This Broken Beautiful Thing

by Summers, Sophie

  I hug him back as I say against his chest, “Thanks Jesse.”

  “No problem babe, I’m here if you ever want to chat.” He says smiling down at me.

  “Ann! What did you do to my baby girl?” I hear my dad yell out calling Anna. I look behind and see my father’s wide eyes looking at the clothes I’m wearing, I start laughing.

  Jesse chuckles as he whispers in my ear, “I don’t think daddy likes his baby dressing up.” I smack his arm and walk up to my shocked father giving him a hug.

  “Doesn’t she look hot babe?” Anna says giving my father a kiss on the cheek.

  “That’s the problem…” my dad mumbles making all three of us laugh.

  “Don’t worry dad, Jesse told me all about the bat and I know how to use it if anyone causes shit.” I say holding up his baseball bat.

  His frown disappears and he chuckles, “That’s my girl.”

  We all continue to serve the customers through the night. The place has died down a bit with only a few club members remaining and a few of the regular girls that hang around. It’s past three in the morning, I’m exhausted and my feet hurt from standing all night. I’m not in the best of moods because of Jace’s earlier behavior and the random drunk guys that wouldn’t leave me alone. Anna says I’ll get used to the behavior of the strange men hitting on me but I’m not sure if that’s even possible. To make things worse I’ve felt eyes on me the entire evening, I know who it is and I’ve been trying to avoid him at all costs because I know I’m bound to be “scolded” for my behavior once we’re alone.

  Walking out of the bathroom, I notice a man holding a girl up against the wall, she seems to be struggling against his grip, she tells him to stop then tries to shove him off but he continues to push his body against her and kiss on her neck.

  “Dude get off her.” I yell.

  “Yes! Get off me!” the girl screeches, I noticed this girl hanging around a couple different guys from the bar. She’s one of the hoes as Anna would say, she’s wearing a tight black dress with red stilettos.

  The man who’s wearing the MC’s badge on his leather jacket has his hand under her dress between her legs but she continues to push and shove him.

  “Girl, stay out of it!” The big guys says not looking my way, He grabs hold of the girls face and roughly smashes his lips to hers while she continues to squirm underneath him.

  “Fuck it.” I say as I make my way back to the bar to collect some help. Jesse looks at me and his eyes widen when he sees me grabbing the baseball bat. I make my way back to where the girl is struggling under the large man.

  She looks over his shoulder and catches my eye, I point to the bat and the man and she gives me a small smile and nods slightly. I swing the bat hard and hit his back. He screams out and the girl lets a huff of breath out as his body bounces off hers. He stumbles away from the girl then bends backwards clutching his back and I take this as an opportunity to raise the bat again and hit him between his legs.

  “What the fuck!” the man yells in pain on the brink of tears.

  “I told you to get off her!” I shout back, at the corner of my eye I notice my father and the rest of the people in the bar are watching the scene I just caused. I turn fully to face them, my breathing is heavy from the anger racing through me. Anna has a smile on her face but my father and Jace seem to be angry…

  “She’s a fucking whore! She was doing her job!” The man rumbles still clutching his hands between his legs as he sits on his knees. I hear the girl gasp at the man’s words.

  I lift the bat again ignoring Jace as he runs up to me but I’ve already hit the man in the chest with the bat, I watch him roll over on the ground and scream out. Jace snatches the bat from my hand and glares at me.

  “I don’t give a fuck what she is! She didn’t want you groping on her but you continued totally ignoring her when she was telling you to stop.” I scream.

  “The slut wanted it, it’s her job!” the man yells making me angrier, I look at the girl who seems shaken up.

  “Stop calling her that! What the hell is wrong with you?” I reach for the bat that Jace has in his firm grasp but he yells, “Stop this shit Harley! Right now!” Then he throws the bat to Hunter who’s leaning against the wall snickering at the banter between Jace and I.

  “What do you mean - stop? You allow this to happen?” I push Jace out my way and face my father who’s now staring at me blankly as if I’m a stranger.

  “You allow your boys to treat woman like this?” I ask furiously, I can tell he’s getting angry because his face is now red and his body is tense.

  I’ve never seen my father angry, especially not angry with me and it’s a scary sight even if I’m trying my hardest to hide how terrified I am on the inside.

  “She…is not a woman…we don’t disrespect our woman like that Harley.” My father says in a deep angry tone. Why the hell is he angry with me?

  “What is that even supposed to mean? Is this why you kept me away from your brothers and this club? You didn’t want me to see how you all treated woman?” This situation has really made me livid. I’m absolutely fuming, my father is no better than the rest of them.

  “Harley, she is not a woman! She’s a fucking slut! She knew what she was getting into when she started coming around here. You need to mind your own God damn business when it comes to my club because this isn’t going to change.” My father yells making me wince.

  “Whores are just that… whores! And they are treated as such. Tell her Rachelle.” Jace roars making me wince then yells at the girl.

  She looks down at the ground as she stutters clearly afraid, “Yeah Harley, you should mind your own business.”

  “She’s clearly scared of you Jace! The chick is petrified! She didn’t want him on her and stop calling her that.” I run my hands through my hair, taking deep breaths trying to get my heart rate down.

  “She’s not a whore? That’s what you really think?” He glares at me, then turns to Rachelle.

  “Come here.” She almost runs to him as he opens his arms for her. He runs his hands down her arms and she leans into him. Jealousy hits me like a bag of bricks and I’m about to rip the girl I just saved out of his arms. He stares at me the entire time, he leans down moving her hair out of the way as he bends down to speak in her ear loud enough for me to hear every single word.

  “If I let you wear my colours for the rest of the night will you suck me off? Right here, right now?” The girl wastes no time as she bends to the floor and starts unbuckling his belt and I waste no time getting out of there.

  “I don’t give a fuck what any of you say, if I see anyone treating any girl like he did?” I say pointing to the guy who’s sitting on the floor leaning against the wall.

  “Whether they are whores or otherwise… I will do what I just did again, without a second thought. If you got a problem with it then I’ll leave and you won’t see me again.” I look at my father when I say this and I immediately see when the shock registers.

  I bend down to the guy on the floor and look directly into his eyes as I say, “If you go anywhere near her again, whether she likes it or not? When I’m done with you, you won’t have a dick left to play with.” I stand up, refusing to look at Jace, not wanting to know if Rachelle is going to be wearing his colours after all tonight. I walk out the bar through the back entrance slamming the door behind me as I hear a few people whistling and shouting.

  I continue to walk until I reach the park two streets down. I sit on the grass and pull off my shoes, my feet are killing me and I’m exhausted. I know it’s dangerous to be out alone in the dark but I can’t bear to see any of their faces right now and I have nowhere else to go.

  I sit there for a few more minutes, thinking about what Jace did and how jealous I was when he was touching that girl. I feel disgusted when I think about Rachelle and what she was willing to do just to wear Jace’s club jacket for one night. I don’t regret what I did at all even if it was a wasted effort.

&
nbsp; “You did good back there sweetie.” Jesse says walking down to me sitting closely.

  “Thanks… didn’t even hear you coming.” I look up at him and smirk. “Did you follow me?” I stretch my legs out in front of me on the soft grass.

  “Yeah, had to make sure you were safe…you know how we possessive men are.” He chuckles.

  I playfully nudge him and mumble, “Not funny.”

  “I’m proud of what you did back there, no one really has the balls to question the brothers of the club and you went all out your first night working the bar.” he says playing with a piece of my hair.

  Something about Jesse’s nurturing nature makes me feel comfortable and protected with him.

  “Thank you Jesse but you get why I was upset right? I don’t understand how they can be okay with what that guy was doing! Does that happen often?” I ask leaning my head on his broad shoulder yawning.

  “Yeah, that’s just how those men are. They were brought up like that, watching their daddies fuck the clubs groupies while the old ladies sat at home knowing full well about what their husbands were up to.” He wraps his arm around me pulling me into his side.

  “That sucks. I won’t be treated that way and I won’t watch other girls be treated like that.” I say yawning again.

  “I don’t understand why my father was upset with me though? Why would he be angry with me?” I ask him confused.

  He wraps his arms tighter around me and places his chin on my head as he says, “This is the only life your father knows, he grew up with his father being President. Like I said, no one has ever stood up to these MC men, especially not a woman. People sit back and watch …too afraid to say something and I guess your father didn’t see your “boldness” coming when you did what you did. No one disrespects your father’s brothers and I think the rage from that overwhelmed him before he noticed that it was you standing up for someone that wasn’t part of the club. I think you surprised him Harley. Don’t stress babe.” I nod my head not knowing what to say and let out another yawn.

  “Come on, let’s get you home.” He says starting to get up.

  “No Jesse, I’m not going back yet. I can’t deal with Jace or my dad right now. I’ll stay here till the sun comes up.” I look up at him looming over me.

  “I’m not leaving you out here, you can come home with me till you’re ready to go back.” He drops his hand to pull me up, he bends and carries my shoes.

  “Jesse I’ll be fine here,you can go it’s okay.”

  “No, you’re coming with me. I already texted Annalie telling her you were safe and I’m going to make sure I keep to that.” He says dragging me away from the park.

  We arrive at his apartment and I’m completely floored. It’s absolutely spotless and everything has its place.

  “The bathrooms over there, you can borrow some of my clothes to sleep in.” he says pointing down the hall.

  I take a shower and as I’m under the shower enjoying the warm water cleansing my skin I hear the door open and I hear footsteps , I wrap my arms around my body afraid he might see anything through the steamy shower doors.

  “Don’t worry Hun I’m not looking, just brought clothes for you.” He says then leaves the bathroom.

  I get out the shower and dress, his clothes are rather large and it looks as if I’m drowning in them. I walk out into the lounge and spot him in the kitchen, he turns around and smiles at me in his clothes. I sit on the stool by the kitchen island and watch him take glasses out. He then pulls out a bottle of vodka.

  “I think you deserve a drink after standing up to those men tonight.” Jesse says as he starts poring the clear liquid into a glass. I freeze, he isn’t aware of the fact that I’m pregnant.

  He places the glass in front of me, “Oh none for me Jesse, I …uh…don’t drink.” I push the glass back to him.

  “C’mon, just one, I won’t tell if you don’t?” he winks at me and I laugh.

  “No Jesse really… I can’t. You have it.”

  “Why don’t you want it? Is it because of your age? I told you I won’t tell.” He smiles and leans on the table in front of me.

  “It’s not that Jesse, I’m just not allowed to have alcohol.” I smile at him as I try to brush it off but he won’t drop it.

  “Why?” he asks confused. “When I was your age all I wanted to do was drink and party?” He sips his drink and winces.

  “Well... when you were my age you weren’t pregnant now were you?” I say sarcastically and watch as he almost chokes on his drink. I start laughing at his reaction.

  “What! You’re pregnant?” he takes my glass and downs it. “Please don’t tell me it’s Jace’s…please God.” He says closing his eyes and crossing his fingers praying.

  I laugh at his exaggeration, “No Jesse it’s not his.” I say. Jesse looks at me then sits next to me on the bar stool, he holds me in a tight hug rubbing my back.

  “Where’s the father?” he asks softly.

  “Not in the picture.” I mumble.

  “I’m so sorry Hun.” He whispers into my neck.

  “It’s okay. I’m fine.” I laugh and shrug him off.

  “Well, since you can’t have a drink with me, can I make you some hot chocolate?” he asks walking back to the cupboard for a mug.

  “Now that sounds good, yes please.”

  He makes a mug of hot chocolate and calls me to sit with him in the lounge. We chat and I tell him my story about Caleb and Ashley as I rest my head on his shoulder.

  “What a dick!” he says harshly. I’ve come to terms with the fact that the Caleb that I once loved wasn’t at all the person I thought he was, I never pictured my life without him part of it, it was always Caleb and Harley…always. I would never have imagined him leaving me like he did. I fall asleep on the couch and I’m half-awake as I feel my body being lifted and placed under the covers of a warm bed. I feel the bed dip and I cuddle into the pillows but instead of soft pillows I feel another hard warm body beside mine. I’m too tired to care, my body is exhausted…mentally and physically. Jesse places his arm around me and pulls me into his chest, then kisses my head as I fall into a deep sleep.

  I wake up in a comfy bed and not sure how I got here, the smell of bacon immediately wakes me up as I jump out of the bed and run towards the toilet. After wiping my face clean and using Jesse’s toothpaste with my finger, I “brushed” my teeth.

  I walk into the kitchen and watch as Jesse sits with two plates dished out in front of him. He gives me a toothy grin.

  “Morning sickness must suck ass!” he teases.

  “You have no idea.” I sigh as I take a seat next to him. I feel safe with Jesse just like I do with Jace but with Jesse I’m a lot more relaxed and it’s probably due to the fact that I know he’s gay, I know he won’t try anything with me. When I’m around Jace his intensity messes with my emotions, he uses his sexiness to his advantage. I’m not sure what’s going on between us but I know there’s chemistry, that’s for sure. Jace frightens me, he’s volatile, he can be cool one minute then raging the next, I’m scared of Jace even if I am too chicken to admit it to him…he scares me...a lot! I know he wouldn’t hurt me but he’s very controlling and it causes me to surrender to him even when I don’t want to.

  Jesse is sexy but in a more relaxed manner... I can let my guard down with Jesse knowing he won’t use me and replace me like damaged goods.

  “Don’t you eat bacon?” He asks eyeing the bacon on my plate sitting untouched.

  “No… I do but I can’t right now. The smell alone makes me gag, I can’t do it.” I say disgusted.

  He chuckles then picks the bacon off my plate and eats it. “We better get you home before Grimm comes knocking on my door… or better yet Jace.” He says taking our plates and placing them in the dishwasher.

  I change back into last night’s outfit but don’t put the shoes or socks on. Jesse stops in front of the apartment but I’m hesitant to get out. He opens my door for me then leans in and bends down
so we are at eye level.

  “Everything is going to be fine Harley, if you need me for anything…even if you just want to talk, you can call me and I’ll pick you up okay?” he says writing down his number on the back of a receipt. “It’s safe here Harley, everything is going to be fine…Come.” He shows me his hand and I take it, he holds my hand tight as he leads me to the door.

  “I’m okay from here, you don’t have to come in.” I tell him, I don’t want my father or Jace to take out their frustration on Jesse for helping me.

  He nods and gives me a hug then leaves, I open the door and make my way up the stairs. The house is quiet…too quiet as I tiptoe towards Jace’s room, I know he’s going to want to discuss last night so I might as well get this over with.

  I make my way towards his room, on my way through the kitchen and lounge I don’t see anyone around, it’s usually noisy and filled with guys from the club.

  I notice Jace’s door is open and I walk into it, the bed is still neatly made and Jace isn’t anywhere to be seen. I look out of his window which faces the back of the club to see if my father’s car or bike is out there. There’s only one bike parked outside and it’s Jace’s, dads shop doors are closed and no one’s there either, my thoughts are interrupted as Jace enters the room.

  “Where the fuck have you been Harley? I’ve been looking everywhere!” Jace yells making me move away. I notice he’s wearing the same clothes he was in last night, his hair is messy and his eyes are bloodshot. It doesn’t look like he slept at all and I suddenly feel terrible.

  “You don’t have to yell!” I say back.

  “Don’t yell at you? Are you kidding me! I will do whatever the fuck I like!” He comes up to me, I back away as far as I can but my ass hits his desk and I can’t move away from his dark eyes. I’m scared shitless but I won’t allow him to see what he’s doing to me so I stand my ground.