“She won’t like me being there to protect her.”
“I know that, but Chevelle is also aware that I don’t give a shit what anyone else thinks. She’ll let you stick around because she cares about The Pit too much to let the Fists take it from her.”
“And if more show up?”
“You call or text us immediately, and I’ll send backup.”
“Bet,” I agree and down the rest of the cold beer in my hand. I’ll sweat the one beer out before I get ten minutes down the road, so I’m not worried. Hell, as shitty as it is to drive drunk, if Chevelle needed me and I’d had ten beers, I’d still go. I’d have to drive a hell of a lot slower, but I’d make it eventually. I won’t let any of these assholes harm her.
I don’t know when that feeling of protectiveness planted itself in me so deep, but it’s there now, and it has my insides twisting with the need for me to get there and make sure she’s okay. If I had to guess when it happened, I’d say probably when those Fists lunged at her in her office; it was like a barrier for me was crossed. I’ve seen someone want to actually hurt her and that’s a hard limit for me. She’s a bitch to most, but no one deserves to be physically harmed because they have a damn attitude and they appear weaker than you. The woman’s going to end up being the death of me, I can sense it.
“You have everything you need?” Vike asks as I get to my feet, Torch and Odin mirroring my movements.
“I’m going to grab my Glock and an extra clip; otherwise I’m good to roll.”
“Ride safe, brothers,” he replies, and fist bumps the three of us. The others repeat his words, and then I’m hurrying to get my shit and load up.
Chevelle barely tolerated me in her space yesterday, and that was with me helping her perform maintenance on her cars. Not that I enjoy doing free labor, but if it keeps her calm and I can help her out, then hopefully she has something else to keep us busy with today as well.
I’m throwing my leg over my seat loading up on my bike when Odin rolls his over to mine. “We ride for ten then hang a left on old road one-nineteen. It swings right behind The Pit. Homeboy out front will hear our bikes, but hopefully, he won’t realize they’re coming from the back side since the dome’s so damn big.”
“Got it.”
“We’ll wait until you’re in the bay and then pop smoke back to the compound.”
“Appreciate it.”
He nods and walks his motorcycle a few steps then cranks her on. Torch and I follow suit, our engines purring to life and then we’re on our way, the wind and road calling to us like an old friend.
Chevelle’s waiting for me as promised, and when I arrive, she pulls the bay door up, closing and locking it after I’ve walked my motorcycle inside. “’Sup Chevy,” I greet with a wink.
She snorts and rolls her eyes. “Real nice, cupcake, and you haven’t earned the right to call me that.”
“But Ace has?” I ask and kick my kickstand in place, letting my bike rest on the stand as I follow her down the hallway to the staircase. It pisses me off inside that she lets him give her a nickname and I can’t use it as well. I’ve been a bit of the jealous type in the past when it comes to women. Not obsessive, but I like to know the whys and facts when it comes to a chick I’m interested in. If they can’t give me answers, then it raises red flags.
“Ace has stuck around through my shit since I took over here.”
“And you haven’t fucked him?”
She sends me a pissed off glare. “Not that it’s any of your business, but no.”
“Not your type?”
“What’s with all of the questions?”
I shrug. “Just figuring out what makes you tick and weed out any possible competition.”
“How do you know I’d give you a chance if there wasn’t anyone else in the picture?”
The craving to touch her is too great, that when she opens the door leading out of the hall, I cage her in with my arms on each side of her body. I don’t come in contact with her skin though. I learned the first time if you don’t give her any warning, she’ll flip you.
With a gruff rasp, my gaze lands on her mouth. “You forget I had that mouth around my finger yesterday.” I’d like to have it on my cock next.
“And?”
“If there wasn’t a trace of attraction to me, you never would’ve done it. You’re not used to dealing with men on your level. I’m right up there with you, and I know what I’m doing. If I want something, I get it.”
“And that’s why you don’t have a chance, biker. I’m not a thing to possess.” With that, she ducks under my arm and continues on.
I grab her hand, light enough to get her to spin my way, eyebrow cocked, and I get to finish my thought. “Trust me; I know you’re not a thing. You’re a woman—one who should be worshiped.”
She swallows, her eyes widening for a moment before she brushes it off with a laugh. She turns away, and I let go of her hand to keep following. She a strong woman no doubt, but she reminds me a lot of a scared animal, attacking when she’s cornered. With every fiber of my being, I want to take control of her, own her, but she won’t let me if I go full steam ahead, so I’ll be smart about it. I’ll make her believe that she’s coming to me all on her own, but every move I make will be put in place to get her exactly where I want her.
Owned. By me.
7. Women are like tea bags.
You never know how strong they
are until they’re in hot water.
- Eleanor Roosevelt
The week flew by in no time it seemed with Mercenary here to keep me company, and not that I would admit it to him, but having him around made me feel a little safer after the run-in last weekend. It’s Saturday once again and normally the night I’m most excited for, but part of me is wondering if more Iron Fists will show up again. I shouldn’t be concentrating on the bikers but on racing. I can’t help the nag at the back of my mind though.
The Oath Keepers sent Torch and Odin again to watch from the stands while Mercenary races. I don’t think any of the other drivers realize who Mercenary is which is exactly what Viking wants from what I understand. I doubt Mercenary will find out anything from the other drivers, but if he’s racing, then no one will think twice about him being around and down in the race area. They seem to have random ears placed everywhere.
“There’s still time for you to change to my race.” I goad him on, looking to get a rise out of the big beautiful man as I head for my car.
“I’d hate to beat you and take your spot.”
“Keep telling yourself that,” I argue, and he grins. That small smile has had my core soaked for him all week—aching to feel his touch. I tell him to get a life and attempt to play it cool, but in reality, he has my head spinning for him. Sexually charged atmosphere would be an understatement how my apartment feels having him in my space and so close.
“You can have the first race, I’ll take the second. It can be our thing each week.” He winks, and I roll my eyes. “Kind of like peanut butter on our fingers.”
I wave him off. Folding into my seat, I close the door, encompassing me in brief silence. The car drowns out the music blaring through The Pit’s speakers. Everyone knows that, and the flashing lights mean it’s nearly race time.
Running my hand lovingly across the old Nova’s dash, I turn the ignition, and she flares to life with a sexy rumble. I line up, getting ready to race and wait for the other three to follow suit. I’m minding my business, taking deep breaths when another engine roars to life. A winding, high-pitched squeal briefly takes its place. The distraction has everyone’s attention, and then right before my eyes, the car in question blows up. There’s a massive boom and then screaming as people in the stands rush toward the exits. It’s chaotic, and instantly my heart is thrumming so quickly, it feels as if it’s going to leap out of my chest. My stomach twists with worry, my throat constricting as people rush everywhere.
I scan the entire
arena and watch as Mercenary sprints for me. I’m the only one who’s made it to the line so far, and I turn my car off quickly to hop out.
“You okay?” he thunders, gaze filled with uneasiness. He stops in front of me, his hands falling on my shoulders as he looks me over—concerned.
I nod, my heart still beating a million miles per hour. “I’m fine; so is the Nova.” I gesture to the shiny vehicle, and his brow furrows more, glancing behind at the vehicle.
“I didn’t ask about the car, Chevelle. I want to know if you’re okay—you.”
“I know, I meant when I started it, it sounded fine too. There was that squeal then the bomb and, well, mine was fine.” I’m rambling, my brain scrambled on what I should be doing—pulling me in a hundred directions all at once.
“Good.”
“What do we do? Call the fire department? How did this happen?”
“We just stay here and wait for my brothers to make it to us. They’ve already texted the club, so they know what’s going down if we need some backup.”
“I have to check on the other driver. The hood blew off with the explosion. I can’t believe it blew up like that...that could’ve been me.”
“I know, I saw it all happen. The other driver got out. I watched him run to the side and then I was coming to make sure you were safe.”
“Thank God.” I pant, my hand still on my chest, feeling as if I’m going to have a heart attack. “You could’ve been hurt, what if it was me?”
“I’m fine; I had to get to you in case your car went off next. You’re okay, you got out, he got out, everyone is fine.”
My fist flies into his chest. “You idiot! You could’ve been killed if my car had blown!” His gaze grows tense, and he yanks me into his chest, wrapping his arms around me. I should fight him. I don’t need him to comfort me. I don’t need a man for anything. Ignoring those thoughts, I stay rooted, leaning into him until Torch and Odin find us. I don’t know what I’m more freaked out about, that I could’ve just exploded in my car or the fact that he could’ve been killed coming after me like that.
“You two all right?” Odin asks, and I feel Mercenary move as he nods and replies.
“Yeah, brother.” His voice is gruffer than usual, his muscles tense. “The fuck was that?”
“We don’t know. Scared the shit out of us too. Viking is calling the sheriff to give him a heads-up that we’re here.”
“Should I be worried about getting arrested? Will The Pit get shut down?”
He shakes his head. “Nah, Vike is cool with him. The sheriff will bring a few deputies with him that he has under his thumb. Not that any of this is our fault, but it’s always a plus to have the cops with you instead of against you.”
I step out of Mercenary’s hold, my body stiff as the guys stare me down as if I’m going to break. I may be caught off guard and worried, but I can still take care of myself. “I need to check on all the employees, make sure no one was injured.”
Mercenary huffs and his hands fold over his chest causing his biceps to bulge massively. “Have Ace do it. I want you close in case this was only the first bomb of many.”
“You think because you’re big and hot and bossy that you can just come in here and take control of things?”
He nods. He freaking admits it! “You think I’m hot?” he asks, and I snort.
“Cocky ass,” I grumble and shake my head, then pull my cell free, sending a text to Ace.
Me: Check on the employees and lock the business doors. Once everyone is out, leave only one front entry open.
Ace: Okay, boss.
Me: And Ace?
Ace: Yeah?
Me: Be careful.
Ace: Will do. You too, Chevy.
“He’s checking it out and locking the business doors. I told him to leave one business entry open for the police.”
“Good, also let the cops check over the other cars before you let the drivers go.”
I nod. It’s sound advice even if I’m not the one calling all the shots at the moment. I’m glad Mercenary’s here to do it though. I’m feeling scatterbrained, and he’s a calm force if not bossy like myself.
“Uh, Chevelle?” Another racer treks toward us carrying a paper in one hand.
“Are you guys okay?” I ask, peering behind him at the others waiting off to the side, away from the cars. I can’t believe this happened and that any of them could’ve been seriously injured. We have rules in place to keep them safe on the track, and then something like this happens.
“We’re fine, but I found this tucked into the passenger window of the car that blew up. I don’t know if it was for the driver or you or...” He trails off, and I take the paper, flipping it open so Mercenary can read it over my shoulder.
Pay up, get out or die, bitch.
“Are you fucking kidding me with this shit?” The massive man behind me thunders as he reads the note. “O, Torch, check this shit out.”
I hand the note to Odin. He gives it to Torch nearly immediately and pulls his phone out. I overhear him talk to Viking, telling him in detail what happened and what the note says.
“Thank you, Jake.” I acknowledge him by name, grateful. “Once the cops come and clear the cars, everyone can leave. I’m sorry about this. Everyone will have a credit for whenever they’re ready to race again.”
“I’m just glad no one got hurt. This isn’t your fault. We know you’d never let someone do this intentionally.” He waves me off and heads for his girlfriend standing with the other drivers.
Mercenary draws me back into his arms, his finger going under my chin and lifting it until I meet his intense stare. “I’ll figure this out, I promise. I won’t let you get hurt.”
I swallow a bit roughly at his intensity. “It’s not your responsibility,” I argue. “The Pit is mine; it’s my fault we didn’t inspect prior to lining up.”
“Bullshit. You shouldn’t have to worry about this shit. I should’ve stayed last night, so I was here this morning. I would’ve known if someone got to the cars had I been here to watch.”
“You think that’s when whoever was here?”
“I think it was when the drivers pulled their cars in and went to lunch most likely. It was the only time the vehicles were in here unmonitored by someone.”
He has a good point. The drivers have an option to come in early. They can park their vehicles to do prerace maintenance and use The Pit tools for free. It’s become more popular these last few months as the tools have gotten better and better thanks to the increase in sales over the past six months.
“I’ll figure this out,” he promises, and I lick my lips, unsure how to respond. Men have made me false promises before, but I want to believe this one coming from him.
“It’s okay, really.” My life is easier when men aren’t involved.
“I don’t want you to feel unsafe,” he growls.
I swear he’s more stubborn than I am.
“I’m fine.”
“You will be, I’m not going anywhere from now on. Those Fists think they can threaten you, they’ll have to get through me first.”
“What are you talking about?”
“I’m staying from now on.”
“The night?”
“Yep.”
“No.” I shake my head, and the cops finally show up with a group of firemen in tow.
“You relax; we’ll speak to the police.” He plants a kiss on my forehead, and I’m so shocked with his bossiness and the arrival of the police that I let him without any complaint.
He leads me to a metal folding chair next to the other racers. “Jake, bring her a bottled water,” he orders, and I swallow, crossing my arms over my chest. “Sit, sweetie, and catch your breath, let me handle this for you. Let me take care of you.”
And then he walks away. I sit in the hard metal chair watching his ass, damn near smitten at how he’s trying to handle everything without ruffling my feathers. A
piece of me wants to jump up and argue with him until I’m blue in the face, but I have no idea what to even say to the cops. They’ll run my name and social security number and come back with my record. Hell, I could even have a warrant I’d forgotten about from when I was on the streets, so having Mercenary here as a buffer is kind of nice if I’m honest with myself Not sure how I feel about him planning to stick around and stay the night though. I might have to fight with him on that.
To say I’m stunned is an understatement. I was expecting her to knock my ass out and tell me to fuck off when I had her sit down so I could speak to the cops with my brothers. She doesn’t need to worry her pretty little head with shit, especially when it comes to the Iron Fists. That’s our problem to deal with. I’ll probably get some lip from her later, not that I’ll mind any. Arguing with her is like foreplay between us. I can’t seem to get enough of her sassy mouth and strong will.
“Have you found anything else?” the cop in front of me asks Odin. He must be familiar with the way the club works as he didn’t even attempt to speak to me or ask Torch questions but went straight to Odin. He’s the VP so naturally, he’d be the one to handle whatever information the club wants to share with the local law enforcement.
“No, we’d appreciate it if your guys or the firefighters would check out the other vehicles, so the drivers can head on home.”
“Yeah, I’d like to do a search of the premises as well.”
“The Pit owner has the employees checking out the building. The owner would prefer to pass on a formal search. Unless you have a warrant with you, that is.”
“Fine, fine, Odin. I know your older brother will have his own ideas on how to handle this. I’ll step back for now, but if any other buildings begin to blow up or bodies surface, I’ll be jumping in with both feet.”
“We appreciate that, sir.” Odin complies, and the two men shake hands. The cop nods to Torch and then rakes his gaze over every inch of me. It feels damn near like a caress, and I have to wonder if the cop has a thing for men or bikers in general.
“New member?” His stare meets Odin’s.
Chevelle 6x9 Page 6
