by Sam Crescent
Something casual wasn’t like before, was it? Sex with strangers was different from having someone to sleep with. She was so confused.
“You’re here,” Butler said.
“Oh, I’m so sorry. I completely zoned out there.”
“It’s fine.”
He parked the car and climbed out. She noticed he was moving to her door, and she gasped as he opened it, holding out a hand. “Come on.”
“You’re being the perfect gentleman.”
“I know how to act.” He gave her a wink and took her to the front door. Opening the lock, she glanced back at him, suddenly feeling this overwhelming urge to kiss him.
“Thank you for bringing me home. How are you getting back?”
“One of the boys is taking me. Don’t worry.” He stepped back, and any opportunity to kiss him was missed.
Forcing a smile, she gave him a wave, closing the door.
“What the hell just happened?”
Chapter Two
One week later
Butler watched as Tiny and Devil shook hands. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Tabitha and Simon on the set of swings at the clubhouse. They were growing up so fast. Every single summer they made several trips to Fort Wills, or The Skulls came to Piston County for a visit. They had picnics, rides out, and just shot the shit together.
This was one of those times when they were talking business, only their life was no longer drugs or guns, or their enemies that came at them from all angles.
For a long time, they’d all had to sleep with one eye open, and that shit was fucking dangerous.
It was one of the reasons he decided to get clean before Devil ordered the ban. Some of the men had followed orders, Dick being one of them. Of course, there were also men who’d left the club. Handed in their patch, blacked out their colors, and gone on their merry way.
Butler couldn’t do it.
He couldn’t hand his life’s loyalty over like that. The drugs had been part of him for so long that quitting had seemed like an asshole thing to do. They were what made his life bearable.
“Are you okay?” Natalie asked, taking a seat beside him. He sat at one of the garden tables that Lexie had been sure to purchase for them all. Steaks were on the grill, the kids dancing around merrily, and he, like always, was lost in thought.
Natalie was one of the few people he actually called a friend.
He’d tried to win her from Slash, but that had been a fucking mistake as far as Butler was concerned.
“Yeah, I’m fine. What are you doing over here?” he asked. “And where is your precious little son?”
Natalie had given birth to a little boy, Thomas, not so long ago. Slash had never looked so damn happy as when he was carrying his son.
“Slash has got him.”
“Yeah, totally proud he is, isn’t he?” Butler asked.
“He is. I hear him at night when he’s reading to him. There’s always wonder in his voice. ‘I made you. Me and mommy made you.’” She giggled. “It’s so cute. I mean seriously so.”
He laughed. “I bet you’re loving it.”
“We are.”
He glanced down at his glass.
“What’s wrong, Butler?”
“Nothing. I’m all good here. You know.”
“No, you’re not. Something is bothering you. Is this to do with Mandy?” she asked.
“Yeah, it is. I want her, you know.” He wanted Mandy, but it was the last thing on his mind right now. He couldn’t stop looking at the soda in front of him or catching the old marks from his years of using.
Life had slowed down. It had gotten easier, and with it … he felt something he hadn’t felt in years, and that was scaring the fuck out of him.
“You know you could ask her out. She’s not seeing anyone. At least she’s not the last time I asked.”
“Are you wanting to date our cleaner as well?”
“Totally. I see a threesome on the cards with Slash every single day.” Natalie gave that little chuckle that made him smile.
Natalie was a sweet, loving girl.
He enjoyed her company, and he couldn’t believe he’d nearly ruined their friendship by thinking for a second that he wanted her that way. He didn’t.
She was just nice, and he liked nice.
Nice is boring and easy.
“I better go. You see the way Devil and Tiny are constantly watching their kids.” Natalie placed a hand on his arm before leaving.
Glancing over at the swings, he watched as Simon moved behind Tabitha, pulled back the swing, and started pushing her. Tabitha wore a pair of jeans and a shirt. There wasn’t a big age gap between them. Simon and Tabitha had always been close, even though it sometimes annoyed Tiny and Devil about what it could mean for the future of their kids. At one point it was a concern for the future of both clubs as Tiny had been the Prez, but right now, it was Lash that was Prez, so all eyes turned to Anthony, Lash’s son.
Their visits between the clubs had brought the two kids together. Tiny had once been the Prez of The Skulls until he handed the gavel over to Lash. Pressures within the club had brought about a tension between theirs and a change in leadership had helped to draw them close together again.
I could really use a fucking hit.
Butler’s hands clenched into tight fists. It had been a long time since he’d gotten that craving, that sudden calling.
Watching the innocence of love, and knowing the club had changed paths for good, something was changing within him. Chaos Bleeds helped to provide backup for The Skulls when they were helping women in abusive, dangerous situations. They became a safehouse for them, and Devil had also become part of it, much to the anger of Ned Walker.
That old fart was going to outlive them all, and laugh to his fucking grave as he did.
Running fingers through his hair, Butler quickly finished his soda and made his way toward the front of the clubhouse.
No one was around, and, straddling his bike, he pulled out of the clubhouse. He didn’t bother with a helmet; he never did.
Riding through the roads, he overtook cars and traveled up toward the large mountain that overlooked the town.
A lot of high school kids had started using the point to make out and for fucking at night. He simply avoided it then.
It wasn’t on his list of shit to do to watch a couple of horny kids fuck.
Parking his bike, he climbed off and moved toward the well-worn picnic table that was there. Folding his legs, he sat as if he was at school on the mat waiting for a story.
I want a fucking hit.
I want oblivion.
They don’t need me.
Running his hand across his face, he couldn’t believe the constant need that was building within him.
When life was going to shit, he didn’t have the time to think about what was happening or what he was missing out on.
Now life was normal.
It was easy.
They didn’t need him to focus anymore.
He placed his hands on his knees and tried to meditate, to think of something else, and Mandy’s face popped into his mind, which didn’t help matters for him. She didn’t help to clear his mind.
Any other time in his life he’d have chased after her, no problem. As it was, he couldn’t do it.
He was too fucked up in the head to give her that chance.
Slapping his head, he took a deep breath and forced himself to focus.
This was his life, and he wasn’t about to screw that up.
Sweat covered his skin, and he stared out across Piston County. This was his home. Where his Prez had found his son and the woman of his dreams. Over the years he’d watched his friends and club brothers fall. One by one they’d given in to temptation, and now here he sat.
All alone.
The club was in the best position it ever had been.
No more dangerous runs that could get them killed or locked up.
They had numerous businesses around
the town from real estate, fashion shops, warehouses, titty clubs, the works. On the side they helped The Skulls protect people.
Life was fucking normal.
And yet, as life was starting to look so good, he was staring to fall apart, and it was driving him crazy this constant fire that burned within him.
Mandy had been through hell and back. He knew because he got Whizz on one of his trips to do a thorough background check. The mother had put Mandy in and out of care growing up to suit her. Not only that, there were several police reports where Mandy had accused her mother’s boyfriends of touching and being inappropriate. What pissed him off was the fact the mother claimed her daughter was a slut, and was asking for it.
He knew every single little detail of Mandy’s life, from her savings, to the fact she wanted to get a place. He didn’t need to hear Mia tell him her life story, or what she was doing. He was that fucking obsessed with her, he already knew.
This was just another reason why he couldn’t go chasing after Natalie. She hadn’t been the girl that made him go to Whizz to find everything out. She didn’t keep him awake at night thinking about if she was okay. She certainly didn’t make him think twice about his current fucking problem.
He needed a hit, and there was no chance in hell of letting Mandy know what kind of shit he was in.
****
“Well, you’re a sexy lady,” a guy with a British accent said.
Mandy finished scrubbing the last of the toilet and turned to look to see a guy she didn’t recognize. He wasn’t wearing the Chaos Bleeds patch, and she just smiled.
Mia had told her that several of The Skulls men were staying in Piston County for a week or so.
“Thank you.”
“And you’ve got one of the prettiest voices.”
She chuckled.
“Stop trying to woo the woman,” Ripper said, coming into the room. “Devil wants to see you, Mandy.”
“The pretty lady has a name.”
Her cheeks heated as Ripper rolled his eyes. “The British guy is Adam. Adam, this is Mandy. She’s not for you to play around with.”
Pulling off her glove, she shook Adam’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”
“If you want to break the rules, I’d be more than happy to play with you.”
Again, she laughed. He seemed like the kind of guy who liked to have a lot of fun.
“That’s not going to happen. I like my job.”
“Shame. If you change your mind in the next week, I’ll be here and waiting.”
Ripper sighed, and she pulled her cleaning supplies from the toilet.
“Time for me to use the bog.”
She frowned, leaving the room. “Bog?”
“He’s British.”
“Okay.” She knew they had weird words for things but seriously? She’d never heard a toilet be referred to as a bog. “Have I done something wrong?” she asked, following behind him.
“Not that I know of.”
Ripper led her to Devil’s office, and she bit her lip, suddenly really nervous about being here right now.
It’s fine. You’re fine.
Knocking on the door, she waited for Devil to respond. The moment he did, Ripper gave her a smile before leaving.
The club was a lovely place to be, which considering they’re an MC club, was saying a lot. Yes, they were messy and they fucked a lot, drank a lot, but she loved them.
Entering the office, she saw Devil sitting behind his desk. He wore a pair of glasses that were perched on his nose.
“Hey, Mandy, come on in.”
She closed the door and made her way toward the chair opposite his desk. Sitting down, she felt like she was seeing the principal or something.
Biting her lip, she waited for him to speak up.
“I’ve been made aware that you’re looking for a place to stay.”
“Oh, well, I am, but it’s not a problem.” In fact, it had gone up in her list of priorities as her friend who was allowing her to rent the place she was currently in had told her she was in the process of selling it and needed her to leave as soon as possible. That’s what good friends were all about. Dumping you at the deep end and leaving you to fend for yourself.
It wasn’t a problem.
She had hoped to get the rest of the year as had been originally planned. Her friend had said that she wasn’t doing anything with the place until then.
Now that had all changed.
“I am looking for somewhere.”
“Excellent. We have a place. It’s fully paid for. You can rent it from us, and I will do you a good deal.” He opened the drawer and pulled out a file. “If you’d like to take a look.”
She took the file and looked through. It was a luxury place.
“The club purchased the building a couple of years ago. With Spider’s help we’ve been working on getting the apartments finished. Mia told Lexie about your current situation, and I listen to my wife. We like you at the club. I trust you, and I know you’ve had a hard time of it. I want to help you out.” He gave her a figure of the rent, and she gasped.
“Are you serious right now?”
“Totally serious.”
“Oh, my, I can’t even begin to believe this.” There were two bedrooms, a nice-sized kitchen, bathroom, dining room, sitting room, and it was fully furnished. “This is amazing. I can’t believe…”
“Do you want it?” Devil asked. “I won’t be offended if you don’t want it.”
“Yes, I want it. I’ve not been able to find anything that would be worth this, and this is so amazing.” Her heart was racing. She couldn’t believe this was happening. “Thank you. Yes, where do I sign?”
He chuckled. “Lexie’s waiting out in the car. If you want we’ll drive you over there right now and get you started on everything.”
Within minutes she was in the car, and they were driving toward the apartment building. It was about thirty minutes from the club, and not far from the town either, which was good. She liked being able to travel but not overly long distances.
Lexie and Devil talked about the kids with random little comments about the apartment.
When they came to a stop outside of the building, she smiled. Already she loved it.
“We’ve been investing in the locals, giving them the opportunity to work,” Devil said.
“This is amazing.”
Leaving the car, she followed Lexie and Devil up to the apartment. They stood in the elevator, and she watched the two hold hands. Devil’s much bigger hand locked fingers with Lexie’s.
The power and love between these two were just amazing to witness. She’d seen them together for some time now, and they were the two that held the club together. Lexie dealt with all the women, from the old ladies to the club whores, while Devil didn’t miss a thing and made sure to keep his men in line. The couple was loved and respected.
The elevator doors opened, and Mandy walked out.
Devil held the key, and he slid it into the lock, opening up the door.
The windows were floor to ceiling, and the views were just beautiful. Stepping into the room, she felt like she’d walked into an alternate universe. There was no way something like this could ever happen to her.
“Everything is fully furnished,” Lexie said.
“My woman has that job. She picks everything out.”
“The old ladies pretty much furnish the entire thing. Top to bottom. It’s top of the range, and seeing as Devil owns the place—”
“We own it. The club does.”
“Then you’ll always be able to find the person to complain to,” Lexie said.
“Are you two serious right now? I don’t think I’ve ever lived anywhere so grand and fine. I mean, I feel like a princess right now.” She was used to damp, mold, and insects. Maybe even a few rats from some of her living accommodations. “Can I take it, like, right now? I would totally love to move in.”
She moved to stand in front of them.
Le
xie was laughing.
“I’ll call the boys to bring your stuff up,” Devil said.
“Wait, you already have my stuff?”
“I kind of took your keys. We knew that you were having a hard time,” Lexie said. “I hope you’re not mad.”
“Any other time I would so be mad, but there’s no way I can be. I mean, look at this place.”
Devil was already making the call, and within seconds the men were bringing up her boxed belongings.
It had been a long time since she’d been excited about something like this. She didn’t want to look like a total loser in front of them, so she tried with all her might to contain it. Once her stuff was in her place, she called her friend to let her know she was out, and didn’t have to worry. She already had the key in the mail, and that was another part of her life closed.
Mandy was always closing doors on parts of her life. It made a change to finally be opening them.
After all of her boxes were in the apartment, the men left. Lexie pulled her into a hug. “If you need anything, don’t fail to ask for help. We’ll be here for you.”
“I know.” She’d never ask for help. That wasn’t her style. She was the kind of girl that always did her own thing and took care of herself. That wasn’t going to change. “Thank you so much for this.”
“Enjoy it.”
Closing the door, she clicked the locks into place. Not that she had any doubt about the Chaos Bleeds’ security, but locking her door was a habit. She had gotten into the habit after one of her stints in foster care when one of the boys there hadn’t taken no for an answer. He’d only barged into her room once and nearly took what she wasn’t offering.
Leaning against the door, she smiled.
Something like this never happened to her, but she wasn’t about to doubt the reason for it, or why.
“Taking a deep breath, she stared at her meager belongings and didn’t care. This was her place, and she was about to make it home.
****
Later that night Lexie rubbed some cream into her hands as she entered her bedroom. Devil was on the bed, looking through a tablet. Ever since Whizz had showed him how easy it was to keep an eye on not only the club but all of his businesses, he took that damn device everywhere.
