Calix (Areion Fury MC, #6)

by Esther E. Schmidt

  I keep quiet and take my time to wait her out. Because the waterfall of words she just threw out? That non-connected, verbal throw up of emotional stress has been piling up for a long damn time.

  Wait. What the hell? “What the fuck is that about ending up in Dane’s bed without you having any recollection?”

  She shrugs her damn shoulders. “Like I said it, I guess. I was having a drink, had maybe three glasses with two fingers worth of whiskey. I remember Dane sitting next to me the whole time. I definitely remember I was the one who initiated a kiss, and before I know it...I’m waking up the next morning in his bed while he’s fucking me. There’s really not much to tell.”

  “What the fuck, nothing to tell? You didn’t get a blood test? Check and see if he used a date rape drug, anything?” I am so far off my rocker that I’m ready to tear this building apart, find Dane and skin him alive before I make his death even more painful and slow.

  “No, Calix, I didn’t. I got the hell out of there after I told him he could drop dead for all I care. I would be doing a happy dance on his damn grave. I was sick to my stomach and didn’t leave my room after that.” She groans and her cheeks turn pink from what I’m guessing is shame. “I had a crush on him at some point in time, okay? So yeah, maybe I did drink one too many and finally wanted to get over that crush since I damn well knew he’s a player. Guess I got my bubble blown right in my face because in reality he was more of an asshole than I thought. The next day he told everyone we were together. I had to fight like hell to make them drop the ol’lady claim and have them believe it was a load of crap. Thankfully I had the majority behind me since they loathe Dane. So please, just let it go, I did. I got tested and to be honest? I can’t remember shit. Not about that night and only very little about the next morning. It’s the past, Calix. No one can change the past, you get over it and take the life lessons so you don’t screw up again, or know how to avoid, or work around it. There’s too much to deal with in the now to go drag out shit that happened months ago. And let’s face it...then it would still be my business, not yours.” She gives me a glare as a warning to shut my mouth and end this discussion.

  Fat chance. The only thing I’ll stay quiet about is her little admission that she had a crush on the fucker. I’ll forget that little element since everyone makes mistakes in their life and I’m betting she throws it all on that angle. Talk about a pink cloud evaporating and making your ass hit the ground hard.

  “One question. Does your dad know the real truth? That you can’t remember shit how you ended up in his bed?” I wait for her to say something but instead she goes slightly pale.

  There’s my fucking answer. Dammit.

  “I told you it’s my business. I handled it. It’s done. I gave him the crabs, okay? Well, I didn’t personally. One of the girls that hangs around had it and only I knew about it, hell...she didn’t even know she had it because she was complaining to me and I was the one who recognized the symptoms. Yikes, even the thought about it makes me shudder.” She shudders and this actually relaxes me a hint because she’s coming across as a person who doesn’t let someone else throw her off. No, she has a solid damn grip on her own life, fighting for it every step of the way.

  No wonder she had an emotional explosion just now. The confrontation with me and Dane, the fight, Dane fighting unfair and everyone wanting to shove things under the carpet again when it comes to this motherfucker. Yeah, she really needs a break. Not just to catch her breath from all this shit, but she needs to be pampered. Be treated like a woman who deserves heaven on Earth.

  “I’m going to take you away,” I tell her.

  Her eyes go wide. Fuck.

  “Just hear me out, okay? I was meant to catch a plane to London next week. Attend a few parties for a charity event my parents are hosting. I wasn’t planning on going with this shit to deal with but I think we both need a few days away...just you and me, without all this shit.”

  “I can’t just pack up and leave,” she squeaks, her eyes almost bulging out of her head.

  “Why not? I swear I will handle everything. I’ve got my VP, and also C.Rash, who will move in with your father and keep an eye out. Feargal and the others will stand strong, and we’ll be back within a few days. Hell, even if we only left for the weekend, that would be enough. Don’t you think you deserve it? Sipping a drink in a penthouse tub, letting me take you out to dinner...come on, let’s split and leave this shit for only a few days so we can recharge and face our problems head on when we get back. Next weekend. We’ve got one week together right here so you can make sure everything is handled. We also get to see in that week how things go at the club with the new towing business that we’ll be setting up. You’ll see that Dane will be out of the picture and will be waiting for us when we get back from London. Come on, take a damn moment for yourself for once. I just told you I’ll handle your father and the club...meaning they can all manage without you for three damn days.”

  “Did I not mention that you’re frustrating? Do you really think I can just pack up and leave? Even if it’s for a weekend? Seriously, Dane must have hit your head harder than you thought.” She shakes her head.

  “Fine. Let’s go.” I grab her hand and take her with me toward the door. “We’re going to mention it to our Prez and let him decide.”

  “What? No.” She tries to stop me but I’m not having any of it.

  “Big Oaks!” I bellow from the hallway.

  It’s not Big Oaks that walks into the hallway, it’s Feargal.

  “Hey, Feargal, do me a favor and have Prez come see me. I need to ask him something,” I tell him and he gives me a nod and disappears around the corner.

  “You’re insane. I can’t go. Even if I have a passport, I’ve never even been to the west coast, let alone leave this country! I’m not going,” she seethes but this time her voice is filled with panic that’s clearly a whole different kind of distress.

  “What’s that, sweetness? Afraid to cross the ocean? Or afraid to get to know me better?” I smirk and all I get in return is a glare.

  She’s about to throw another tantrum when her father stalks around the corner, heading straight for us. “Calix, you wanted a word?”

  “Yeah, Prez, come on in.” I step inside and wait for Big Oaks and Ten to get inside before I close the door.

  “You can’t let this idiot put me on a plane and swoop me off for a few days vacation. Not when there’s so much going on,” Ten seethes, all distress is directed at her father.

  Obviously, she’s trying to get her father on her side, but there’s one crucial mistake she’s making. “Prez. Are you taking a week cool down or ten days before Dane’s incident is brought to the table?”

  Big Oaks is fighting a smile, I can damn well tell the man is on my side. “Ten days. I had to since I can’t lynch that fucker without going through the right steps to get him kicked out for life.”

  “Then it would be possible to take three days, next weekend so we’ll still have a week to get things started with the tow truck and see if Dane sticks to his cool down period. And for those three days, if I provide backup for you, we’d be all set, right?” I quip.

  “I’m right here, you dickheads. I’m not going. You can’t force me,” she seethes with her eyes wide enough to let them fall out and bounce on the floor.

  “I think the VP is entitled to take a few days since she got everything set businesswise. You even have this week to make sure everything is covered for this upcoming weekend. I don’t have to take it to the table, that’s an order, VP. You take those days because you sure as hell know all brothers can take vacation days when they’ve put in the work. And to speak as your father, I for damn sure think you’ve earned to be dragged away for some vacation days.” He gives me a nod but when he turns to address his daughter, his face softens. “Come on, Cerise. Think back...when is the last time you did something for you? Or hell, took time off for that matter. You deserve this.”

  Cerise? The fuck? Is that an e
ndearment he uses for her, or maybe her name...shit. That right there shows I want to know more about her. Hell, I want to know every little detail there is and even if I can have her for two or three days away from all this, just the two of us...it’s what we need.

  Big Oaks turns his attention toward me, shoving a finger into my pecs. “You mentioned platinum, right? Don’t fuck with me, Calix. Because if I hear you’ve mistreated my daughter for whatever reason,”

  I cut him off right there. “She’s my ol’lady, Big Oaks. I already claimed her before I kicked Dane’s ass. When I walked into the clubhouse and made a play at her in front of Dane it might have started out as a game to set him off, but it’s not anymore, I also told her that. I’d rather slice my own throat than hurt one single hair on her gorgeous head.”

  Tenley has grown quiet and just eyes me and her father. What I’m about to say might freak her the fuck out or will settle her nerves somewhat. I wanted to wait some more but since the decision has already been made, I might as well get it out now.

  I reach out and grab my ol’lady’s hand, lacing our fingers before I tell her father, and now also my Prez. “You have the papers for my request. Zack signed off and since it was your personal invite...it’s all said and done. You guys took the tow business to the table, had your vote, and with that it was agreed to have at least one brother transferred here. I’m not going anywhere as you know. I reckon we’ve got a week to get things started around here and have everything set to take Tenley with me to London next weekend. We’ll be back within three days.”

  Ten tries to rip her hand from mine when my words hit but I’m not having any of that. I was expecting both explosions but I’m guessing she’s still got it in her head that I’m trying to steal away the club.

  “Think, Ten,” I snap before I soften my voice but still make myself very clear that I’m not bullshitting here. “I’m not here to take the gavel. I’m here to push Dane out. Your father asked for my transfer to have more loyal and trusted men at his side. The tow business is an element to help the club but it was also a backdoor to get someone in without raising other questions. He wanted someone who’s an outsider with a clear view on shit. That’s me. Most men know me from years back so they trust me too. And yeah, I do have to admit that with you added to the mix, I don’t intend to pick up and leave when this shit with Dane, and everyone else who’s stirring up shit, is settled and the club can turn back to business as usual. But that’s also something only you have any influence on but that’s future stuff. Stuff we need to discuss and grow into. Hence the damn reason I want to take a few days where I get you all to myself so we can solidify that spark that hit us when we first met. You can’t deny that, Ten. Can you? Because I’m not afraid to admit there’s something deeper between us than just the need to have you.”

  “Take his words and the three days, Cerise, sweetheart...your mother would want you to take a shot at something real. I can vouch for this idiot right here. I’ve known him since he was a punk with the tendency to go dark...from what he’s lived through he took everything and turned it around. There’s a reason I asked him to come here, and when Zack called me earlier...my heart might have jumped when I heard you two hit it off. Please give your father a little peace of mind...get out of this clubhouse and let yourself be pampered by a man who wants to take you on vacation. Hell, even if it’s for three days or fucking pretend.”

  “It’s not fucking pretend,” I growl.

  Ten pulls her hand free and I let her this time. She rubs both hands down her face and starts to mutter. “Now even my father is plain old frustrating me. When did that happen? When did everything in my life become frustrating? Do not pass go, do not collect $200. I went straight from the loony bin and into the fire pits of hell that’re going to burn my ass.”

  Reaching out, I drag her close and whisper in her ear, “I can make sure your ass will burn, sweetness. But it will be wrapped with intense pleasure instead of the fire pits of hell.”

  She groans loud in frustration, making me bark out my laughter.

  Ten is up to date about everything going on around here. Yet I want to talk things through with my new Prez, Big Oaks. This also gives Ten some personal time to relax. Leaving Ten in her room, we head into church and spend hours, until deep in the night to talk about everything that happened since I left here.

  When I finally stalk back into Ten’s room, she’s already up and ready to get to work. Or hell, maybe she’s avoiding me, whatever. I’m too tired to say or do anything and crash on the mattress after I kicked my boots off. I don’t even have the energy to take my damn clothes off.

  I wake up when it’s already late in the afternoon. I take my time to freshen up and when I stroll into the main room, some brothers are already having a beer and enjoying themselves with a woman or two.

  “You looking for your ol’lady?” Feargal chuckles. “She ran off on you, huh?”

  I rub a hand behind my neck. “I had a long night catching up with Big Oaks, or...yeah...I guess she ran off. No use though, she’ll realize that soon enough.”

  “She’s working at the car wash. Something about needing a few days to make sure she can leave this weekend. You’re taking her somewhere?” Feargal questions.

  “You got that right. Good news travels fast, I hear.” A smile spreads my face, knowing it was probably Big Oaks who made sure everyone knew I was taking her to London for a few days.

  “When it comes to Tenley, yes. But I’m glad for the both of you, brother. I love her like a sister, she’s everything you want in a wife. Come on, I’ll show you so you can see for yourself.” Feargal smacks me on the back and I follow him out.

  When we get to the car wash, I have to refrain myself from storming to her, throwing her over my shoulder, and carrying her back to the clubhouse to spank her ass.

  “What the actual fuck?” I growl.

  Feargal chuckles. “Look past it, man...compare your ol’lady to the others.”

  I let my eyes travel over some of the other cars that are getting washed in the lot of the car wash. Guys are sitting in their cars while chicks in barely-there bikinis are washing the damn cars. Well, there’s one chick who’s soaping up her tits instead of the car she’s standing next to, giving the customer a show I’m sure he paid big time for.

  Fuck. “She’s smart,” I mutter.

  “Oh, yeah. Why do you think she earned that VP patch? Believe me, brothers care when you bring in cash and supply entertainment while doing so. She even brought in new pussy. She’s a genius I tell you. But see the difference between her and the rest who are earning their pay without guys touching them?” Feargal questions.

  I shove my anger down that raised when I saw Ten in jean shorts and a lilac tank top. But seeing the rest are wearing itsy bitsy bikinis...yeah, I fucking see it.

  “Ol’lady material,” I agree.

  “That’s right. Wifey material right there...she doesn’t need to show more skin to be damn sexy.” Feargal’s smirk leaves his face when I glare at him.

  “That’s my ol’lady, Feargal. Stop fucking looking,” I growl and stalk over to Ten who’s now hosing down the car she just washed. And she, and the damn owner of the car, should be happy the car is sitting empty.

  She turns off the water when she sees me coming. “Hey,” she quips.

  “Don’t fucking ‘hey’ me,” I snarl, and fuck...her eyes widen and I’m probably scaring the fuck out of her and with that, I actually do a double take myself realizing I’m acting like an idiot.

  “One question,” I snap.

  Her eyes are still wide while she nods slowly.

  “Do you ever look like that?” I point at the girls with their nipples barely covered and a shoelace keeping their ass company.

  “No,” she snaps, her fists perched on her hips. “But what’s wrong with it? Are you judging them?”

  Am I? “Fuck, no. They’re not my ol’lady,” I state.

  And that’s just it...I don’t want her to do i
t. Well, maybe if I would have my car in one of those closed garages over there where no one would see us. Understanding washes over her face at the same time I realize why my temper went through the ceiling.

  “Don’t get your balls in a knot. I’ve been making arrangements all morning to get things set for next weekend. I’m not a cheat, and I surely won’t prance around and give other guys a show when I’ve got an ol’man, okay?” Her voice is soft and dammit...something actually settles in my chest, because she worked hard for this.

  Here I stomp in and practically demand she removes herself from the very thing she build up.

  I just nod, clear my throat and mutter, “Okay.”

  Because for real...what else is there to say? I’m in so damn deep I don’t even know how to handle myself. Yet...she seems to know exactly what to say to calm my shit. There’s a lot to learn, for the both of us. Good thing we’ve got time to work through all of this together.

  Chapter 08

  ***Tenley***

  “Why did I let you talk me into this?” I grumble. “And what the hell do I need to take with me?”

  Calix’s chuckle comes from the corner where my bed is. He’s waiting patiently for me to pack. I, on the other hand, am not patient at all. I’m leaning toward freaking the hell out. At first, I was all frustrated when they sprang this whole vacation thing on me. But now that I had a week to think things through...yeah, I’m still not jumping with joy.

  I’ve never been on vacation. I don’t know what to expect and I was more frustrated by the idea of all of it, mainly Calix, Dane, everything. So, when my dad and Calix put me on the spot it suddenly sounded logical to step out of it all for just a few days. It’s been hectic and crazy for months and all of it has been getting on my nerves.