Narrowing my eyes on him, my brows draw together and I contemplate his statement. “What the fuck does that mean?”
“It means my father and your father are at war with the Savages.”
“This is not a fight that concerns the Deathseekers. This is about me and my father and how I’m going to find him and skin him alive. He killed one of my best fucking men, then killed a good friend of mine. An innocent.”
“Where is he?” Davo asks, dropping the gun from his head but still aiming it at him.
“I have no fucking clue. For as much as we were in on what happened with the guns, my father has kept the information regarding Jeffries close to his chest. We know what’s going on but we don’t know the details.”
“I’m gonna need you to work on getting that information,” I tell him, glaring and wondering whether this asshole is telling me the truth.
“My father meets with him regularly, I’ll try to get in on the next meet.”
“Good, good,” I say stepping up from the floor and making my way over to him. I drop my head, but my eyes remain on him. “I’m sorry it had to come to this. But you were my only hope of tracking that bastard of a father down.”
“If it’s any consolation, I don’t agree with what my father has done to you and your club.”
“I might just remember you said that when I take the motherfucker down.” He sucks in a deep breath through his teeth, making a hissing noise. His eyes fall until he’s focused on the floor, his lips thinning. My stomach crawls with unease as I look at the heir to the Deathseekers. I’ve practically put a hit on his father based on the information he just supplied. That shit’s going to sting bad for him.
“You gotta stay focused on the bigger picture. The club you dedicated your life to when you patched in.” He smiles at me and I can’t help but smile back. Poor fucker is torn between his father and doing the right thing.
“Believe me when I say it’s hard to go against blood. But if you ain’t got a choice, you gotta stand up and be the bigger man.”
With a scoff, he shakes his head. “My father was always meant to be prez. Me, not so much.”
“Boss,” Davo interrupts in a hushed voice. “We should really get the hell outta here.”
“You’re right,” I say in agreement, stepping back a little and opening the door just enough to see out into the hall. “Clear,” I say, giving Davo the nod as we back out of the room.
“I’ll be in touch.”
Rushing toward the main door, I open it while Davo covers my back. My eyes quickly scan the room to see if there’s anything out of place. The girl behind the bar is still cleaning glasses and her eyes dart toward me. I give her a wink and walk over to her.
“Nobody seriously hurt. As promised. I don’t think you’ll get any trouble from the boy.”
Clutching her hand to her chest, I watch as her body relaxes. “Thank God,” she whispers.
“I can’t promise this is the last time you’ll see me, but I can promise you we’re not the bad guys here.”
Holding up her hands, her eyes widen. “I don’t know anything about those guys. They come here for a good time and that’s exactly what we provide.”
“Oh, I betcha do,” Davo adds with a fucking Cheshire cat grin on his face. Swatting the back of my hand against his chest, he chuckles loudly and the girl drops her head a little bashfully.
“Unfortunately, my cock-sucking days are long in the past. I help run this place now and manage the girls.”
“Baby, give me ten minutes of your time and you’ll be begging to suck my cock.”
I can’t stifle the laugh that comes naturally.
“Is that right, honey?” she all but purrs. “I gotta say, if that cock came anywhere near my mouth, I’d be biting the fucking end off.”
“Oooh, that really turns me on when you get all angry like that.”
“Oh, fuck no,” I say, straightening myself, rolling my shoulders. “We’re going.”
“Laters, honey,” Davo shouts to the girl rolling her eyes in disgust. Placing my hand on the back of his neck, I lead him over to the door, opening it and giving him a little push.
“Did you see that, huh? Did you see how she practically begged for me back there.”
“Man, that is not what I saw.”
“Ughhh, she was the best-looking chick I’ve seen in a long time. I’m just glad we didn’t have to fucking hurt her. Well,” he pauses momentarily, “I would of course like to hurt her, but not in a life-threatening kinda way.”
“Enough,” I snap. “Jesus, Davo. You’re old enough to be her dad.”
“Yeah,” he replies, nodding in agreement. “But maybe I’d like her to call me daddy when she’s riding my cock.”
“I can’t even... I can’t listen to this,” I say, storming ahead, throwing my hand up in the air.
The other guys just outside the door storm after me. “How did it go, Prez?”
“I’m calling church. You should all head there now.”
Tara
Unable to fight back the sigh, I hold the phone between my ear and shoulder while I continue to pull out clothes hanging them up in the closet.
“Seriously,” Izzy continues. “I’ll be there in about thirty minutes. I have my orders.”
“I’m good. Honestly, I’ll make my own way in today.”
“How was your first night in the new house?” she continues as I work through my huge bag of belongings, searching for something to wear to the office.
“Amazing,” I say with a contented sigh. “Kind of gave me a taste of what it would be like, you know, just the two of us. And the house… it’s perfect, Izzy. I can’t thank you enough.”
“Just happy to help you out. Did you, uh, get a chance to think about what you want to do about the baby?” Her voice is quieter now.
I stop what I’m doing and let my back fall against the wall. “I realized something this morning when he brought the whole baby thing up again. I realize that if there’s even the slightest chance that it’s Nate’s that I could never get rid of the baby. He really wants me to keep it. Even knowing what happened with his father.”
“That’s good, right?” she asks tentatively.
“Yeah, I just guess I’m scared. Scared that it might not be his. Scared that I’m not ready to be a mom. Scared that bringing a baby into this life will be dangerous.”
“I think the chances of it being Jeffries’ is slim to none. You gotta believe that it’s Nate’s and enjoy the life you two made together.”
“Yeah,” I reply as a shudder wracks through me. My hand drops to my stomach as I feel the fluttering of nerves in my stomach. “Shit,” I say with a chuckle. “I’m going to be a mommy, aren’t I?”
“Sure are, honey. And I’m by your side, every step of the way. You got this.”
A huge smile spreads across my face as realization sets in and I feel something other than dread. “I can do this,” I say positively.
Izzy shrieks down the phone. “Honestly, this is so exciting. Get your ass to the office so we can talk all things baby.”
“Whoa,” I reply. “Let’s not get carried away.” I continue to laugh a little, grabbing the phone with my hand and shaking my head. “One step at a time. I have to take this slowly. It’s still a huge shock, even if I have decided to have the baby.”
“You’re going to make one Savage a very happy biker.”
“Hmm-mmm,” I hum in reply. “I gotta go,” I say, reaching up and scratching my head. “I really gotta try to find something to wear. My shit is all over the place.”
“You can take the day off. Get your stuff sorted in the new house. I’ll explain to Brax. He’ll understand.”
“No way,” I blurt out. “I need normal, Iz. And I have so much to catch up on at work. I can’t afford to get behind on the paperwork.”
“Hey. I’ve been managing.”
“Izzy, we both know that the paperwork side of things isn’t exactly your strong point.”
“You’re right,” she says with a chuckle. “Better get your ass to the office.”
“I’ll be there. Bye, Iz.”
My thumb presses against the end call button and I drop the cell phone onto the bed. Pulling out a blouse and skirt, I quickly get dressed, looking forward to seeing Izzy at the office. I tie my hair up on the top of my head and add a little blush and mascara to my face. Glancing at my reflection, I’m happy with what I see so I grab my purse and make my way downstairs. Pushing on my black pumps, I grab my keys and open the door. Closing it behind me, the latch locks and I push the keys into my purse. With a glance, I notice something strange. A burgundy-colored Corvette is parked over the end of the driveway. My heart starts to thud as my mind races. Although it could be nothing, I don’t take any chances. I rush back over to the door, scrambling inside my purse, checking over my shoulder. Finally locating the key, I push it into the lock, turn it, quickly making my way back inside. I close the door, resting my back against it, frozen to the spot while I contemplate my next move. With a few deep breaths I manage to calm my erratic breathing.
Jesus, Tara. Get it together.
I step away from the door, making my way over to the window that overlooks the driveway. I let out a huge sigh of relief to see the car is no longer there.
“Shit,” I exclaim, knowing that I totally overreacted. I glance down to my purse clutched in my hand as it shakes. How can I let him get to me like this? How did I become reduced to a quivering wreck? I shake off all the irrational thoughts, heading back over to the door and step outside once more. Pressing the key fob, I unlock the car and slide in. Throwing my purse onto the passenger seat, I turn the key in the engine and reach over my shoulder, grabbing hold of the seat belt before securing it into the buckle. My hand reaches for the stereo and I switch on the radio. Music blares and I can’t help but sing along to the lyrics that vibrate through the car. Pulling out of the driveway, I set off on the new route to work. I sing so loudly, my voice starts to croak, but I don’t stop. Tapping my hand against the steering wheel, I slow my speed, ready to stop at the set of lights I see changing ahead. My eyes flicker to my rearview mirror as I come to a stop behind the black Honda in front. I blink repeatedly as I see a burgundy car coming to a stop right behind me. Craning my neck, I try to get a better look.
“It can’t be,” I mutter to myself, turning down the stereo a little while I try to work out whether this is the same car from before. A lump forms in my throat as I realize it is exactly the same make and model. Could be a coincidence, right?
The burgundy car blasts its horn, causing me to jerk, my hand landing against my chest as I try to steady my thunderous heartbeat. I look out the windshield to see the lights have changed and the Honda has gone. I quickly accelerate, setting off a little faster than I’d normally drive. I can’t stop my eyes from constantly checking the rearview mirror. Is this car following me? Clutching the steering wheel, I try to focus on getting to the office. Keeping my head forward, I drive, trying to forget about the car behind me.
Suddenly, I lose sight of the road in front as I jerk forward a little. The seat belt cuts into my shoulder as it restrains me from being thrown forward.
“Shit,” I grate out, forcing my eyes to check the mirrors once again. The burgundy car swings out to the left. With a rush of panic, I press the accelerator with force, the car picking up speed.
“What is with this asshole?” I furrow my brow, as I look at the car behind me, trying to get an idea of who’s driving. But I can’t tell. The sunlight reflects off his windshield making it impossible for me to make out the driver. As I glance at the road ahead, I notice my turn. I continue speeding and purposely don’t indicate. As I approach the corner, I swing the steering wheel, pressing the brakes as I spin almost out of control. Clenching my eyes shut, I keep my hands firmly gripped on the steering wheel as the car comes to a stop. Glancing over my shoulder, I check that I lost the car. With no sign, I accelerate, desperate to get to work.
For the next few minutes of my journey, I’m a mess. I can’t stop thinking about the car. What if it was Jeffries? What if he’s after me? My mind runs wild with what-ifs and I know I can’t say anything to Izzy. I refused a ride this morning and I know this will only mean I made another bad decision. About the only thing I seem good at right now. Pulling into the parking spot just outside the office, I hesitate, remaining in my seat for what feels like minutes. With a blink, I snap from my daydream, unfastening the seat belt and holding it while it slowly retracts. I’m scared and shaken. All I want is to call Nate and have him hold me. Tell me everything will be okay. His strong arms wrapped around me where I feel so entwined in him that I know no one will ever break through his hold to hurt me. But I don’t want to cause panic or alarm. I’m okay, I tell myself pulling in deep breaths, grabbing my purse from the footwell. It can’t be him, I tell myself again. How would he possibly know about the house? My fear quickly turns to anger. I throw open the door, ready to step out. My legs are weak and my stomach churns. I hold onto the door, willing my body to power through. With determination, I manage to override the feeling of weakness in my legs, slamming the door shut and walking to the rear of the car to see if there’s any damage from the impact. My eyes scan the bumper and I see no sign of damage. With a sigh of relief, I walk over to the entrance to the office.
“Morning, ma’am,” the security guard welcomes me and I offer him a smile.
“Good morning, Griff,” I reply in an upbeat tone, despite how I’m feeling inside. Heading toward the door, I yank it open, making my way up the stairs and into the office.
“Hey,” Izzy’s sweet voice calls to me.
“Hey,” I reply, exhaling a huge breath.
“Girl,” she exclaims, jumping up from her seat and making her way over to where I’m standing beside my desk. “You look out of breath. You good?” I watch as she draws together her brows, her eyes focusing in on me. Jesus, I don’t want to lie to her, but I also don’t want the overprotectiveness that comes with the truth. I love how much they care, but it can feel suffocating. Especially for someone as independent as I am.
“Oh, it’s just the morning sickness,” I lie. “Makes me feel a little worn out lately.”
“You sit down, let me go get you a drink. I think you should try to avoid coffee right now.” She points to my tummy and I roll my eyes.
“I’ll think about that tomorrow. But today, I need coffee.” I laugh, rearranging the piles of paperwork that have been left on my desk. “Looks like it was a good thing I came in.” I arch my eyebrow, looking up at Izzy who snarls playfully at me.
“I’ll be, uh, making the drinks,” she chuckles, quickly scampering into the kitchen.
Scanning the huge mass of work piled on my desk, I let out a defeated sigh, slowly lowering myself into the office chair. Pulling it closer, I put the paperwork in order of priority.
“It got a little out of hand, right?” Izzy grimaces as she places the steaming hot coffee on the desk.
“We need to get a little help around the place.” Picking up one of the invoices, I turn it and hold it up to her. “This one is already overdue. We have got to get on top of this.”
“I know, I’m sorry. It’s all been a bit much without you here every day to help out.”
Slowly, I drop my head, realizing this is mostly my doing. “I should be the one apologizing. I’ve let things slip and, in the process, let you guys down. But don’t worry,” I say holding my index finger to her. “I’ll have this all sorted and be back on top of everything within a few days.”
“You’ve had a few messages left too. By the bar managers that want to run things past you. Specifically, Jason from Bar 81.” She hands me a sheet with names and numbers of everyone who left me a message.
“Really? Shit,” I say, flashing her an awkward smile, taking the sheet from her and placing it down in front of me. “I’ll call them all back today, but right now, with everything I have to catch up on, they’l
l have to come and speak to me here in the office. I just don’t have the time to visit them all.”
“I have to work on getting someone in here we can trust. Lighten the load so you can get back to doing what you do best, managing the bars and staff.” Trotting over to her desk, she picks up the desk phone and starts dialing. “No time like the present,” she says cheerfully.
* * *
After one hell of a day in the office with Izzy, I look at the pile on my desk, smiling widely to see that it’s a fraction of the size it was when I arrived. My cell phone rings and I duck under the desk, grabbing my purse and retrieve my phone.
“Hey,” I answer as my tummy flutters with excitement at seeing his name on my phone.
“Baby, I need you to come to the clubhouse.” His voice is taut and I feel a pang of panic work through me.
“What’s wrong?” I ask, almost dreading his response.
“A club whore,” he replies and I have no idea where he’s going with this. “She’s beat the fuck up, baby. She needs clothes and a friendly face.”
“I’ll be right over,” I tell him before ending the call. Pushing back the chair and stepping up from the desk, I glance over to Izzy. “Babe, I’ve got to go.”
“Everything okay?” she inquires.
“I’m not sure. I’ll call you later when I know more.” I give her a little wave as I make my way out.
Nate
Pacing back and forth, I take a huge drag on my cigarette. My eyes flit between the girl from Plaza and one of our local whores Kristine. She holds her, rocking her a little. The girl is unconscious and seriously fucked up. Bruises circle her eyes and dried blood completely covers the bottom half of her unrecognizable face.
“She’s breathing, right?” I ask, my eyes focused on Kristine as she dips her head toward her mouth.
“I feel her breath on my face.”
The complete scars series: Books one-four Page 71
