by Chiah Wilder
A bump in the road made Misty’s hand land on his dick. Instead of moving away, she kept it there. Shit. When he’d take Lucy or Ruby for bike rides, they’d tease his cock while he rode until he’d have to pull over and have them satisfy him. It was all in good fun; it didn’t mean anything. He never once feared losing himself to any of the women, but Misty’s hand on his dick was different. She made things he kept buried deep inside him stir, and he didn’t like or want that. He reached down and slid her hand up. I’m not going there with this one.
In the distance, the lights of Alina glittered like a swarm of fireflies. Instead of going through the town, he opted to take the back road to the clubhouse. Soon he pulled in front and cut the engine.
“We’re here,” he said, and Misty’s arms left him. He waited for her to get off before he did. Unzipping both saddlebags, he held them in his hands and went around back. He heard her footsteps crunching on the gravel behind him as he took out his keys and unlocked the back door. It was dark and quiet inside the club.
“I can’t see too well,” she whispered.
He handed her one of the satchels and then opened his lighter. Darkness turned into grayness, and he went upstairs with her close behind him. After opening the door to his room, he motioned for her to go inside. With her head down, she brushed past him and stood in the middle of the room, shifting from foot to foot.
With his boot, he closed the door and crossed the room to switch on a lamp on the nightstand. When he threw the keys down on the dresser, she jumped and glanced up at him. “Have a seat.” He pointed to the chair by the window. She went over to the desk and pulled out the wooden chair.
Sitting down, she twisted her hair around her hands over and over. With eyes cast down, she licked her lips, then cleared her throat.
“You want something to drink?” he asked, walking over to the mini fridge across the room. He pulled out a can of Coke and handed it to her.
She popped open the top and took a sip. “Thanks,” she said softly.
“You gonna tell me why the fuck you were walking around with a blanket wrapped around you in the middle of the night?”
For a few seconds the room was quiet, but then she sighed loudly. “Not much to tell. I had enough. I had to get away from Bobby.” She took another sip.
Paco watched her as she sat hunched over in the chair, the blanket practically swallowing her. As if sensing his scrutiny, she fidgeted in her seat. The soft light from the lamp bathed her hair in a golden glow, making it shine like melting dark chocolate.
Silence stretched between them, and then, very slowly, she raised her eyes to his, and he sucked in his breath. Those smoky black eyes rimmed with long dark lashes seemed to draw more of him in every time he looked into them, captivating him. Dangerous. Intriguing. Beautiful. Unspoken emotions passed between them, and without thinking, he walked over and caressed her cheek, touching the corner of her eye. A hint of desire danced across her face as she closed her lids, her lashes sending sparks across his fingers. He jerked his hand back and moved away.
“You can crash here.”
“Do you live here?” she asked softly.
“Yeah. I’ll sleep in the recliner. We can talk about shit in the morning. It’s late and I’m beat.” He opened the top drawer of his dresser and took out a T-shirt. Holding it out to her, he said, “You can sleep in this. Did you bring any of your stuff?”
“Not really. Just my toothbrush, comb, makeup, and some clothes. Whatever I could put in the plastic bag.”
“We can deal with that later. The bathroom’s over here.” He opened the door next to him, then went over to the recliner and kicked off his boots.
Clutching the T-shirt, she went toward the bathroom, then stopped and looked over her shoulder. “Thanks for helping me out, Paco.”
“Sure. Now get changed so I can turn the damn lights off.” He pulled his shirt over his head and unbuttoned his jeans. When she closed the bathroom door, he slipped on a pair of sweats and plopped down on the recliner. He didn’t believe her story for one second. Something had happened that triggered her to run away in the middle of the night.
The bathroom door opened and she walked over to the bed. The way his T-shirt fell over her curves sucked him in immediately, making his cock thicken. Fuck. He was pretty sure that if he joined her in bed she wouldn’t complain, but he didn’t want her to fuck him because she felt obligated. He didn’t want to get involved with her anyway. She wasn’t a club girl, and the way she looked at him ensnared him and made his mind fall down into emotions he’d long buried, swearing he’d never resurrect them. I’ll give her some money and then send her packing tomorrow.
“Did you want me to switch off the light?” she asked, pulling the covers down.
“Yeah.”
The only light filtering in through the blinds was from the outside security lights that a raccoon or coyote had triggered.
“Good night, Paco.”
He grunted, feigning drowsiness, but his body was as awake as if he’d drunk a gallon of coffee. For a long while he stared at her outline, listening to her breathing as it became deeper.
What the hell did I get myself into?
For reasons he couldn’t articulate, it felt right having her in his room.
Don’t go there. You gotta send her away.
With that thought on his mind, he closed his eyes.
* * *
The metallic clatter of pots and pans and the aroma of bacon and pancakes wafting up the stairs woke Paco up. Weak threads of sunlight seeped in through the blinds, and he rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, trying to bring things into focus. Glancing at the bed, he saw Misty burrowed under the covers, her torso rising and falling systematically.
Standing up, he stretched as he tried to loosen the kinks in his muscles. He went over to the bathroom and closed the door. When he came out, a green towel around his waist and water trickling down his shoulders from his damp hair, he saw Misty standing by the opened window. A fresh breeze softly blew in.
“Did you sleep good?”
She turned to him, her cheeks rosy, eyes sparkling, and a wide smile on her face. “I haven’t slept so well in years. It’s amazing how wonderful it feels.”
He laughed. She seemed so innocent on one hand, but on the other, she seemed so worldly. He suspected she’d lived and seen more of the seedier part of life than most of the women he knew. “So what’re your plans?”
All at once, her face blanched, and he was sorry he’d asked the question. Raising her shoulder up and down, she shook her head. “I don’t know. I didn’t really think anything through.”
“You got any money?”
She shifted her gaze from him to the corner of the room, then shook her head.
His gut told him she was lying, but he figured she couldn’t have too much money since she had a pimp and they weren’t known for being generous. “You can stay here for a few days until you figure it out.”
She moved her gaze back to him. “Are you sure? I mean, aren’t there other people living here, like your roommates?”
He chuckled. “The other guys will be cool with it. They aren’t exactly my roommates, but for citizens it may seem like that.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. Who are citizens?”
“You and anyone else who isn’t a biker. Anyway, don’t worry about the guys. Get ready and come down when you’re done. I’m gonna talk to some of my brothers and get something to eat. Smells like Lena’s making bacon and pancakes. She always makes breakfast burritos too, so you’ll have a choice.”
“Who’s Lena?”
“Our kickass cook. She makes the best food.”
“You have a cook? Wow.”
“It’s not what you’re thinking. Come down when you’re ready to have some chow.” He dropped his towel and slipped on a pair of jeans over his boxers. Taking out a clean T-shirt, he tugged it over his head. He felt her eyes on him as he dressed, and it turned him on. Pulling his bo
ots on, he glanced up at her. And just as he thought, she was looking at him; she met his gaze. A flirty smile danced on her lips. He winked at her and walked out. His dick was pissed as hell at him, but he’d told himself he wouldn’t get involved with her. He couldn’t afford to.
As he walked down the hall, he remembered his wallet. He had a wad of cash in it, and even though he didn’t want to think he couldn’t trust her, he wasn’t stupid. She was broke, and her job was hustling guys. Turning back, he went to his room and opened it. Misty stood by the bed, naked. Her back was facing him, and the angry red streaks marking her body took him aback. Fuck. Her pimp did a number on her.
As if sensing he was in the room, she spun around, grabbed the T-shirt on the bed, and held it in front of her. “You startled me. I thought you left.”
“I forgot something. Who the fuck hurt you?”
“No one. I mean, it wasn’t punishment. It was a paid job.”
“Did you want to do it?”
“I just told you I got paid.”
“That doesn’t answer my question. Is that what you wanted to do?”
“The money was good. I’m going to take a shower now. I’ll meet you downstairs.”
“Is that why you ran away?”
“No.” She walked into the bathroom and closed the door.
Paco scrubbed his face. He was going to find out what the fuck was going on with her. Opening the dresser drawer, he grabbed his wallet, tucked it into the inner pocket of his cut, and walked out of the room.
“I thought I saw your bike in the lot. What the hell are you doing back so early?” Shotgun asked as Paco entered the main room.
“I didn’t like the club being without a prez or VP for the whole weekend.” He pulled out a chair and plopped down.
“How’d it go over there?” Skull picked up a strip of bacon.
“We got trouble with the assholes. The Fallen Slayers aren’t really getting how serious it is. Los Malos is all over this. The West Avenue assholes think they’re still in charge in Silverado. Steel’s gonna call an emergency church when they all come back.”
“How was the strip club? Army texted me some pics. It looked like something you’d see in Denver,” Skull said.
“It was okay. Too many underage girls not wanting to be there. That’s the first thing we gotta get rid of,” Paco answered.
“Fuckers,” Skull replied.
A low whistle from Cueball turned Paco’s attention to the hallway, and he saw Misty coming into the main room. “Who the fuck’s that? I didn’t see her last night.” He sat up straight in the chair.
“I would’ve remembered that one,” Skull said.
“Back off. She’s with me.” Paco lifted his chin at her and she made her way over to his table.
Shotgun laughed. “That’s why you came back early. Wanted some alone time with some new pussy you picked up in Silverado.”
Paco bristled. “It’s not like that. I’m just helping her out.”
“And she’s buying your crock of shit?” Cueball chuckled.
“Hi,” Misty said softly as she stood by Paco.
“These are some of my brothers.” He pointed at each of them. “Shotgun. Skull. Cueball. You want some grub?” The brothers smiled at her, then started talking among themselves. Since she was with him, they’d respect her.
“Sure. Did you eat?”
“I was waiting for you. Let’s go in the kitchen and get something.”
When they came back to the table, Cueball and Skull had joined four of the club women on the couch. Paco saw Lucy and she smiled at him, even though her eyes were fixed on Misty.
“I’ll be right back,” he told Misty, then went over to Lucy. “A friend of mine’s in trouble, so I’m helping her out. Do you have any clothes she can wear until she gets some new ones? She needs a heavy jacket and maybe some other things.”
Lucy looked over his shoulder at her and shrugged. “Send her to my room later on and I’ll figure it out.”
“Thanks.” He squeezed her hand and went back to the table.
“Is that your girlfriend?” Misty asked.
“No. She’s a friend.”
“She’s not acting like a friend. She’s giving me all kinds of dirty looks. Reminds me of Crystal and Amber Jade.” She took a bite out of her burrito.
“She’s one of the club girls. They’re territorial with the brothers. They live here with us, and they’re not so accepting of a new girl staying in their space.”
“So she’s gonna give me some shit?”
“No. She knows you’re with me. After we eat, she’s gonna loan you some clothes. You know better what you need than I do.”
“What’s a club girl?”
“A woman who helps out around here and makes the guys’ lives easier.”
She glanced over at Lucy, then back at him. “I see. So they’re whores. Are they here ’cause they wanna be?” She took a sip of orange juice.
“Of course. No woman’s forced to do anything. We don’t do that shit. And they’re part of the family around here. If they don’t wanna do something, they don’t have to.”
“How many you got living here?”
“Six.”
“Not a bad deal. They get free room and board. Do you give them money, or do they work outside of the club?”
“We make sure they have what they need. Each of them gets a monthly stipend, but if they want to work outside of the club, it’s cool as long as it doesn’t interfere with club parties and such. If it does, then we ask them to either quit or leave.”
“Makes sense. You need another club girl?”
At first he thought she was joking, but the earnest expression on her face told him otherwise. There was no way he’d ever let another brother touch her. “No.”
“Too bad. It sounds like a good gig.”
“What’s your story, Misty? It doesn’t seem to me that this life was your idea. Was Bobby forcing you to do it?” Her eyes narrowed, as if in confusion, and she pursed her lips. “You not answering tells me he was.”
Her hands flew up in a defensive stance. “I didn’t say that. You did.”
He tilted his head and paused. She doesn’t trust me. “I know you don’t really know me, but there’s no way I’d hurt you. I’m not gonna send you back to your fucking pimp—”
“Bobby’s my boyfriend.” She looked away.
“Fuck that. He’s your pimp. I’m not stupid, sweetheart. I’m hoping in time you’ll trust me enough to tell me how the fuck you ended up with that sonofabitch.”
She pushed her plate away. “Well, you’re right about one thing—I don’t know you. And I’m not in the habit of spilling my guts to anyone, even if there was something to tell.”
“You wanna go see about some clothes in Lucy’s room?”
“So you’re changing the subject?”
“No point in talking about it when I know you’re lying. Are you ready or not?”
“Are you coming up with me too?”
“No. I have some club business I need to do.”
“Oh,” she said softly. Her shoulders slumped and she lowered her head.
Threads of empathy weaved through him, and he wanted to pull her to him and kiss her gently. He wanted to tell her that she didn’t have to be afraid, that she could trust him with all her dark secrets, but he just got up and called out to Lucy.
I can’t get too involved.
But he already was.
Chapter Ten
Lucy’s room had two double beds, blue iridescent beads hanging down over the large window. Posters of fashion models, baby animals, and Harleys adorned the walls.
“What size are you?” Lucy asked as she stood in front of the closet, pushing the hangers across the clothes rod.
“A six or eight.” Misty pressed her folded arms closer to her chest.
“So how long have you known Paco?” Lucy threw a few tops and some jeans on the bed.
“Not very long. He’s just helping me
out.”
“With what?”
“Just some stuff.”
“Where’d you meet?” She turned around and fixed her gaze on Misty.
“In Moab. Do you want me to try these on?”
“Just hold ’em up in front of you. I never saw Paco bring a woman to the club before. You must be a real good friend.”
“I guess.” She picked up a multicolored sweater in varying shades of purple and held it in front of her. “This’ll probably fit okay. I’m not as busty as you are, but it should be good.”
Lucy cocked her head to the side. “Paco loves my tits.”
Her gut twisted. “Is he your boyfriend?”
“We have a special bond. Always have since I first got here.”
Picking up a black pair of leggings and two more tops, Misty stepped toward the door.
“Wait. Paco wanted me to give you a jacket. I can’t believe you don’t have one. Were you running away from someone?” Lucy handed her a black winter jacket with brown faux fur cuffs and hood.
“Thanks. I’ll return all these as soon as I can.” Without waiting for a response, she slipped out the door and headed upstairs to Paco’s room.
When she walked in, Paco wasn’t there and emptiness filled her. After hearing Lucy talk about him, it made her feel even more like an intruder in his life. I have to figure out what I’m going to do. When Paco had asked her if she’d been forced into the life she had, she’d been tempted to tell him everything, but years of beatings, betrayals, and despair made even a sweet old lady who sang in the church choir suspect. It’d been so long since she’d trusted anyone, and when she had, she’d been dragged into a nightmare she couldn’t wake up from. Even though Paco had been kind and caring so far, she didn’t know if he’d turn on her and tell Bobby where she was—or even worse, Victor. She couldn’t take the chance.
Misty locked the door, then grabbed the plastic bag she’d brought. She emptied it out on the bed, and among her toiletries and underwear, thousands of dollars in large bills spread out over the blanket. By now, Bobby would have known she escaped and took his money. If he ever catches me, he’ll torture me before he kills me. She picked up several of the bills and wadded them up in her hand. What am I going to do? Where am I going to go? What about Mom and Kate? She hadn’t called her mom and sister yet for fear that she’d cause more trouble for them if they knew she was still alive. If she didn’t have contact with them, Bobby couldn’t beat anything out of them. But what if he kills them anyway just to spite me? He always told me he’d kill them. That’s how he kept me.
