Her lie was bitter on the back of her tongue, but she knew that she couldn’t talk about it without completely losing her shit.
“On a side note, did you guys hear that Axel demoted Pierce to a prospect this morning?”
Laney’s head snapped up, her damp eyes wide.
“What?”
Rayna nodded as she breezed into a chair beside Emily, Flora in her arms.
“Yep! He’s on prospect duty until Axel decides otherwise. Fury said he doesn’t know why.”
Laney swallowed audibly and Emily’s gaze shot to hers.
“What do you know? Spill it!”
Laney slowly shook her head and Esme laughed.
“Girl, you know something!”
Laney grimaced, “Well, last night Pierce kind of tried to force himself on me…and Axel caught him.”
Rayna’s eyes narrowed.
“What kind of ‘forcing,’ are we talking?”
“He grabbed me and told me if he wanted me he would have me,” Laney said.
Emily snorted.
“I don’t know if he would do it because of that-”
“Bull shit! I don’t know a lot about Axel’s club, but their rules have gotta be similar to ours. We don’t get mistreated here like a lot of women do in other MC’s. I know Pierce has had problems in the past, he even got his ass handed to him by Limit when he messed with Scarlett, but if Axel caught him doing that to you…odds are that had something to do with the decision.”
Laney considered what Emily said.
“She’s right. Take it from me. Axel doesn’t allow women to be mistreated, and he uses Ashley as an example to live by. If they wouldn’t do it to Ashley, they don’t do it to any other women,” Esme said.
Laney didn’t know how she felt about that news. She didn’t want anyone in trouble because of her, but she also didn’t want anyone fucking with her when she just wanted to mind her own business.
“He also has the hots for you, so you better settle in for a wild ride. That man is all monster and no gentleman,” Rayna said with a wiggle of her eyebrows.
Laney remembered the way he ripped her pants down and spanked her bare ass.
“Yeah, I’ve been privy to that.”
Emily giggled and so did Rayna.
“Yeah, you have! Look, don’t sweat it. Avoid Pierce and be nice to Axel. He’s got a lot on his plate this time of year.”
Laney opened her mouth to ask what Esme meant, but Esme smiled at her knowingly.
“You’ll have to ask him, darlin’. I won’t tell his secrets.”
Laney wanted to say that she didn’t realize it was a secret to begin with, but it didn’t really matter. She already knew she’d be visiting him later in the day to make sure he wasn’t making any decisions with his club for her sake; she would never ask him to that. Not for her.
“Okay.”
“Don’t look so frazzled, Laney! Tomorrow is your first day of work, you’re holding that sweet nephew of yours, and you’re finally free. You know what I mean. Here, you can be anyone you want to be, including yourself,” Esme said softly.
Laney knew she was referring to the conversation (argument) they’d had about her coming back to the land of the living and finding her own anchor. Laney knew that in her own sense, Esme was right. She shouldn’t have gotten so angry with her or with Axel for trying to help. That’s what family do for one another. Laney knew that’s what Rider would have wanted for her. She knew he would have wanted her to have a happy and healthy support system, but Laney was so used to doing everything on her own she didn’t know how to let that happen.
“You know you’re safe here with us, right?,” Emily asked.
Laney sighed heavily as she glanced down at her lap where Miles was asleep.
“That’s the thing, Em. If I stay, if I get attached, I’m not gonna be with you. I’ll be with Axel and his club, and I’m not so sure that I’ll be safe with them.”
“Axel would never let anything happen to you, Laney. Not as a woman and not as Rider’s sister.”
Deep down, Laney was beginning to believe that. He hadn’t laid a hand on her in true anger, he gave Pierce a just punishment from what it seemed, and he was so gentle with her the night before even though she was being a bitch.
“He promised me pretty much the same thing last night.”
“Uh, hello, not to mention that your pretty ass showed up to the fight and suddenly he won? What the fuck was that? Fury has been winning their fights for as long as I can remember, and then you come along and ruin his undefeated streak!,” Rayna said.
Everyone laughed, including Laney, who had no idea how significant that was.
“I didn’t mean to do anything of the sort.”
Rayna grasped her hand gently and nodded.
“I know. When I first came here, Fury did something similar when I showed up to one of his fights. Don’t think anything bad of it, baby. Axel is a good man. He’s gentle and he’s kind…to a point. He’s rough around the edges, like sand paper, but deep down he genuinely cares for everyone here. He’d give you the shirt off of his back if you needed it. You don’t have to do anything you don’t want, but if I were you, I’d pursue the connection we all see between you two.”
Laney’s mouth fell open as she asked, hushed, “Connection?”
“Like fuckin’ fireworks!,” Esme supplied.
Miles started to fuss in her arms and Emily held out her hands.
“Feeding time,” She said with a smile.
Laney handed over the hungry baby to Emily and looked down at her hands.
“I ain’t no good for anybody right now.”
“None of us were, baby. Not any of us. But, we found ourselves and found a little love, too. There’s magic in these mountains, ya just gotta believe.”
Chapter 8
As Laney rounded the hallway to her room, she told herself she’d give it a little more time.
Don’t crowd the man.
Don’t assume anything, he doesn’t even know that you know about Pierce…
Even though she knew she should leave it alone, she couldn’t, and damn did Laney irritate herself. No wonder the man got pissed at her so often, she was annoying.
Laney took a deep breath and leaned into his office, noting he was behind his desk with his glasses perched on his crooked nose yet again.
“Are you busy?”
His head shot up and she could see that he was surprised to see her, but he just smiled.
“You come back for another spanking?”
Laney couldn’t help but return the smile as she stepped into his office and closed the door
“Not exactly…I was wondering if you had a minute to talk?”
“Looking worried, Axel stood and rounded the desk, his hands clasped at his sides.
“What’s wrong? Did Pierce bother you again?”
The anger in his voice had her shaking her head quickly.
“No, no, he didn’t bother me again, but I did want to ask about that…did you demote him because of what happened last night? Because, I would hate to have somehow gotten him in trouble, but honestly, I’ll never let him have me-”
“Calm down now, ain’t nobody sayin’ you have to give yourself to any man. But, yes, what happened last night did have some weight on the decision I made. He needs to learn his lesson and the only way to make sure that that happens is to put my foot down now before it’s too late. He’s insolent and stubborn and he’s used to getting his way. I won’t let that happen with you,” Axel said heatedly.
Laney watched him become more agitated for a second before he shook his head and took his glasses off, laying them behind him on his desk. He ran his hands along the lines of his face and through his hair as he looked up at her. His dark eyes were soft and warm and dewy like honey, but Laney didn’t want to fall for it.
She didn’t need it.
Truth be fucking told, she didn’t need anyone and she didn’t think she would ever need anyone ag
ain.
But, would it be so bad to want someone?
“Don’t look at me like that.”
“Like what?”
“Like I’m gonna tear that pretty body of yours limb from limb like a hungry fucking lion.”
Laney shrugged as she leaned against the door, her back pressed against the wood.
“Won’t you? You are a monster, right?”
Axel sneered for a second, his mouth lifted slightly at the use of the term he seemed to love.
“That’s right, and you? You’re a helpless little lamb, huh?”
“Not exactly. I ain’t helpless.”
“I know you’re not, and that’s what I like about you. Though I do think you’re too damn stubborn for your own good, but that can’t be helped. It’s who you are. You want to do everything on your own so that no one can let you down if they don’t follow through. I get it, I do the same thing. But, Laney?”
She glimpsed up at him, surprised to see him standing closer to her.
“What?”
“You’re not alone. Not here.”
His voice had gone soft and she liked it and she could feel the weight of it all the way down to her toes.
“Is that so?”
He nodded, his dark hair falling into her eyes as he leaned in closer. His breath smelled like sweet whiskey and cinnamon and nicotine and Laney felt her belly jump and fill with butterflies. She didn’t want to be affected by him in any way, but she was, and no amount of distance or space was going to change that.
“Yeah, baby. That’s right. You got a man right here any time you want him.”
Laney had no fucking idea what to say to that.
What do I say?
Thank you?
She knew he didn't understand why her eyes flooded with fear when he raised his tanned hands towards her-was he going to hurt her, or hold her? She knew he couldn't comprehend why she discreetly studied his every movement, for if he moved too quickly, her entire chest would tighten with agonizing trepidation. For the inevitable crash, the free fall. See, it was never the fall itself she feared; it was the landing. It was watching the ground meet her from the tallest of heights like an old friend, a dear friend, and more often than not...her only friend. She was all too familiar with the way her body and her soul would come apart like a shattered stained-glass window once she reached the sandy pits of her very own rock bottom, but he didn't know. None of them did.
“I don’t know what to say,” She admitted.
It sounded lame to her own ears, she knew that, but what good could possibly come of getting entangled with Axel?
Axel smiled again as he tipped her chin up with his index finger.
“I know you don’t, and that’s so damn sweet to me. You always have a comeback for everything, and don’t get me wrong; I like it. I’d rather argue with your viper tongue all fuckin’ day than spend my time with these tagalongs. I don’t expect anything from you.”
“You say that now-”
“Laney. I’m not James. I don’t ever want to be like him in your eyes. I don’t need to know the whole story to know that he fucked you up. I can see it in the way you move, the way you watch everyone around you. I can see it all over you, baby.”
Laney swallowed her snippy response and shrugged.
“So, what do you want from me?”
Axel cupped her cheeks and kissed the side of her mouth gently, his calloused thumbs tickling her skin.
“Whatever you’re willing to give me. I only ask one thing.”
Laney wrapped her hands around his wrists, holding on tightly, wondering when the floor would fall out from under her.
There has to be a catch here.
It’s never this easy.
“What is that you want from me?”
Axel eased his mouth away from hers long enough to run his tongue along the seam of her parted lips, his teeth nibbling at her sensitive skin, his hands cupping the back of her head. She felt his nails scratch against the back of her scalp tenderly, moving the heavy strands away from her face.
“Don’t convict of me a crime I haven’t committed, yet. Let me make my own mistakes. Don’t hold me to his.”
Laney took his request silently, per usual, and wondered if she could make that promise.
Could she actually do that, honestly?
Sure, she could tell him she would, but the odds of that happening were slim to none. How could she be afraid of one man when they’re all the same?
“You’re thinking about it too hard, Laney. Just say yes. Just tell me you promise to try.”
Laney tried to move away, but Axel wouldn’t let her. He held on strong, his grip taut against hers.
“What if I’m not good at keeping my promises?”
“What if I am?”
Laney had no idea what to tell him, no idea if she could let it go, if she could open her heart enough to let him in.
“You haven’t made me any promises,” She stalled.
Axel kissed her softly once more.
“Yes, I have. I made the most important one I can make.”
“What promise is that?”
“I promised you that I wouldn’t hurt you. Can’t that be enough to earn me a fair chance?”
Laney didn’t make eye contact for a moment before she slowly nodded.
“A chance to what, Axel? A chance to fuck me? To touch my body? You don’t need to make any promises for that kind of non-commitment.”
Axel grunted and shook his head no.
“I can fuck anyone I want. I don’t need a commitment for that, you’re right. But, I like you. You make me feel good. It’s been a long time since I felt anything other than numb, and I want to keep you around.”
“So, that’s what you’re asking for? A chance to keep me?”
Axel eyed her steadily as he nodded.
“Yeah. That’s what I want.”
He sounded so sure, so definite in his decision that Laney had no reason to say no. It didn’t mean they were a couple and it didn’t mean that she was his old lady, it just meant…
What?
What did it mean?
“We argue all the time.”
“I know. I can practically see the sparks flyin’ between us.”
“That doesn’t sound like a good foundation for a healthy relationship.”
Axel shrugged, “Nothing in this life is perfect, baby.”
“If I say yes, then what?”
“Then you’re mine and I’m yours until you say otherwise. We’ll take it slow, hang out, get to know one another. Say yes.”
With trepidation rising to the surface of her flushed skin, Laney dipped her head.
What’s the worst that could happen?
“Yes.”
Chapter 9
Winter, 1988
Alexander Gannon wiped his tired eyes and made his way back into his kitchen. It was dark, really dark, and he was scared.
Alexander had always been afraid of the dark but now?
Now, he was terrified, because the big men with guns had only just left. His mother’s screams had only just stopped, and he had no idea where Ashley was.
Is she okay?
Is she still alive?
Did the bikers get her too?
Alex knew his mom and dad were involved with other bikers…but these men were mean. They were loud, and nasty, and they made mom cry.
Alexander knew that the second he stepped foot back into the kitchen, he was going to see something he didn’t want to see.
“Ashley? Ashley, are you okay?”
As he called out his sister’s name, he wondered if she would even answer, or if she too was terrified.
Instead of hearing her respond to his call, he heard her crying. Her soft weeping was coming from the kitchen, and as he turned the corner and stepped through the doorway, he saw why.
Their mother, a beautiful raven-haired- angel, was tied naked to a chair. She was covered in blood and tears and her wide blue eyes were s
till open, seeing nothing as they gazed heavenward.
Their mother was dead, and now Alex and Ashley knew that for sure.
“Ashley, come here!,” Alex demanded.
Ashley was kneeling beside their mother’s body, her hands wrapped around her bare thigh.
Ashley glanced up at him and slowly shook her head of red hair, the long strands sticking to her wet cheeks.
“Come on, you shouldn’t be lookin’ at this! Did you find dad?,” Alexander asked as he lifted his sister from the tiled floor. She was shaking like a leaf, terrified even still, so Alex pretended like he wasn’t about to fall to pieces…like he wasn’t absolutely heartbroken.
“In the living room,” she whispered.
Alex moved into the living room, his sister tucked in his arms like the princess she was.
Or, used to be.
Princesses aren’t witnesses to a murder.
Now, Ashley’s youth would be just as ruined as his was.
Their father was on the floor by the front door, his eyes wide open, blood pooling around his mouth.
Alex felt his chest heave as tears threatened to over take him, but for Ashley, he had to be strong. He couldn’t let this ruin him. He’d have time to cry later.
“Ashley, I want you to take the phone and call 911. Tell them to come now.”
Ashley’s wide eyes met his and she nodded, not bothering to argue with him for once.
Alexander knew that the bikers could still be around the corner, watching and waiting. The only reason he and Ashley had survived was because they hid in the attic, where they knew they would be safe.
They’d heard and seen it all from the rafters above.
Ashley’s small voice met his ears as he gently closed his father’s eyes.
This was his life now, this was where their story started.
Yet, at only twelve years old, Axel silently vowed that he wouldn’t stop until every biker that had laid hands on his family was dead.
He would bathe in their blood if he had to, no matter how long it took, he wouldn’t give up.
He couldn’t.
He had to keep his sister safe…
-~-
“Laney, it’s break time.”
Laney looked up to see Esme leaning against the office door jamb, her arms crossed.
Axel_Lone Rangers MC Page 5
