by Nikki Landis
“How the fuck do you have so many already?” he asked, lining up three of his own dominoes for his train. “I swear you’re the luckiest person I know when it comes to games.”
“So not true,” I contradicted.
“Looks that way to me. Maybe it’s because we’re both sober.”
Shaking my head, another giggle escaped. “You’re crazy.”
A wicked grin hovered on his lips. “Kind of have to be to join this club.”
“They don’t seem that bad.”
“You’re not the enemy,” he pointed out softly, “and you’re protected. Big difference.”
I couldn’t argue that point.
Two hours later we finished trains and several card games. Cleaning it all up, I sat back in my chair and stretched. “I could use something cold to drink.”
Shadow hopped up. “What can I get you?”
“Hey, you don’t have to be my gopher like you are for the club. You’re not my prospect.”
“But I answer to the members, remember? It’s my job and for you, I’m happy to do it.”
He was too sweet. “Well, I’d like an iced tea without sugar. Lemon if it’s available.”
“You got it.”
I stood when he left and walked around the room, moving around a little since I’d been sitting for so long.
When he didn’t return after twenty minutes, I figured he must have been asked to do something for one of the other members of the club. After all, I couldn’t expect Shadow to hang around and keep me occupied every day. He had responsibilities and I was sure he’d get in trouble if he disappeared for too long.
Leaving the sanctuary of Patriot’s room, I ventured out into the hall. For most people, this wouldn’t be a big deal but I hadn’t left since the night of the party and I felt out of place. Trying to listen to Patriot and his advice, I ventured down the hall and even nodded my head in greeting to a couple of the bikers on my way.
Things were starting to look optimistic until I reached the door of the kitchen and I found Harley cleaning up from the most recent meal. She was talking to the new girl that was tending bar the night of the party. The one with the black hair and blue highlights. Still didn’t know her name.
“She hasn’t been here long.”
“Why doesn’t she leave her room?” the new girl asked, picking up a dish and drying it off before placing the plate in the cabinet.
“I guess it’s because she’s been through a lot of shit,” Harley answered slowly.
“Like?”
“I prefer not to say.”
“Come on,” the girl begged.
“Why do you want to know so much? You should be careful. You’re new, Neveah. Don’t fuck up your chance and do something stupid.”
Neveah shrugged. “I’m just curious about the club and the people here. I’ve gotten to know nearly everyone.”
They were so busy talking they never noticed my presence.
“Being a club girl is different than an ol’ lady. Opening your legs for the members doesn’t give you a free pass,” she warned.
“Damn,” Neveah laughed, “You don’t hold back.”
“That’s not the life I live and that’s my choice. Been through enough of my own shit in the past. I like my life here and I’m not going to fuck it up.”
“I understand that,” Neveah agreed, “but I still want to know what’s up with that girl. She never talks to anyone and she’s always hiding away. When she comes out, she’s always got her head down. The one time I met her at the bar all she did was give me a dirty look.”
“I think you misjudged her.”
“Why is she so weird? She won’t even eat with us.”
“Neveah.”
“There’s something strange going on. It’s like the club doesn’t talk about her at all. None of the guys have said a word. Sounds like trouble.”
Harley sighed and tossed down the sponge in her hand. “If you have any other questions, take them to Snooki. You’ve already been told that.”
Wasn’t hard to figure out they were discussing me.
I’d grown a thick skin with all I’d been through but hearing those things Neveah said still hurt.
This was why I’d been avoiding everyone and staying in Patriot’s room. People liked to gossip and they judged others fast. They were selfish and cruel. I knew that too well.
Since I was still thirsty, I walked to the fridge and opened it, reaching inside for the pitcher. Both girls were silent as I grabbed a glass, filled it with ice and then tea.
“Hey, Naomi. Snooki made fresh sun tea this morning. She said you might like it.”
“Hi, Harley. Yeah, it’s my favorite. No sugar, too. Snooki is the best.”
“She is. I sliced up some lemons. They’re in the white container on the top shelf.”
“Thanks. I really appreciate that.”
Once I had my lemons, I lifted my head high and nodded to Harley before leaving the kitchen. On my way out I heard Neveah comment.
“Shit. She heard me.”
“Yep. Wait until Snooki finds out.”
Sighing, I decided it was a good idea to head back to Patriot’s room. Maybe later I could try to join him for dinner with the rest of the club. He stayed with me every night and that didn’t seem fair, especially after what I overheard today.
Shadow was waiting for me, pacing the inside, and practically wearing a hole in the carpet. He seemed relieved when our eyes met until he saw the glass in my hand.
“Fuck. I got sidetracked. Sorry about that.”
Shrugging, I didn’t worry about it. “It’s fine.”
His head tilted to the right as he contemplated my answer. “Can’t say I’m an expert or anything but you don’t seem fine.”
“Ever learn stuff you’re not meant to overhear?”
He snorted, a laugh bubbling out of his chest. “All the damn time.” He pointed to his patch. “Prospect means I live to serve and I don’t know shit but sure get to hear a lot I pretend I don’t.”
“Yeah, that makes sense.”
“What did you overhear?”
Swallowing hard, I was afraid I was going to cry and it pissed me off. I’d become so emotional lately. Never used to be that way.
Ever since Patriot found me, I’d been struggling to deal with my feelings and expressing myself. I’d gone from numb to overwhelmed to confused and second-guessing myself.
“Some of the club girls were talking,” I finally admitted.
“About you?”
Nodding, I shrugged. “It’s not a big deal.”
He frowned. “It is if they upset you.”
I opened my mouth to disagree when Patriot came strolling in. He flashed a smile and I blinked, brushing the conversation with Shadow aside.
“How’s your day, sunshine?”
“It was great. I had the best breakfast ever thanks to Snooki and Shadow let me beat him at trains.”
I got a look from Shadow but he didn’t disagree.
“That sounds fun. I need a quick shower. Be right out and we can watch a movie if you want.”
“Sure.”
Shadow waited until Patriot was inside the bathroom and the water was running. “You should talk to him.”
“About what? Today?”
“Everything. I can tell he cares for you. Patriot is never this open with any of the club girls. He treats you like an ol’ lady. That means a lot.”
I knew it did.
“It’s just as easy as talking to me.”
Shaking my head, I disagreed. “No, not quite.”
“Why is that?”
“Because you don’t make my heart want to soar.”
Shadow startled, placing a hand on his chest. “Shit.”
“What?”
“That’s exactly what Stefanie said to me the first time I took her for a ride on my Harley.”
“Then you know what Patriot means to me and why this is so hard.”
He dipped his chin
. “I do. Still think you should talk to him.”
“I’ll try,” I promised.
“Good.” He walked forward and wrapped his arms around me as I stiffened. “You need to let people touch you again, Naomi. It’s okay to let them in.”
My heart stuttered at the truth of his words.
“Some of us are really rooting for you. You can do this.”
Touched, I slowly moved my arms and hugged him back. “Hearing that from you after losing Stefanie, that means more than I can say.”
“That’s why we’re friends.”
He leaned back and winked before exiting through the door, smiling like I gave him a gift instead of the other way around.
“Thanks for the boost, Shadow,” I whispered. “I won’t forget.”
Progress was a good thing. The renovations and updates to the clubhouse and entire compound were well on their way. The playground was nearly finished and I knew the prospects would have the last details done by the weekend. Brothers had pitched in to help over the last couple of days and the hard work was worth it. Even I had to admit it was a kid’s dream.
The inside of the Crossroads was still a mess but at least the clutter had a reason. Club girls and ol’ ladies worked together to keep the chaos manageable. Walls were reinforced and the painting underway. Mammoth seemed to like that job and he was not only foreman but one hell of a motivation. If his humongous, hairy ass could stand all day and get shit done the rest of us didn’t have an excuse.
Over the last couple of weeks, I’d gone on a few recon missions, keeping my ass clear of trouble like Grim asked. Didn’t have a lot of Intel to show for it and that shit was frustrating. Pres called me into his office one morning as he sipped on coffee, gesturing for me to shut the door to keep anyone from overhearing our conversation.
“Got anything worth reporting?” he asked, kicking back as his boots rested on the wood of his desk.
“No and that’s the problem. Why haven’t I seen this Jones guy yet? Not a word on the streets from any of our contacts either. Scorpions are laying low too. It’s making my nerves crawl,” I admitted. “My Reaper is getting hard to handle.”
Fuck. I was an impatient motherfucker.
“That’s because you hate waiting,” he replied with a chuckle, knowing me well enough to see right through me and the cause of my agitation. “Sit tight. Probably not gonna see much until it’s time. We’re getting close. Won’t be long now so calm your tits.”
“I don’t like it,” I complained, huffing out a breath. “Anything could happen or go wrong. We’re banking a lot on what we learned from that Scorpion prospect.”
“And you think it could be a trap or they could be settin’ us up. Already thought of that. Put a couple of calls into the other chapters. Spoke to Venom, Capone, Demon, and Ghoul. Even gave Jameson a call. We’ve got backup coming. Each of the Enforcers should be here by the weekend.”
“Fuck. We’re gonna have to welcome them right.”
“Already talked to Snooki. Club girls are workin’ on it. Ol’ ladies are overseeing it all. Gonna be a party to remember. Might as well let off a little steam before the shit hits the fan.”
He wasn’t wrong. Our plan was dangerous as fuck and once we confronted Jones and Resnikov none of our Reapers were holding back.
“And security?” Rael asked, poking his head through the door. “Don’t need any surprises.”
“We’re gonna add some extra security from the Denali brothers. They owe us after all that shit with Acid. Promised ten guys to watch the gates and help secure the perimeter.”
Rael shut the door behind him as he entered. “Are you fucking serious? Those idiots?”
“Think of it as help. No, they aren’t Royal Bastards but they are extra manpower. Besides, we all know we’re being watched. It’s not a surprise. Hoping it makes the Crossroads a little safer and more secure to have them here. They’re a deviation from our norm and that’s intentional. Keeps our enemies guessing. Besides, I can’t take any risks right now with Trish and her pregnancy. I need this place locked up tight. Xenon has eyes everywhere and he’s been keeping tabs on Vince and Antonio.”
“So, we think they can be trusted?” That was doubtful.
“I’m testing them.” Grim shrugged. “Just in case, there’s gonna be a lot of Bastards around to make sure they don’t fuck up.”
Rael was staring Grim down, clearly not happy. “They haven’t messed up a single invoice or shipment since that mess last Christmas but that doesn’t mean they’re clean.”
“I don’t see a reason to rock the boat with all the other shit we’ve got going on. Salazar is happy with shipments and we’re making decent income. The Guererro Cartel isn’t breathing down our necks and Jameson in NOLA says shit is good on his end too. Until Resnikov is handled everything else is waiting.”
Fair enough. “You got it, pres.”
“All the renovations and upgrades should be in place and finished by the weekend. We’ll be ready for anything.”
Rael stuck his hands in his pockets and agreed. “I see your point. Can’t argue when I want my Nylah safe too. Still don’t trust the Denali brothers.”
“You don’t trust anyone because that’s your job as the SAA of this club. Keep sharp but don’t fucking lose your shit, Rael.”
“Yeah, pres, I hear you.”
“I’ll be bringing up the fact that we could use another prospect soon in church. There’s a certain kid that’s paid his dues and I’d like to see him wear a full patch once his year is up.”
Rael cracked a smile, ticking his head toward Grim. “He’s a good kid. Takes his punches and keeps going. Never complains and is always ready to help a brother. Couldn’t ask for more than that.”
“He became a prospect right after Thanksgiving last year,” Grim remembered, “That right, Rael?”
“Yep. Just a few months away.”
“We’ll bring it to vote when you’re ready.”
Rising to my feet, I noticed the late hour. Mimi would wonder where I’d been all day. I only saw her once today and I missed her, as sappy as that sounded. “Gonna head out. Need to track down Mimi.”
Rael made lip smacking noises as I walked to the door and paused, flipping him off. Like he was any better. The guy was scary as fuck and still managed to look like a pansy when it came to his woman.
Halfway down the hall I stopped when a movement caught me off guard. Shadow literally stepped right from the shadows, almost as if he floated right through the damn wall. It was creepy as fuck. Kid never seemed bothered by that fact, like he preferred to remain in the dark and enjoyed it.
He was gonna make one hell of a Reaper.
“Prospect,” I acknowledged, passing by as I headed to my room.
My steps picked up speed and I couldn’t wait to see Mimi’s smile when I asked about her day. She seemed to like it when I took interest in what she was doing. Didn’t want her to think I was too busy to check in.
When I walked inside, she wasn’t there. Surprised, I checked the bathroom to be sure and then spun, heading back down the hall. After all the time she was spending in my room it was shocking to find her lounging on a barstool. Sipping on a drink, she was chatting away with Becca at the bar. Shadow was standing beside her and lowered his head, whispering something close to her ear.
She tilted her head back and laughed, the sound booming from the center of her chest like the emotion had built over months and years, simmering with impatience, just waiting to be released. It was music –– a beautiful, soul-freeing, devastatingly pure release, and I knew I needed to hear that precious, perfect sound for the rest of my life. In fact, I was going to make it my mission to keep her laughing as often as possible.
I didn’t know what words Shadow had said to her or what sparked the light to return to her eyes.
All I knew was the sudden surge of jealousy that surfaced, hitting my body so hard that I physically jolted. My hands balled into fists as I resisted the urge to
growl. He got her first laugh.
The goddamn prospect.
Swooped in the moment my back was turned. Seething, my temper flared and I was ready to set Shadow straight.
Two bodies flanked me on the left and right as my lip curled into a snarl. Wraith and Exorcist.
Each of my brothers placed a hand on my shoulder and if they hadn’t, I probably would have launched myself forward and kicked that kid’s ass for stealing something from Mimi that should have been mine.
“Stop,” Exorcist ordered low.
“Look, you dumbass,” Wraith added low enough no one else could hear the exchange. “She’s fucking happy. You wanna take that from her?”
My shoulders deflated and my fists slowly opened. He was right. Not only did she seem to be happy and having a good time, but she was smiling. A real smile that fucking lit up the whole fucking room on its own.
“Fuck,” I exhaled. “She does look happy.” That was hard to admit and I didn’t know why. I wanted her to like the Crossroads. The clubhouse was her home too. I wanted her to feel like it was a place she could see belonging to in the future. A place that sheltered her from harm and where I was her fortress.
Ex squeezed and dropped his hand. “She ain’t yours, brother. No property patch on her back.”
Immediately pissed again, I tensed up. “Not yet.”
Wraith let out a low whistle. “I fucking knew it.”
Exorcist chuckled and shook his head. “Get your head outta your ass, Patriot. Plenty of brothers or prospects that wouldn’t mind getting to know her better.”
“Fuck off,” I mouthed off back, not really pissed but annoyed enough to hold onto my anger.
For the first time I realized Mimi could develop feelings for someone else. Maybe she already liked the prospect and had an interest in him. Fuck that. I’d been playing my cards nice and slow, giving her all the time that she needed to heal. Her mental and physical scars would take time to overcome. I understood that but maybe I wasn’t clear when I told her that I wanted her to stay in my room.
