We’ll talk about me later; your Prez has business to attend to.” I hide a soft chuckle, the woman knows how to handle herself, that’s for damn sure.

  “You done?” Reed asks him. Bones nods, and Reed starts to speak. “Max here,” he slams his hand over Max’s shoulder, giving him a squeeze “has decided to go Nomad. This will be his last day as acting VP of the Skulls. Our first order of business will be voting in his replacement as VP then we will talk about Kristie and why she’s here.”

  All of us look to Max. None of us saw this shit coming. “No hard feelings brothers, I just need to feel the wind on my face ridin’ through the States, tasting all the different flavors of pussy. You get me?”

  “You’re only leaving to taste pussy” Enzo laughs, the rest of us chuckle in agreement.

  “It’s my duty to nominate another brother as my replacement, and since Kyle’s back, I can think of no other who deserves the position. I officially nominate Kyle Michaels as VP of the Skulls Renegade MC. Do you accept my nomination?”

  “Aye,” is called out throughout the room, even Elena agrees.

  “I accept the nomination of my blood brother, Kyle, as VP. Now let’s vote.” Reed looks to every brother in the room, every single person agrees, ultimately Kyle is VP effective tomorrow. Max ripped off his VP Patch and handed it over to Kyle. “You deserve it brother, you deserve everything that’s coming to ya.”

  “Let’s get down to business. I’m sure you’re all wondering why the fuck Kristie is in here with us- “

  “Sure, as fuck am,” Bones snaps, tossing her badge back over to her.

  “Interrupt me again, and your ass will be guarding the gate for the next year,” Reed threatens. Bones doesn’t say shit. He shuts the hell up – knowing Reed’s making a promise. I’d shut the fuck up at that promise too; that’s prospect shit and for him to be saying that to Bones, one of the longest members of the club, this shit must be important.

  “Reed’s trying to tell you all that I work for the FBI,” Elena says, and every single person in the room looks to her, then to Reed, and lastly, over to Agent Chandler. “I was sent here to –“

  “You don’t have to tell them everything, Siren,” Reed tells her.

  “I do.” She looks to all of us seated at the table. “You all know about my history with my father, and if you don’t, I’ll tell you, it was ugly. Yeah, I’m the daughter of an MC Prez, I was born and raised within the Vipers in Texas. I inherited that MC, but I ran from who I was. When I found the opportunity, I ran straight to Quantico. After tirelessly working, I became a field agent for the FBI. I came here a few short months ago on assignment. I was working to help bring the MC down. To turn you all in for purchasing the girls. Only, the files didn’t tell me what Reed was really up to – giving them better lives.

  The FBI believed that the girls were being purchased and resold; it was the only way they could understand that all the girls weren’t staying with the club. Truth be told, they didn’t know any of the girls were staying with the club. When I discovered that nothing shady was going on within the club, I arranged for an immunity agreement for everyone within the club. Every single one of us is protected.”

  “We aren’t protected from shit!” Enzo snaps, rising from his chair. “You knew she was FBI, you were fuckin’ sleeping with the enemy?! She could’ve destroyed us all; our whole club!”

  “Rein in your shit. Now,” Reed orders, and he waits until Enzo is seated back in his chair. “I knew she was FBI. I had no doubt in my mind that she was on our side, though. She’s always been on our side, and it’s best you know that.”

  “Our agreement with the cartel was a front to rescue more girls. I gave the FBI as much information as I could about the trafficking. In the end, we’ve collected enough evidence to tie it to the cartel.”

  “I feel a but coming,” I blurt out, looking to Elena.

  “But, since their lead ringer is dead and Rafael is keeping the lowest profile ever, we can’t do anything. We need to stop the trafficking, if it’s not from the cartel, then it is coming from somewhere else. Rafael Ramirez isn’t the only man who sells women in the US. We know of another big fish we’re trying to fry. Sergei Kolosov. He’s a Russian arms dealer, and he also loves to sell women.”

  “Sergei,” Dmitri grumbles. No one pays attention to Dmitri’s comment. Instead, Reed starts to speak. “We’ll be purchasing women from Sergei Kolosov. Our first shipment will be happening shortly, but Sergei operates differently. We aren’t just buying a few girls from him, we’re buying twenty.”

  “And how do you know Ramirez won’t tell Sergei everything?” Butch asks, and no one knows where to look. Eventually, my eyes land back on Reed.

  “Ramirez and Sergei aren’t on the best of terms. In fact, they loathe each other. Sergei has told me that Ramirez reached out, telling him that we’re government snakes. I told Sergei that Ramirez is trying to ruin our business arrangement by filling it with lies. Luckily, Sergei bought all of it. There is no doubt in his mind that we’re clean.”

  “Why did Ramirez reach out if they hate each other?” Butch asks.

  “I’m not sure, nothing’s definite, but I think he’s trying to repair their relationship. For what reason? I’m not sure.”

  “I know why,” Agent Chandler pipes up. All eyes turn to her; we’re waiting for her to speak. “Sergei Kolosov is a vile man, he’s actually the most despicable thing on this planet. He slaughters his wives, kills villages, and sells weapons to those who would destroy us all given the opportunity. What many don’t know is that Sergei has a daughter. Her name is Natasha, Natasha Kolosov. She’s not only the daughter of Sergei, but she’s also the only heir to Clan Constantin.”

  “The Romanians?” Reed interjects.

  “Yes. Her uncle is Jan Constantin. His older sister was Natasha’s mother. Rafael has an angle, he’s trying to work it, but he won’t succeed. My theory is he wants to smooth things over with Sergei to get Natasha. Think about it, Mexican Cartel, plus the Romanian Mob in Rafael’s pocket, and an endless supply of arms. He’d be unstoppable.”

  “We’d better keep that relationship on the rocks,” Dmitri comments, and I can’t help but agree. Ramirez making any adva
nces is never good. We’ll do whatever we can to keep him at his current status. Hell, you’d think being the head of the Mexican Cartel was enough. It’s not. Greedy bastard.

  “I couldn’t agree more, Oliver. What I’m suggesting is that we keep our relationship mutually beneficial. I’m Elena’s handler, which means I’m your handler. It’s my job to keep you all safe, and it’s your job to report to me regarding anything with Sergei Kolosov. If you hear he’s going to New York for a weekend trip, I want to know about it. You’re my eyes and ears. Now, let’s keep saving these girls. Keep up the good work.” Kristie walks out of the doors that hold church, shutting them behind her.

  “Hell of a secret, Irish,” Kyle comments; Elena rolls her eyes at him.

  “I did what I had to do,” Elena grumbles. Reed tugs her down onto his lap, brushing her thigh with his hand. I know this move all too well, he’s challenging him to speak up, to say anything.

  “Hell of a fucking secret,” Kyle hisses.

  “Leave my woman alone, brother,” Reed snaps, the tension in the room intensified about a thousand times.

  “I’ll leave yours alone when she leaves mine alone. Stop interfering in our shit, Elena,” Kyle roars. No way in hell am I letting him call Dais’ his.

  “Daisy Brown does not belong to you Kyle; she hasn’t for a long fuckin’ time,” I point out.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. Daisy is mine, has been mine, and will always be mine. I don’t know which one of you is keeping her bed warm at night, just know you’re a fill in. She’ll be right back in my arms soon, right where she belongs.”

  “Unbelievable. You’re insane. You expect her to drop down on her knees and suck you off today too?” Enzo growls out. I know for a fact Enzo only sees Daisy as a little sister. He’s one of the only brothers here who has never, ever made a move on her. He was here a lot for her after we rescued her as well. When I couldn’t be there, he was. I owe him an eternity of gratitude for that.

  “It’s you, isn’t it, Enzo? You’re the one who’s been fucking my woman. MINE.” Kyle gets up from the table, roaring.

  “Enzo isn’t fucking her, and you know it. He’s too busy staring at Jenna’s ass to even look in Daisy’s direction. Is that the way you thank one of the men who rescued her, by accusing him of fucking her?” I say, wanting a response.

  “Jenna’s never going to fuck you, you know that right? You’ve always been too weak for her. Why do you think she’s kept you in the friendzone?” Kyle tells Enzo.

  I’ve always known Enzo wouldn’t get anywhere with Jen, but I’d never flat out say that shit to Enzo. The fuckers in love with her, plain as day.

  I don’t know what the fuck is gonna happen since Kyle is back for good, but I know it’s not good.

  Shit’s getting stirred up.

  Chapter 4

  Daisy

  I waited a day before I texted my dad, telling him I’d meet up for lunch. We decided it was best to meet at a restaurant in the next town over. I needed to be away from all the guys at the MC. I just needed some normal family time.

  I arrived at the restaurant twenty minutes before everyone else did. In the meantime. I looked at my phone, seeing a text from Sea.

  From: WWE

  Have a good time Babygirl. Love you.

  I have him listed as WWE in my phone because there’s a wrestler named Seamus, who looks an awful lot like my man. I’ve always made jokes that he was named after the wrestler and he argues with me every time that it isn’t the case. He said that he’s named because of a story his mother told him, about Seamus, the most beautiful man alive.

  Apparently, the brothers overheard his mother’s story and the name stuck, now my man is the most beautiful man in the world – and they aren’t wrong.

  To: WWE

  Love you. See you later.

  I shot off the text right as my parents and Isha were sliding into the booth. This wasn’t a fancy place, or America’s dinkiest diner, but it would do. Today was about catching up, after all, and that’s what we did, for about an hour, we caught up. I found out more about Isha and her determination to go to school, about her dreams and ambitions. I found out that Dad’s trying to retire next year. He’s a mechanic on the west side of Baltimore, and Mom’s just trying to do what she can for people. The peace didn’t last long though. My mother had to ruin it all and bring up Kyle.

  “He seems to be doing very well. How long has he been back? I’m surprised that I didn’t see you with him today, it was a little odd.”

  “There’s nothing odd about it. I’m not with Kyle. We aren’t dating. We aren’t engaged. He’s my past, and I’m not lookin’ to backtrack into that shit show,” I tell her, taking a sip of the water in front of me. I should’ve ordered a drink, why the fuck didn’t I?

  I didn’t tell them anything – I told them absolutely nothing about the circumstances regarding the reason that Kyle and I broke up. In my mom’s mind, she’s probably thinking I made the biggest mistake of my life in letting Kyle go, but it’s the opposite. It’s the best decision I ever made, because I’ve never felt as loved as I do with Sea.

  “You two were in such love once, I’m just trying to understand what happened – how that beautiful relationship turned into this toxic hatred that you have for him.”

  “We were, once upon a time. We aren’t now, we won’t ever be again. It’s over. It’s done. He is nothing to me.”

  “Sweetheart, that’s a load of bologna if I’ve ever heard one. Kyle is your true love, we’d never seen you so happy besides when you were with him. I don’t want you to lose that happiness. I want that for you.”

  I take in a deep breath, trying to hold back the tears that are welling behind my eyes. I don’t know if they are angry tears, frustrated tears, or maybe just sad tears. “You really wanna know what happened, what fucked up my relationship with the perfect Kyle Michaels?” I hiss out, staring right into her eyes. She nods, so I take a deep breath and tell them everything. I don’t leave out a detail surrounding my disappearance, except for one big one – one that only one person knows about. “So, you see, I can’t be in love with the man that abandoned me and left me to the sharks. I needed him, and he wasn’t there for me. I had to do everything myself. I had to be strong, and persevere. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to go through in my entire life.”

  I close my eyes to keep myself from crying, I can’t bear to do it. I’ve cried so much over what I went through, over Kyle leaving me. I won’t waste any more tears on it, I vow not to.

  "There has to be a reason that he—" I stop my mother before she can finish that sentence. I don’t need her defending him, trying to give me some sort of false hope on why he left. I need her to be my mother, to support my decision, to be there for me. “Just stop. Please.”

  “Sweetheart, I can’t – “

  “No. Just fuckin’ stop. Just, for the love of God stop trying to fix everything. You can’t keep trying to fix everything. There is no fixing what happened to me. There is no fixing me. I had to do that myself, and you know what, I rose from the damn ashes and came back stronger than ever. I’m not this little weakling, I’m Daisy fucking Brown, and I’m strong. I’m okay…. I’m…. okay,” I told her, trying to convince myself that I really am okay.

  It’s all a crock of shit, I’m not okay, and I haven’t been for a while.

  “You aren’t okay. You are absolutely not fine, you went through hell and didn’t have anyone to lean on. You needed support, and you received none of that. I think you need—"

  “Mom, all due respect, I don’t need you to shrink me right now. I went through fuckin’ hell. I’m the first one who will tell you that. I was taken because of my fiancés awful gambling habits, and in the end, when he found out I’d been taken, he ran like the weasel he is. Emotionally, it was a fuckin’ shit show. I’m still not over it, maybe I never will be. And for the record, I wasn’t alone. My boyfriend was there with me the whole time, he was my rock, he got me through the ha
rdest days, even when I…” I shake my head at the memory. One day, it was months after I was back. I experienced a loss so great that I didn’t know how to survive. I didn’t want to live. I wanted death, and I almost got it. I would’ve if Sea didn’t find me in time.

  I have mixed emotions about that day.

  I wanted death so badly, I craved it. Death would grant me one thing that I couldn’t find here on earth. Peace.

  I swallowed a bottle of sleeping pills, drank a bottle of vodka, and fell asleep. I remember feeling so peaceful, but it was the coward’s way to go. Seamus found me thirty minutes after I passed out, rushed me to the local ER and I had my stomach pumped. No one knew about it, it’s one of the many secrets of mine that he carries.

  “You haven’t even told us who your boyfriend is. Why is that, huh?” My mother asked, giving me the sassiness that I inherited from her.

  “My boyfriend is Seamus, the giant red headed Ox,” I growl out. I shuffle out of the booth. “While this has been a lovely fucking family dinner, I need to go home. I just need a damn break,” I confess. I don’t give them a moment to come out of the restaurant after me. I slide into the driver’s side door and peel out of the parking lot.

  ***

  The drive back to the clubhouse goes by quickly. The entire time, I keep thinking about what happened at dinner, how my mother just couldn’t understand or grasp that Kyle and I were over. I keep going down memory lane, and it feels like I am almost reliving everything, and that isn’t something that I want to do.

  I’d do anything to not have to go through all that shit – anything.

  Honestly, everything was fuckin’ fine until Kyle rolled back into Bubba’s actin’ like he didn’t just leave, like he’d been there for an eternity. I was happy, Sea and I were finally having a sense of normalcy to our relationship. Hell, we’d even discussed coming out about our relationship to the club. We were going to do it, and then Kyle just came back and fucked all that up. He threw a wrench in our plans, but I’ll be damned if I let him delay it any longer. I’m gonna tell everyone soon. I’ve just gotta talk to Sea about it, see what he thinks.