Legion of Guardians: (Book 1-5)

by Xyla Turner

  "Look, I'm not about to sit around here and argue with this con artist. Let's go where Razor suggested because at least it’s Guardian approved and you know he won't try to screw you over." I made my way to the door.

  The guy looked at Connor, who shrugged and said, "You heard the lady."

  "You're a Guardian?" the salesman asked Connor.

  "Yes, he is. The Sergeant of Arms, as a matter of fact," I chimed in again.

  "Man, you didn't have on your cut. You're Apollo, right?" His eyes brightened and he stood up. "Come on, man. I got something for you. Any Guardian is a friend of mine. Helped my cousin out of a situation. I'll never forget that."

  Connor grabbed my hand and we went to the back where he had some of the nicer trucks. He pointed to at least ten trucks and said, "Any of these you want for five thousand off that Kelley Blue Book value sheet ya girl got."

  "What?" I whispered. "Are these new?"

  "Brand-spanking new." He nodded. "No more than twenty-five miles on either of them."

  They ranged from the luxury foreign trucks to the top of the line American brands. I pulled on Connor's arm and asked, "Which one do you like?"

  "Not sure." He looked around. "Which do you think would better suit my lifestyle?"

  I laughed.

  "Your lifestyle?" I asked. "Connor, all I know about your lifestyle is that you're a Guardian and y'all do some secret shit like helping get people out of 'situations'. I know you work at the garage sometimes on bikes, you go to the gym and act like you go grocery shopping but you only buy for one meal."

  "You know I just purchased a home, so that should tell you something." Those eyes bore into mine.

  My head nodded to break the connection.

  "Right. And we mustn’t forget you're going to be carting around your god-kids, right?" I asked. "Well, in that case you're probably going to want to get something that has a back seat and a flatbed, like this one or that one."

  "Perfect," he said as he headed towards the two trucks. "Now, the foreign or American one."

  "Well, the foreign one has nice amenities but so does the American one. I think it'll come down to maintenance," I answered. "You want to have to order parts or get them cheaper and quicker by getting them local? Wait, you work on cars, you should know this."

  "How do you know it?" he asked.

  "I have a foreign car and it's a bear trying to get parts quickly to fix it," I admitted.

  "Okay, then. Let's test drive them and see."

  Typical guy.

  We took both trucks out for a drive and each time, Connor drove there and then let me drive back. Hands down, we both agreed on the foreign truck. It was a better drive and they lasted longer. Although, the American truck had more, Connor liked the drive better and with the price, it was a steal.

  Since I couldn’t drive the bike back to his place, I had to drive the truck which was crazy since it was his very first vehicle purchase. The man should have been the one to drive it first then he could have picked up his bike later but he gladly tossed me the keys and we rode off.

  There were things like that, that made me see how unselfish he actually was. His entire house, the reception and everything wasn't necessarily for him but others. His Guardian family meant something to him, which definitely meant something to me.

  My family on the other hand had become very suspicious about how much time I had been spending with the new neighbor.

  "So, does he have a name?" my mom asked one day.

  "He does, Mom." I nodded in any attempt to play coy.

  They did not know that I had cut myself that dreadful evening because of my reaction to his words. I'm sure they knew it had to do with a guy but I never said who, though Manor was too small of a town to not know. However, this was my fear all along. We'd get close, like for real close, and then everybody else would get in it with their thoughts and opinions. It would get all fucked up from there.

  "You going to share?" she asked in a quiet voice.

  "He's my new neighbor and his name is Connor," I said. "He's friends with Bronx and Razor and right now, we're planning the reception party for Shay's wedding. It's going to be at his house."

  "Oh, I see." Her head nodded, then recognition of the name sunk in. "That's Apollo. The love of your life, Apollo?"

  I shook my head in the negative. "No, he's not the love of my life. That died. Now, he's a neighbor and we’re working on a suitable friendship."

  "Honey, I hope you know what you're doing?" Her eyes grew wide. "I just don't want..."

  "Mom, don't worry. I won't say I know what I'm doing but what I'm not doing is what I did before. I'm not infatuated with him, it's not a figment of my imagination and at this point in life, the only thing I can handle is a friendship." I tried to reassure her.

  "Good to hear, dear." She smiled. "See you're growing up a bit too much for me."

  We laughed as we waited for our nails to dry under the blue lights. Then we grabbed some ice cream and cookies to end our day. As we were stopping in one last store, I went to turn and show my mom the Honky Tonk boots I was saving for and bumped into a hard body.

  "Oh, I'm so sorry." I looked up and gasped. "Connor, what are you doing here?"

  "Connor?" my mom repeated and her head popped up from the fray of shoes on the floor.

  "Fancy seeing you here, sweetness." Connor smiled at me. "Nice boots."

  My mom sidled up next to me and said, "Honey, who's your friend?"

  "Mom, this is Connor Locklear. Connor, this is my mom, Hanna." I motioned towards the both of them.

  "Oh wow, it's an honor to meet you ma'am." Connor was pouring on the charm.

  He grabbed her hand to kiss it and then his long hair lingered on her palm. Mom acted like she had almost died, grabbing her heart and everything. My eyes definitely rolled around my head a few times. The woman was blushing.

  "What are you doing here?" I asked him.

  "Had to get a shirt for the party next weekend. Someone told me all I had was torn t-shirts and those wouldn't work."

  I laughed since I was the one that had told him that.

  "Glad you listened to her." I laughed. "She's smart."

  "Yeah, she is." He nodded. "Figured I’d get some new brown boots too. Y'all in a rush? I'm not good at this sort of shit. Sorry, I mean shopping." He eyed my mom. "Help a guy out?"

  "Oh, sure." My mom basically hip-checked me out the way, grabbed his arm and led the way. "We're in no rush."

  After they picked a pair with my nod of approval, we got in line where my mom and Connor chatted away. I could not believe the two of them acting like they were best friends. He was telling her about his renovations and that she should come by the next time she was around and he'd love to get her opinion.

  Really?

  I walked ahead of them to my car and started to get in, when a hand stopped me.

  "Where you going?" Connor asked as he pulled me from the door.

  "Home," I said.

  "I was thinking we could get some dinner, since we're all out." He was smiling.

  Uh, hell no.

  "I'm a little tired, right now." My mom's face literally turned to a frown. "But, I'm sure my mom would love to go out with you."

  "Yes, honey. You should go on home. Connor and I can go eat and chat about you and his new house." She chimed in while feeling my head.

  "You sure?" Connor asked me.

  "Positive," I snapped back. "Enjoy."

  "I'll talk to you later, then." He was eyeing me warily.

  "Okay, honey. I'll call you tomorrow." She beamed.

  Oh my God.

  I went home and texted Shay and Lori about the two of them. They both just texted back with LMAO.

  Great.

  I went up to bed early because there was no point in talking to myself or drinking alone. I tried to use B.O.B. but I couldn't really get in the right head space for that.

  Around ten o'clock, the doorbell rang but I knew who it was and I did not want to be b
othered. Ten minutes later, something small hit my window. Then again and again. The man was unbelievable.

  "Lori, open the door or I'm climbing up there," Connor yelled.

  Shit.

  He'd do it, too.

  Opening the door, I stood in it and said, "Connor, this could have waited until tomorrow."

  He jogged up the steps with a familiar box in hand and said, "Wanted to give you something."

  "This could have waited," I repeated.

  When he reached me, the back of his hand extended to touch my forehead.

  "No, this couldn't wait." He pulled the ice cream out of the same bag that had the box of shoes that I had said I wanted.

  "What is this?" I looked inside the box. "Are those the honky tonks?"

  "Yeah." He laughed.

  "You got them?" I yelled. "For me?"

  "Who else would I get them for?" He smiled.

  "I don't know who else you see in your spare time." I grabbed the box and turned to go inside. "A woman should never assume."

  "My spare time?" he asked. "I spend all my spare time with you."

  "Yeah, for now. We've been working on some projects and what not, but...wait," I turned towards him. "What's this for?"

  "I can't buy a friend a gift?"

  "Uh, yeah but only if it's like some sort of occasion," I answered. "A birthday or something."

  "Look, that's bullshit." Connor looked like he was getting frustrated. "I bought it because you've been helping me out with my house, the car and this damn reception. So, it’s a thank you."

  My eyes stayed on the boots and they were beautiful! Absolutely stunning but...

  "Okay, I accept your thanks." I hugged the shoes and nabbed the ice-cream out of his hand. "I love them."

  Marching towards the kitchen I grabbed a spoon, then without skipping a beat, I kept going towards the living room to plop down on the love seat. Those boots were so nice, I put my foot inside one and then the other with baggy pajama pants and all. They were light brown with a three-inch pointed heel, small open toe and steel latches that stopped two-inches above the ankle. As I walked around trying to feel them out, I happened to look up and saw that Connor was recording me.

  "Oh my God, what are you doing?" I laughed.

  "Watching you model the shoes."

  "That camera is not even pointed at the shoes." I walked over to him to grab the phone but he moved it above his head.

  This caused me to climb on him in order to get at the phone and it wasn't until I felt his lips on my stomach that I froze. His strong hands were on my hips and moving to my butt as each peck grew lower.

  "Connor," I cleared my throat.

  He paused and then he lifted me off of him so I was sitting on the sofa next to him.

  "Sorry." He stood up. "Can't fuck up when we're so close."

  Before I could ask him what he was referring to, he left.

  Okay... What was that all about?

  The next few days, I hadn't seen Connor at all but we texted and coordinated things that way. It worked but it seemed weird. I think I missed him.

  I had invited Vita to the shin-dig we had this weekend and she was beyond excited to get out of the house and meet some hot guys. I just hoped she wasn't disappointed with the selection. I mean, she was very particular and her Latin roots gave her an exotic look that was perfect. She told me that she was equal opportunity when it came to good men. That was a good thing, and if she did like our crew and hung out, she'd fit right in with the other ladies.

  Saturday had come and the party was already in full swing by the time I arrived, which was fashionably late. I had an eyelash mishap and had to open another pack of my contacts. When I finally arrived, all the ladies were there including Phoebe and Vita.

  "Lori!!!!" they cheered. "You made it."

  Yup, they were already tipsy, except for Kylie who was due in a couple of weeks and Phoebe who was definitely showing.

  "Wow, you guys look fantastic," I exclaimed.

  "Girl, look at those shoes," Shay hollered. "I love them."

  "Ohhhh, yes." The other ladies chimed in as I modeled them.

  "They do look cute on you," Apollo said, almost scaring the hell out of me sneaking up behind me.

  "Thanks." I smiled.

  "Oh," Vita murmured.

  "Nope," Shay shook her head at her as if to say he was off limits.

  I couldn't in good conscience say he was or wasn't, so I ignored the exchange between the two women and focused on him.

  "Did you get everything done?" I asked him.

  "Yeah, it looks like we're almost settled. Thanks for your help." He dipped down. "You're beautiful."

  Then he turned before I could say anything back to him. "Ladies."

  "Hey Apollo," Kylie and Shay called, and the others waved.

  "Save me a dance, Lori," he said as he brushed passed me.

  "Well, well." Shay was beaming. "What's up with you and the new Apollo? New clothes, new truck, house and shit."

  "Nothing is up, Shay." I glared at her. "Those are things he initiated on his own. No idea where that's coming from. I thought you'd know."

  "Nope." She smiled.

  "Well, I don't care. It looks good on him," Kylie added.

  "I'll say," Vita nodded.

  Shay whispered in her ear and said, "He's taken honey. Believe me on that."

  "No, he's not." I finally decided to address that.

  Shay raised an eyebrow and said, "Ladies, did Apollo say anything more than hi to anyone over here besides Lori?"

  "No," they all said at varying times.

  "Where did his interest lie?" Shay was pleased with herself.

  "Well, don't look now, but apparently someone else is trying to get their claws in him." Phoebe pointed towards Apollo, Shiz and Swag, the Norristown Guardian President.

  "Fuck, that's that goddamn nurse of his. She hasn't been around in months?" Shay muttered.

  "See," I chuckled. "Not mine. We're trying the friend’s thing. I told you guys."

  My heart on the other hand felt like a dagger had just pierced through it but I was the queen of masking shit. Shay knew it because she smirked and shook her head. Kylie did too but she knew this venue was not the place to discuss it.

  "Who's the guy with the goatee?" Vita asked.

  "Oh, that's Swag. He's the President of the Norristown club and good friends with Razor." Kylie nodded.

  "Y'all know anything else about him?" She was seemed very interested.

  "Not much but according to the guys, he a good one," Shay said. "He's solid."

  "Hmm, okay then." She pushed her boobs together and said, "I'm going in."

  "Wait, you're just going to go up to him and say what?" Phoebe asked with wide eyes.

  "Hell no." Vita shook her head. "Watch."

  She strutted over there, bumped him and said something to the bartender. He turned around with a scowl on his face and when he saw her, they exchanged words that didn't look too friendly. Then Vita rolled her eyes and strutted away, back over to us.

  "What the fuck just happened?" Shay asked in shock.

  "Well, ladies. Here's the play by play. I bumped him on purpose, he turned and saw it was me but I told him to watch where he was going. He reminded me that I bumped him and I told him when he sees a lady coming, he should move his ass. He then said that he hadn't seen a lady, which I told him, he'd probably wouldn’t know what one looked like if she smacked the shit out of him. At first, he didn't take the bait, but then when I grabbed my drink, he asked how could the offer get opened again and I told him the night was young and sashayed my butt back over here."

  "You're shitting me," Kylie said.

  "No lies over here, mami," Vita answered.

  "Wow, you're good," Phoebe uttered in shock.

  "Well, he's looking for a woman, not a fuck. Just keep that in mind," Shay nodded. "I don't know you but these men are intense, serious and don't play many games. Believe me, I learned the hard way."

&
nbsp; "Yeah," Kylie chimed in.

  "Thanks," Vita nodded to Shay. "I know the type well. I fucked up with one before and I won't do that shit again."

  "Girl, you're in for a ride," I noted. "Here he comes."

  "Ladies," Swag greeted us. "Kylie, Shay, Lori and you are?"

  He was talking to Phoebe.

  "I'm Phoebe."

  "She belongs to Goliath, the recruit," Shay added.

  "Oh man. You're Goliath's woman. That man is skilled. Razor's lucky to have him," Swag acknowledged. "He won't be a recruit long."

  She beamed, then he turned his gaze towards Vita and said, "Lady, you make it a point of bumping people?"

  "No, not at all." She raised a challenging brow.

  "So, you bumped into me to get my attention?" He was in her space. "I tagged you when you hit the door. That game wasn’t necessary."

  Oh shit.

  "You tag and say nothing?" Vita thought she had him.

  "I didn't say that. The night is young." He leaned in and whispered something in her ear, pushed off the table and left.

  "Oh shit." Shay shook her head.

  "Looks like he got your number," Kylie added.

  "What'd he say?" Phoebe asked, like a kid in a candy store.

  Vita's face was bright red as all the blood came rushing to her head. "Uh, he said..."

  Then she took off.

  Shit.

  We all looked at each other and then I followed her so I could stop whatever she was about to blow up.

  "Hey," she yelled at Swag who was in the back hall full of people waiting for the bathroom. "I'm nobody's biker groupie! Who in the hell do you think you're talking to? Do I look like a biker groupie?"

  Oh my God.

  Swag's lips turned up on one side as if he was waiting for this.

  "Never said you were, suga," he replied.

  "You said you don't fuck biker groupies but you'd make an exception for me." She was in his face and he had her by several inches.

  "Well, that was just in case you were." Swag was still smirking.

  "Fuck you," she said and went to turn back.

  He grabbed her arm and pulled her into him, then twisted so she was against the wall.

  "I don't play games sweetheart but when I do, I play to win." He had her pinned. "Fuck you think you were dealing with?"