He regards me with raised his eyebrows, “Good, I’ll check on her,” He grumbles, shortly.
Well, you’re welcome, asshole.
Now, to find out what Prez’s plan is, and defile some scum.
Chapter 7
Avery
There’s a sharp burn radiating up my thigh and it hurts so fucking bad. It was a skim. I don’t give a shit if it was a skim or in the gut; this damn hole is painful.
I was trying so hard to be brave in front of everyone. I wanted to cry and hide my face so no one could see how bad it affected me. I’ve never been hurt before doing anything like that, so I don’t have a high pain tolerance.
Maybe I should get a couple of tattoos to help me build it up, especially if I have to worry about this sort of thing taking place.
I can’t believe 2’s doubting me. I may not be around his type of lifestyle on the regular, or ever to be realistic, but still. I wish he would have a touch of faith in me.
I’m still here; I haven’t run off scared yet. I was aware getting involved with a biker could bring complications. I didn’t think they’d affect me though. I can handle it. He may not have faith in me right now, but I believe in myself.
My head’s still spinning with the fact he just sewed up my cut. I mean, who does that?
Oh, you’re shot, let’s just sew you up like new and you’ll be fine. It’s just a skim.
I wanted to throat punch him when he said it’s just a skim. Leave it to me to move from a Mafia man to a biker. At least here they seem to take care of their own and there’s a strong sense of loyalty.
Those Mafia guys will kill their own wives if they have to. Not Tate and Emily, but others would. I really hope I’m never on the receiving end of their wrath.
To think, I could be at the coffee shop right this moment. I’d be serving fru-fru drinks to men in suits and questioning my reasons for being there. Instead, I’m laid up in a biker compound, shot in the leg. Why am I not surprised in the least?
Maybe I should call my mom. I’d relish the fact this situation would drive her berserk. My dad would probably laugh until I got to telling him the details of being shot.
I’m still creeped out by the scary-looking guy who was following us around the store too. He looked flat out malicious. I thought Spin was scary back when the guys were fighting, but this other guy made Spin look like a freaking boy scout.
I wonder how Brently is doing healing up and that awful tattoo. Spin’s going to have to ink all of Brently’s stomach to attempt to cover up that nasty gouged in lettering. It reminds me of someone taking an apple peeler and trying to tattoo with it. The letters are big, chunky, black, and appear scribbled.
I don’t know how he made it through it; I would’ve passed out. It makes me nauseous just thinking about it. I heard Brently talking this past week about how he’s thinking of prospecting for the Oath Keepers now. I’m guessing being a badass is looking better to him, especially after his experience with that other club.
The guys keep quiet about their business stuff, but I’ve caught little bits and pieces from different members. I think Ares is my favorite out of them so far. Most of the guys are standoffish but Ares speaks to me sometimes. He’s broody and grumbles a lot, but he’s also sexy as hell and smart. I thought he was a huge jerk-off, but he’s quite the opposite once you get to know him a little.
I can understand how London fit into this life so easily. It’s freeing here. You don’t worry about the everyday mundane bullshit. Everyone at the club pitches in and enjoys each other’s company, to where it reminds me of a giant family. I hope the others warm up to me like Ares has eventually.
I think back to how sweet he was the other day…
***
Two days prior…
“Hey, Avery, can I borrow you a sec?” he grumbles, appearing peeved.
I glance over at him, confused, wondering what he could possibly have to say to me. The other night was awkward enough. I really don’t know if I can talk to him without blushing like a schoolgirl after being a prude and locking myself into the bathroom.
I tilt my lips into a miniscule grin and nod. Probably better to say as little as possible; I don’t want to come off as a complete hot mess to this beautiful man.
He nods back and heads for a small table toward the back of the room. I always see him sitting at the same spot in the bar area, nearly at the same time daily too. “Sit, please.” He gestures to the opposite seat.
Swallowing, I do as he asks. “Okay, sure.” I sit and stare at my hands on the table top, playing with my nails.
I have no clue what on Earth to say. I’m so embarrassed to be sitting in front of him like this. Please don’t bring up the other day, please.
“So, I wanted to get with you about the other day.”
Damn it. Obviously, this day is working against me and not with me. I keep my gaze trained on my nails hoping I’ll disappear suddenly and reappear on a nice beach somewhere. You ever wonder if you sit still long enough, whether maybe you can just blend in? Well, that’s what I’m going for right now.
Bang!
His fist slams on the table and I jump. The glass and bottle rattle; making me wince and clench my stomach. I’m just counting the seconds until it falls and shatters.
He snatches them quickly, silencing the ruckus. Then he covers my fingers with one of his huge, strong hands, breaking my trance. “Am I so ugly that you don’t want to look me in the face?” he snarls angrily.
What the hell is he talking about? I glance up and am met with his harsh stare.
“Well?”
“Um, no. Not at all, the opposite actually. I’m a little embarrassed about the other day.”
God, is he crazy? He’s built like a goddamn Spartan warrior and he believes I don’t want to look at him. I’m still kicking myself for not licking every inch of his expansive chest when I had the chance.
“That’s what I wanted to talk about,” he mutters, calmer now, and his voice makes me clench my core.
“Okay.”
He stares at me perplexed. “Okay?”
“Yep, okay,” I reply meeting his gaze. I can do this one word thing all day, if he’d like.
“Yeah, so I talked to 2 about what went down. He told me you thought you were going to be passed around.”
I nod and lay my hands flat on the sticky table.
He shakes his head. “It’s not like that. I’d never hurt you. I may be a controlling bastard and enjoy some wicked shit, but I’d never put it on you, if that’s not your thing.”
“Thank you for saying that, I know that now. It was just overwhelming at the time and I didn’t know what to do or how to act. I should’ve stayed and talked it out with you guys. I tend to get dramatic sometimes and clam up.”
“I can see it being overwhelming and shit. Anyhow, I’m sorry,” he admits and stares at my fingers, massaging my hands softly.
I really don’t want to speak and break this moment, whatever’s happening, but I have to say something. “I mean…I totally would’ve, you know. If I’d have known what was going on.”
His head shoots up, meeting my eyes again, surprise clearly written on his features. “Yeah?”
“Yes, definitely. I’d be crazy not to take advantage of that situation,” I whisper, and he grins roguishly.
“We may be able to work somethin’ out in the future.” He chuckles and my mouth tips into a smile.
I feel like my heart may beat out of my chest. “Maybe, if you’re lucky,” I quip smoothly and he laughs a little louder.
“Guess we’ll just have to wait and see then, huh?”
“Guess so.” I flirt, wearing a wide smile.
Who knew Ares could play or be sweet or be the first to mend fences?
***
God, I never would’ve guessed in a million years that Ares and I would’ve had that conversation. Ever since that chat, he gets a mischievous grin on his face whenever I walk past him. 2 Piece thought he was weir
d until I told him about the discussion we had. Now, 2 rolls his eyes and chuckles when he sees Ares grinning at me. I don’t understand why he gets so jealous over my friendship with Niko, but is okay if I’m flirty with Ares.
Men are weird; I’ll never understand them. Nikoli and I have a past together, but that ship has sailed. We’re only good friends now. No, scratch that; we’re best friends.
I love him like a super-sized, hot, blond stepbrother, not as a fuck buddy anymore. I wish I could convince 2 that he has zero competition in that department. He could have all of me if he wanted to, but he’s not at that level. I want that with him though; I want everything. If anything, experiencing things like today makes me open to live in the moment even more.
There’s a knock and I glance up as it opens. “Bean?” Nikoli call as he pokes his head through the crack.
“Hey, Niko, come in,” I croak and he scrunches his brow. “I’m okay, just thirsty.” I take a big drink of my bottled water and clear my throat. “There, see, much better. I think my throat is a little sore from screaming at 2 over the bike’s engine earlier.”
“Doesn’t make it any better. Ass is in doghouse with me,” he grits in a snarky tone.
“Ugh, Niko, why? I don’t understand; why don’t you guys just get along?” I sigh, exasperated.
“Because he is not good enough for my Bean,” he admits in his deep Russian accent.
Aw, that is so sweet. At the same time, though, it’s very frustrating. I love the fact he cares so much for me. I’d be protective of him, too, if the situation were reversed.
The difference is that 2 Piece can protect me himself. He did so earlier, by getting me out of the store quickly and his crazy weaving in and out of traffic. He could’ve easily given me over to the creepy guy and let him do whatever he wanted to. Instead, he did his best to protect me and get me back to safety.
“Thank you, Niko, but maybe I’m not good enough for him? There’s so much more to him than you realize.”
For example, he’s considerate. He takes care of others and it doesn’t even faze him. It’s like second nature, and I’m sure he doesn’t realize he’s doing it most of the time.
“Humph,” Niko grunts, and lies back onto the bed beside me.
He’s so large that the covers pull tightly and squish me with his weight. His feet dangle off the end of the bed and I grin up at him. “You do not understand. In Russia, it is the man’s job to not let girl get hurt. He let you get shot, so his fault.” He shrugs like it’s the simplest thing to understand.
I rake my fingers through Nikoli’s soft blond hair and he closes his eyes. Whoever ends up winning this man is going to have a fierce protector. She’ll be one lucky lady. Well, aside from the scary Mafia stuff I’m sure he deals with that I’m not privy to.
“But he did protect me. He left the store and brought me back here as fast as he could. He didn’t know the guy was going to shoot me. He even had a gun to put in his boot.”
“That is no excuse. Why not use the gun, then?” He opens his eyes and gazes at me earnestly, interrupting what I was saying.
“I was the stubborn one and told him to let me hold it for him. He took it back when we parked the bike. I was lucky I was able to even hold on to it and him.” I raise my voice arguing and he snarls.
“See that’s it, another thing. He ride bike and you can fall off.”
“You’re just being ornery now. You know I love riding on motorcycles. Don’t start trying to boss me like my parents always do. I’m twenty-three years old for Christ’s sake. I can make my own decisions. I love you, Niko, I really do, but I can’t deal with this. I’m starting to fall for him and his ways. I need your support.”
“You always have my support, Bean, you know I love you,” he whispers, his eyes softening towards me.
“I know, just, please stop fighting with him. You arguing and stuff is not supporting me. I miss my fun Niko. You’ve been so serious since we got here. What’s going on?”
“I am still fun Niko, this is business. I told you not to come. I knew I would be tired and grouch.”
I giggle a little at his wording.
“Well, stop being grouchy. I’m already here, so there’s nothing we can do about it now.”
“Yes, I take you home and keep you safe, like good Russian man,” he declares, nodding to himself.
“I mean it, stop. You’re pissing me off. I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying with 2.”
“Oh yeah? You stay now or forever?”
“Good question. I guess we’ll have to see.” I shrug and he rolls his eyes.
“I hope you know what you are doing. I will back off, but I think you are being stupid right now.”
“Gee, please tell me how you really feel.”
“I do.”
“I know, Niko, I know.”
“Okay, if you stay here, I am going back to the hotel. I know the bikers will be up to something soon now and I need to rest prior.”
“Okay, be careful,” I warn, and he kisses me on my cheek.
Right before he leaves he blows me a kiss and I smile. He’s always done. I used to think it was romantic, but now I know it’s just because he’s sweet. I’ve never seen him do it to any of the other girls though, and that makes me feel special.
My phone makes its signature bubble sound and I check the incoming text. It’s from London. I wonder if Cain told her what had happened.
London: Hey hootchie mama, you okay?
Me: Hi. Yes, fine, just a scratch. Cain tell you?
London: Yes, you know this. Would you like to come back to the house?
Me: No, I’m just going to stay here. 2’s taking care of me.
London: I bet he is! LOL. Okay I hope you get better soon and if you change your mind, we’ll come get you. I called to tell Em, but they’re out of the country on vacation. Tate wanted to surprise her before she’s too far along to travel. Her cell reception was shit, so she told me to let you know she loves you. I didn’t tell her you were shot, just that she should give you a call sometime when she had a chance. I didn’t want to worry her and Tate.
Me: All right, thank you. I appreciate it and I’ll give you a shout if I need to be busted out of here.
London: Sure thing lady.
Me: Later.
I got lucky meeting Emily when she moved to Tennessee. That girl thought she was going to sit in the back of that lecture hall, all isolated. She didn’t know it, but I was all by myself too and lonely. I’ve met many people over the years, but none of them really stuck to me.
I love Emily like a sister, and without her I never would’ve met London, Nikoli, and 2 Piece. I love London to pieces too; she’s so fun and goofy. Tate’s not so bad either. He isn’t close to anyone but Niko however. I still wonder what happened with the whole Cameron situation.
I’m happy Emily and Tate found each other. They’ve both been through so much; they deserve to be happy. I can’t believe Emily overcame everything she did. I don’t think she ever had a chance though. Tate took one look at her and made it his mission to save her.
She was crazy thinking she could keep everything bottled up to deal with single-handedly, and that we all weren’t going to help her. Thank God for Tate manning up and embracing his Russian background he kept trying to hide from. Now he’s the Big Boss. I never would’ve guessed that was going to happen.
I can only hope to be half the person Emily has grown to become. She genuinely thinks and cares about everyone else but herself. She’s going to make a wonderful mother, and Tate will make a great, loving father.
I’m getting sleepy and I wish 2 was in here taking care of me, but he’s in church handling his club stuff. They’ll eventually go after these guys. The President said as much when they were stitching up my leg. It’s amazing what people will say when they think you aren’t paying any attention.
I just hope 2 Piece doesn’t get hurt. I feel like I’m just getting to know him and have barely found him. I don’t want
to have to let him go already.
***
A door slams and I’m jolted out of my peaceful slumber. I must’ve dozed off. I shift and there’s this hulking dark shadow at the end of the bed.
“2? Baby, is that you?” I whisper drowsily. My vision’s a little blurry and I swear that shadow looks bigger than the one I’ve gotten used to.
“No, it’s me. 2’s on his way,” he mumbles and takes his shirt off.
I make out the outline of his shredded torso in the moonlight streaming through the blinds. He flips the leather through his belt buckle with skillful fingers, unbuttoning his jeans next. His pants remain propped up on his sharply defined hips and thick muscular thighs. The image of him like this makes me gulp, my eyes growing wide.
“O-oh, okay. Are you staying in here tonight or something?”
I swallow and take a drink of my water waiting on the bedside table. I need to wake up and make sure I’m seriously having this conversation right now. This could be one hell of a good dream.
“Or something.” He shrugs and pushes his pants down. His hefty, straining cock pops out and bobs a little with it’s girth.
Damn, commando.
The bedroom door opens and I know I must be caught gaping when 2 Piece steps in. “You getting Shorty warmed up yet?” 2 grins and peers at him. He shuts the door and the light behind him disappears with it.
“About to,” he rumbles, and I feel myself start to get wet.
I have little zings deep inside my pussy just watching them both standing here like this. He comes closer to the bed, ordering, “Spread your legs, I want a taste.”
“‘Kay,” I squeak, doing as I’m told.
2 chuckles, tugging his shirt free while he watches. He pops his pants button but doesn’t move to take them off.
There’s a ripping sound and my gaze shoots down to my panties. He’s ripping them free like a piece of birthday ribbon. They’re in shreds, outright ruined, but I couldn’t care less right now.
Breaths leave my mouth quicker, nearly panting, as his face leans close to my core. He grabs my thigh that isn’t injured and shoves it up toward my stomach and then dives straight in to sucking my clit. I turn to 2 wide-eyed with my mouth gaping open.
Oath Keepers MC: The Collection Page 26
