Stripping Callum (Last Hangman MC Book 6)

by Muriel Garcia

  “I can’t even begin to imagine how it must feel.”

  “It’s hard, but you know they’re doing it for their country.”

  We kept talking for hours about how it was living with a Marine and not being able to spend much time with him. I long to have the relationship they have one day. They can be thousands of miles apart and still stay faithful to each other and love each other as much as day one. It seems like being apart for so long is reinforcing their relationship and their love. It’s beautiful to see.

  I’ve dated two guys these past four years and it was always awkward, especially when they found out I had a baby and I was so young. They don’t deserve to be with me if they don’t accept everything I come with. It might not be easy to take on, but no need to be a dickhead about it. The last one was the real winner. He gave me the ‘it’s not you, it’s me’ bullshit, and I never heard from him ever again.

  Nothing came out of those relationships, not even heartache. I was gutted it ended, but nothing more than that. Gail questioned my sanity and wondered if I was human. For some reason, I just can’t fall in love or develop deep feelings for anyone. In a way I’m glad, saves me heartache, but a part of me wants to experience that kind of feeling. I guess I haven’t met the right person to fall for just yet.

  I jump as I hear the front door open and see a shadow move toward the living room. I tiptoe toward the kitchen and grab a frying pan. I’m not going to let anyone rob this place without a fight.

  I hide by the fridge, trying to be as quiet as I can, which is weirdly easy when you fear for your life. I’m ready to swing at whoever is invading our apartment when the lights turn on, and I see the mysterious shadow is none other than Gail.

  “What the hell are you doing coming back at this time of the night? You scared me half to death!” I exclaim.

  “Shush, you’re going to wake Elijah up. What the hell are you doing with a frying pan in the air?” She raises a perfectly groomed and filled in brow.

  “What? I wasn’t going to let anyone rob us or hurt us without a fight! That doesn’t explain what you were doing out at this time of the night, or morning.” I put the pan down and sit at the kitchen island.

  “I was out with friends, Mommy.” She glares at me and rolls her eyes.

  “Either you’re drunk or you’re hungry or maybe ashamed that you were caught doing the walk of shame?” I snigger.

  “Hungry, yes; drunk, no; you should know better. Caught doing the walk of shame? Maybe.”

  “Spill, woman.” I tap my nails on the counter.

  “You’re going to think less of me if I tell you,” she says, looking down.

  “Nothing would make me think less of you, babe. Remember, no judging?” I nudge her side, and she smiles softly. If I know something about Gail it’s that she’s highly ticklish, and I can get the truth out of her that way. Besides, she can never stay mad at me for long.

  “Promise me it won’t change anything between us.” She looks up at me.

  “I promise.” I lift my right hand and wait for her to start talking.

  “I’m a stripper.” She blows out a breath. I stare at her for a good few seconds with wide eyes, and I burst out laughing. “I’m serious!”

  “It’s not that.” I try to sober up. “It’s your face, you look horrified. I thought you were going to say something like you’re a high paid escort or a hooker, or maybe let labs test products on you.”

  “Don’t be daft!” She laughs and slaps my arm.

  “Big deal, you’re taking your clothes off for money. Is it in a nice club at least?” I ask, suddenly worried.

  “Yes, it’s a nice, classy club, well as classy as a strip club can be.” She takes a bite of a sandwich she made.

  “That’s something. Does it make a lot of money?” I ask, curious.

  “Yeah, it makes decent money on top of what I earn at the coffee shop. Are you actually curious?” She chuckles.

  “Yeah, I’m very nosy when it comes to people’s secret lives.” I shrug, and we move to the couch. “How long have you been doing this?”

  “A couple of months now, I’ve been sneaking out every other night. When I told you I was going out with a guy or friends, that’s where I was going.”

  “It all makes sense now. I still don’t get why you wouldn’t tell me, especially if you enjoy doing it.”

  “I do, I love it. The sense of power you feel to bring a man to his knees by just showing a bit of boob is pretty awesome. And it’s even better when you give them lap dances, unless they are old gross perverts then it’s not fun, but to the younger guys, I love it. I just didn’t want you to think less of me because I’m taking my clothes off for high amounts of money.”

  “If anything, you’re making me more intrigued about it all.”

  “You should come one night, it’s fun. A lot of girls actually come to the club.”

  “I’ll think about it.” I smile and yawn.

  “Did you get any sleep?” she asks concerned.

  “No,” I groan.

  “Again?”

  “Yeah, it’s getting frustrating.”

  “You need a good fucking, that’d do you some good.” She teases me.

  “Fuck off.” I laugh.

  “Try to go sleep for an hour?”

  “Nah, it’s pointless, if I do end up falling asleep I’ll be late for work.”

  “True. I’m sure Josie will understand if you’re not as cheerful as the other days.”

  “The coffee machine better not mess with me today.”

  “Good luck with that.” She laughs and goes to her room, leaving me to try and stay awake watching shit TV this early in the morning.

  Two hours later I’m standing behind the counter at work, getting frustrated with the coffee machine. Last week, it decided to start playing up. It’s the original coffee machine when Josie first opened, so it might be time for an upgrade. It still works but it has a mind of its own. It either drips just water, or there’s no water, or you get the perfect coffee. It’s a hit or miss which one you’re going to get. Our regular customers understand and sometimes bet which one is going to come out, while new clients sometimes get annoyed with us because it can take a few extra minutes.

  As if the coffee machine and my insomnia weren’t enough to mess with my day, my car has started to make weird noises. I took it this morning to drop Elijah off to Suzie’s. It’s the first time it’s making noises, and I’m afraid it’s going to need to be fixed and it’ll be expensive. It’s not that I’m really tight on money, but I definitely can’t just whip out a couple hundred dollars like that.

  “What’s got you frowning?” Josie asks, breaking me out of my reverie.

  “Coffee machine, insomnia, and my car.” I groan and make myself a hot chocolate.

  “The coffee machine will be fixed this week, drink chamomile tea before bed, and I know a garage that isn’t too expensive where you can get your car checked.”

  “Are you the genie in the lamp? Here to grant me my three wishes?” I chuckle.

  “Obviously, and I even come with red velvet cinnamon rolls. I experimented, and it went down well with Cabe last night. He polished the tray.”

  “You’re my favorite, I hope you know that.” I take the roll and take a bite and moan louder than I thought.

  “I take it you like it?”

  “Like it? This is fucking amazing. I’ll need a box full to bring home.” I grin.

  “If we don’t end up eating them all, you’ve got it.” She passes me my hot chocolate and makes herself a coffee.

  “Brilliant! Didn’t you say you knew a garage? Is it close by?” I take another bite and relish in the feeling my taste buds are experiencing.

  “It’s at the end of the street. They work fast and have a large crew so you wouldn’t be without a car for too long.”

  “That’s something. I’ll just have to take a taxi to Suzie’s to pick up Elijah.”

  “How about you ask her to come over with El
ijah before your shift is over. They can have a treat here and wait for you until you’re back from the garage. Saves you from having to spend extra money on the taxi.”

  “You’re awesome, you know that?”

  “I know.” She smirks at me and frowns at her coffee. She throws it in the sink and makes another one before disappearing back in the kitchen. I finish my roll that is perfection and get back to work.

  I didn’t plan on having to go to a garage today, much less one that is taken care of by a motorcycle club. Josie left that little tidbit of information out. Not that I have anything against bikers, but they don’t have the best reputation in the area. They’ve been linked to drug and gun deals, death, fights, drama in the community, anything that can go bad, it’s their fault. I’m not saying they are judged the wrong way, but looking at them, I’m not feeling too safe.

  They are all huge, built, and loud. Everybody always tells you not to judge a book by its cover, but damn it if they aren’t scary at first glance.

  I take a deep breath and drive onto the property. All eyes are directed at me, probably wondering who’s coming to disturb their evening so close to closing time.

  I park my noisy and smoking car to the side and quickly get out. I’m pretty sure smoke coming from under the hood isn’t good at all.

  A tall, tanned, and hot as sin man walks to me, wiping his hands on his not-so-white-anymore shirt.

  Here goes nothing…

  Callum

  Turns out yesterday’s club emergency was just a way to get me back in town just in case shit hit the fan. And guess whose brilliant idea it was…Nancy’s. I should have known when she wouldn’t stop ringing me when I was at the cabin and threatened to tan her ass if she didn’t stop. I’m glad to be with my brothers again, don’t get me wrong, but I could have done with staying away longer.

  The stigma of what happened with Lewis and the fact that Bennett almost died and the girls were targeted is always playing on my mind. I know I’m better off to protect them if I’m around, but if I’m not around that also means a danger that isn’t constantly around them.

  If you ask Nancy or Bennett, I’m fucked up and need to grow a pair because I’m not better than any of them when it came to them accepting the fact that they were in love and turning into women.

  “Lost in thought, big man?” Bennett chuckles smacking my arm.

  “Yeah.”

  “Still a man of few words.” He shakes his head and hands me a beer.

  “Always.” I take a long pull of my beer.

  “You alright?”

  “As alright as I’ll ever be.”

  “That means you’re shit.”

  “Yeah, been feeling that way for way too long, but enough about me. How are Nancy and the bump?”

  “They are good; Nancy is going crazy with shopping for the baby already, but don’t change the subject.” He elbows me.

  “I feel responsible for Lewis’ death.”

  “It’s not your fault. She knew what she was getting herself into. She knew it would be a possibility to end up hurt or killed when you go to an MC, especially the Infernos. If anything, it’s my fault.” He sighs.

  “Why?” I seriously want to pound his face in sometimes.

  “Because I’m the one who was stupid enough to not listen to what you guys were saying, even though I still say that you’re wrong for keeping the fact that I had a brother from me. I went there, and you were trying to protect me and stop me from ruining my life, but I did, and now she’s dead.”

  “If you mention that it’s your fault once more, I’ll bash your face in.”

  “And deal with me later?” Nancy stands by us, her arms crossed over her chest, making her boobs look even bigger than they are when she’s not pregnant. Yeah, I’m ogling my brother’s fiancée.

  “You wouldn’t do much damage.” I shrug and hug her.

  “That’s what you think.” She sneers as she punches my ribs, and I wince more for show even if she is strong for her size.

  “How are you two doing?” I ask, rubbing her bump.

  “We’re good, the real question is, how are you?”

  “I’m alright.” She glares at me as I say that. “I feel like shit for what happened, and could have done without you harassing everybody to get me back here. I don’t need a babysitter to take care of me. I’ve been taking care of myself for longer than you’ve been alive.” A bit harsh, but she knows it’s tough love.

  “Oh yeah, I forgot you were an old man,” she scoffs. “I miss my best friend. I miss our long talks about anything and everything, and when you’d open up to me about how you were feeling. It’s been forever since you’ve done it, and I’m sure it would do you some good to talk about how you feel. And most importantly, I miss when you feed me chocolate until I felt sick.” She pouts.

  “You’re seriously trying to make me cave in and spend the evening with you?”

  “Yes, a few of the guys are going to some event I’m not allowed to go to, and I want you to stay with me.” She bats her eyelashes, hanging onto my arm. One look at Bennett and it’s hard not to want to laugh or smile.

  “You’re fucked, she’s pulling out the big guns.” He laughs.

  “She always is. What event is she talking about?” I haven’t heard of anything happening.

  “Biker meeting. Nothing to do with the MC, it’s like a festival. The reason why you can’t come is because you’re pregnant, Nancy. I would love to have you with me, but it’s not the best place for a pregnant woman.” Bennett wraps his arms around her and kisses her softly. A part of me wants what he has, not with Nancy, but with someone as special as her.

  “Why didn’t you tell me sooner then, you sod!” She slaps his stomach, making me laugh.

  “I knew you’d insist on coming.”

  “Is that the reason why you said I had to come back quickly? To lady sit your fiancée?” I ask, dumbfounded.

  “Well, yeah. She would only stay with you, you know her. Besides, I only trust you with her. I know you two have a weird connection, and I’ve come to accept it. I know you’ll be the best one to protect her if anything were to happen.”

  “Thank you, brother.” I clap his back.

  “This is bromance at its finest.” Nancy giggles and walks inside the compound to go chat with the girls.

  “Make sure to stock up on chocolate.” Bennett laughs and goes inside.

  I almost forgot how much I love being around my family. It’s easy for me to slip into old habits and shut myself off from the world. I used to do that all the time. It was my coping mechanism. I’m pretty sure that if Bennett hadn’t called me to come back for club emergency, I wouldn’t have come back for a very long time.

  I was slipping into the mind frame I was in after Alina and Billy died, and that’s not good for me or anyone around me.

  The face of the beautiful redhead I saw at the lake keeps appearing in my mind. Her big eyes and pouty lips. I wasn’t close enough to see the color of her eyes, but they were full of life, and she was having fun with a guy. I don’t know why I have a weird fascination with that girl. I’ll probably never see her again, but my mind seems to enjoy torturing me.

  I shake myself of the trance I’m in and get back to work. A beautiful but battered Impala was dropped off by a customer because he didn’t know what to do with it. I gladly accepted it and decided to work on it and make it driveable again. So far, nothing works, but I’ll make it my own. It’ll be a real beauty when I’m done with it.

  A few hours have passed since I started working on the car, and I’m in need of a break. The place cleared up as it’s nearing the end of the day. We usually move to the compound once we’re done working on whatever it is that we’re busy with. I’m ready to call it a day when I see another car drive into the parking lot. It’s making weird noises and smoke is starting to come out from under the hood. Whoever is driving it notices and quickly stops the car and gets out of it.

  I wasn’t prepared for who came
out of the car. The redhead from the lake. Seeing her next to Ant makes me realize how tiny she really is. Five-feet-five at the most, banging body, long red hair, still can’t see the color of her eyes, but I’m mesmerized by her. I’m hidden by the door so she can’t see me. Not that she would know me or recognize me. We’ve never met, but still, I don’t want to be caught ogling her.

  She’s talking with Ant about her car and making big gestures as she explains what I’m assuming is wrong with her car. I feel like a creepy old man for spying on a young woman like that.

  “You alright, Cal?” Nancy sniggers from next to me, peering outside the same way I am.

  “Fuck, you scared me.”

  “Big badass Callum scared of little old me?”

  “No, you just don’t creep up on people like that.”

  “Don’t be so grumpy. She’s cute, a bit young for you but cute.”

  “Cute? She’s beautiful.” I sigh and walk to the couches and lie down on one.

  “Talk to me.”

  “Nothing to say.”

  “I know you better,” she says in a singsong voice.

  “Saw her at the lake as I was coming back home the other day, that’s it.”

  “I’m disappointed. I was hoping you’d at least know her name or something.” She pouts.

  “Nope, nothing. Didn’t even talk to her.”

  “She reminds you of Alina?” she asks tentatively.

  “No, why?” I look at her confused.

  “I don’t know, you seem to have a slight obsession with that girl and never met her. I figured she could look like Alina.” She shrugs.

  “No, she looks nothing like what Alina did. I don’t know what it is about the redhead. She caught my attention yesterday and again today.”

  “Maybe it’s a sign.” She sounds way too hopeful.

  “A sign of what?” I try to amuse her and play along.

  “A sign that she might be the one for you. What are the odds that she caught your attention yesterday and ended up at this garage? There is a shitload of garages around, why pick this one?”

  “Maybe her car broke down in the street, I don’t know. And don’t even go there about the one, you know how I feel about that bullshit.”