Wrecked

by Shyla Colt

  motherfuckers know it. I’m only doing it once, might as well enjoy it. Only reason I have us cloistered in this room is to keep from letting Paddy know what I really think about him. He wasn’t on his job as her dad and I know he’s trying to overcompensate. It doesn’t work like that.

  He should’ve kept her at home where she belonged. Now, she’s mine. Once that ring is on her finger, my days of holding back are going to be over. I do this for her, not him.” Demon’s upper lip curled. “Shit made me sick how quick he took it as a way out, handing her over as a nanny to my kids. I mean, yeah, she offered as a way to get him out of the debt he owed. But what if I’d been lying about what I wanted her for?”

  Then she would’ve ended up like Gia. “Luckily, you did want her as a nanny, and now look, she’s expecting and all happy and shit,” Lefty said.

  Demon laughed. “Yeah, she’s all happy and shit. So is Gia from what I saw. You want to

  bring me up to speed?”

  “Shit. I don’t even know what’s going on other than we’re together and it’s getting serious. I think labels make her antsy. The shit’s totally reverse from anything I ever seen. Isn’t the man supposed to be the commitment phobic?”

  Demon smirked. “Figures you’d do it ass backwards. There’s a reason we call you Lefty.

  You always been a bit to the Left.”

  “Yeah, like that never gets old.”

  Demon laughed even louder. “Shit always amused me.”

  “‘Cause you’re a dick.”

  “I know. I’m named appropriately too.”

  Lefty laughed with him. It felt good to just chill. Their roles in the M.C. aside, Demon had been his best friend for years. When he’d been brought over to live with an uncle who belonged to the Dueling Devils, they’d clicked immediately. “Gia said you wrote your own vows. I find that amusing and hard to believe at the same time.”

  Demon smirked. “I’m going to wing that shit. If it was up to me, I’d say this is my old lady and leave it at that, but Ardy is fucking fierce pregnant and might turn into a praying mantis and eat my head.”

  Lefty burst into laughter imagining the scene. “Fuck, talk about an unforgettable wedding.”

  “Yeah, I’d rather not be on the menu.” Demon checked his watch. “Alright, let’s get out

  there so I can play nice and get this shit done. Once they leave tomorrow, I won’t have to see them again till the next holiday or the kid’s birth, whichever comes first.” He rose in his black jeans, white dress shirt, and cut.

  Demon’s outfit was downplayed, but he knew from Gia, Ardy was wearing the full shebang.

  That’s meeting in the middle, though, and if a relationship is anything, especially in our world, it’s give and take. He’d never say it out loud, but Demon looked happy. It was an emotion he wasn’t used to seeing on his friend’s face. The man had been weighed down for a long time. This life had a way of aging you and turning you hard if you weren’t careful.

  They walked outside into the living room. People rushed around and the women formed a

  physical barrier between them and the bedroom where the bride was. Demon strolled out through the back of the yard where everyone sat in white wooden chairs.

  Lefty took a seat beside Gia, admiring the fuchsia-colored dress that led out to a white skirt dotted with pink and yellow flowers. She looked like the island blossom he’d come to think of her as. Pride swelled in his chest. He wrapped an arm around her shoulder. She relaxed into him.

  That’s my girl. Music he didn’t recognize began to play.

  There were no groomsmen or bridesmaids, just the two of them and Flow. The kid stood up

  at the aisle beneath an archway covered in pink flowers in a gray suit and a black skinny tie. The serious look on his face made Lefty want to laugh. He took this very seriously. The twenty-something had a sensitive soul. He brought a lightness that helped balance them out. Demon chose his men carefully. There was a careful weigh and balance to each personality and skill set that kept them running smoothly and independently. If you outsourced too much, you got leaks in your ship. You could only bail water for so long before it succumbed to the inevitable.

  The music shifted and they all stood, glancing down at the end of the aisle where Ardy stood with her arm looped with her father’s. Her dress was full and white with a red bow around the waist that screamed Dueling Devils.

  Paddy kept his face neutral.

  You know better than to act out of turn. You made this bed, now lie in it.

  Ardy and her dad reach the end of the aisle. A hush fell over the crowd.

  Lefty could practically hear everyone take a deep breath. Paddy handed Ardy over to Demon

  and walked over to sit by her sobbing mother. He couldn’t tell if the tears were happy or sad.

  Demon and Ardy clasped hands and turned sideways, peering at Flow.

  “We’re all here today to witness the wedding of Jonah Lawless and Ardy Larkin. The

  couples have written their own vows.”

  Ardy smiled and then spoke, “I’ve always heard love happens when you least expect it and

  in unexpected places, but I never truly understood that until you. You took me out of the small town where I’d grown complacent, opened my eyes and my heart. Falling in love with you was like breathing—effortless, natural, and key to my survival. You altered my heart. It beats in time with yours and for our children. I am honored to take your name today and become a permanent part of your family.”

  Demon squeezed her hand. “Ardy Larkin, there is no one else I’d rather take this ride with,”

  Demon leaned in and whispered into her ear.

  Her lower lip trembled as he continued to whisper words meant only for her. He pulled back and they turned to Flow.

  “By the power vested in me by the State of New Mexico, I pronounce you husband and

  wife.”

  Demon and Ardy turned to face the crowed.

  “Meet Mr. and Mrs. Jonah Lawless.”

  Lefty stood, whistling and stomping his feet along with the rest of them.

  Things were changing in the Dueling Devils, settling and steadying. After all the bullshit, they’d dealt with, it was a much needed transition. Bikes revved in the background as they walked back down the aisle.

  “Now for the fun part,” Lefty said, guiding Gia out into the crowd. They’d set up a white

  tent a few yards away for the reception.

  “Are you sure you aren’t the one who likes to dance?” Gia asked, raising a delicate eyebrow.

  “We dance all the time, babe. The most intimate dance you could ever have.”

  “You have a one-track mind.”

  “And yours runs on the same track.”

  “Luckily for you,” Gia retorted saucily.

  “Keep it up, baby. I got the perfect thing to fill that big mouth of yours.”

  “You talk so sweetly to me. I don’t know how I did without you,” Gia teased.

  “Me either,” he said, ignoring her sarcasm.

  They made their way inside the tent and took a seat beside Clue and his parents.

  They all nodded their greetings and the food began to circulate. It was similar to a family barbeque with a stricter dress code.

  He dug into his steak and allowed himself to relax.

  “Crap, I need to take this,” Gia said, pulling her phone from her purse and walking out of the tent away from the noise.

  Lefty tensed. Is it finally starting?

  She returned a few minutes later with a dark expression. “I need to go to the club. A fight broke out, police were called by a customer, and now they’re asking for me.”

  “I’ll take you.”

  She opened her mouth to argue.

  Lefty narrowed his gaze, willing her to protest. “Non-negotiable.”

  “Yeah. I know.”

  “Come on. Quicker we leave, the quicker we can get back.”

  “I can’t ride on the back of you
r bike in this.” Gia gestured to her dress.

  “That’s why I’m going to ride in your cage.” He put his hand on the small of her back and

  guided her through the crowd.

  * * * *

  The sight of red and blue lights of police cars greeted them as they pulled into the parking lot. Gia sighed. She hated it when cops came around. They were always looking for a reason to come in and poke around. This was a huge blow to keeping things under the radar. She parked and they climbed out and made their way to the entrance.

  Big Mike stood at the entrance. “We contained it. The cops are in your office with Jenny.

  She’s keeping them busy. Order was restored. The guilty parties were taken away. I really think they’re just taking the opportunity to bust your chops.”

  Gia sighed. “I figured as much.” She shook he head. “Give me the rundown of what

  happened.”

  “Some guys got a little too boisterous by the back stage. They started pushing and shoving each other. One of them throws a punch and then next thing you know, their buddies all jump in and we got a mini brawl on our hands.”

  “Sounds pretty cut and dry,” Lefty said.

  “It would’ve been, except someone panicked and called the cops. Ben and I were getting

  things all settled when they burst in all too happy to jump in our shit. We took it outside and let the girls restore order.”

  “And they need to see Gia why?”

  “Because she’s the owner. Technically, it could be Demon too, but given it’s his wedding

  day, there was no way I was going to contact him.”

  “It’s all right, I got this.” Gia looked around. “It’s no big deal. They can’t hold me

  responsible for a fight that broke out in my establishment while I wasn’t even here.” She rolled her eyes and continued through the club. Given the light show going on outside, the room

  seemed pretty tame. Scanning the club, she found nothing out of the ordinary. As she made her way down the hallway, she felt a sense of security knowing Lefty flanked her. No more

  surprises.

  “Ms. Hughes, it looks like your establishment is getting dangerous,” the slender blond man with hazel eyes said, turning away from her manger as she entered.

  “Officer Mills, always a pleasure. You know what they say, boys will be boys. All the

  security in the world can’t prevent testosterone overload every now and then. My men had it under control when you arrived.”

  “Then, why the call?” Officer Mills asked, shooting his partner a look that told him to keep his mouth shut.

  Gia shrugged. “I can’t speak for them. Some people just have a low panic scale, I guess.”

  “All we need is an excuse to come in and tear this place apart,” Mills said.

  “I encourage it. Everything is on the up and up. I have nothing to hide, Officer Mills.”

  “Unless you have a warrant or something official for Gia to sign, I’d suggest you be on your way.” Lefty leaned against the wall, arms crossed over his massive chest.

  “I see you’re literally in bed with them now, Gia.” Mills scowled.

  “Keep talking, Mills. You’re not always on duty,” Lefty sneered.

  “You threatening me, biker?” Mills stood up straight and stalked over, placing a hand on the butt of his gun.

  “No, I’m stating a fact,” Lefty retorted.

  “You watch yourself. Not everyone thinks so highly of the Dueling Devils in Newson.”

  Lefty smiled. “But your chief does and, really, that’s all that matters, doesn’t it?”

  “For now. He’s not going to be in charge forever. Jackson, let’s go. I’ll be seeing you, Ms.

  Hughes.”

  “I look forward to it,” Gia replied while smiling sweetly.

  He walked out of the room with his partner trailing behind him like a puppy. His eyes were wide and chocolate brown in his almost cherub-like face. She almost felt bad for him.

  Lefty shut the door behind them.

  Gia sighed, sitting on the edge of her desk. “Nothing like a little police harassment to round out our evening.”

  “They’re grasping at straws. Same way they always do. They don’t have shit on us and it

  drives them insane. Some people would rather see all the clubs in Newson out on their ass. The smarter ones know it’s always better to trust the devil you know.”

  “I saw what you did right there,” Gia said snickering.

  “Good, you’re smiling. Don’t let Mills ruin your day.”

  “He wishes he had that power,” Gia said, shaking her head. “I’m just feeling the pressure. I hate waiting for things to happen.” She walked over to him and he wrapped his arms around her.

  She rested her head on his chest. A knock sounded on the door. He released her and she

  reluctantly pulled away from his warmth. She opened the door. “India, are you okay?”

  “No, and neither are you.”

  “What?” Gia asked.

  “I have a special visitor for you, Jalisa.”

  “Back the fuck up, bitch,” Lefty said, rushing forward.

  “Oh, how nice, you have an attack dog,” India purred.

  Gia placed a hand on Lefty’s chest. “What are you talking about?”

  “It’s so much easier to show you,” India taunted.

  She tensed. “So, you were with Mylandra all along.”

  India shrugged. “Come with me and find out, or stay here and continue to hide for a while

  longer. The choice is up to you. Either way. Your time is up.”

  “I haven’t been hiding. I’ve been living on my own terms. Something I plan on continuing

  to do,” Gia defended, not about to be intimidated.

  “You say that now. I think soon you’ll have a change of heart,” India warned.

  “Show me.”

  India stepped out of the room and Gia moved to follow.

  Lefty grabbed her arm. “What are you doing?”

  She paused in the doorway. “Facing my past head on.” She met his gaze, willing him to

  understand. “Laying low has done nothing. She’s making her move now. The best thing we can do is see what she wants.”

  “Fine. But I’m calling in backup.” He dug his phone out of his pocket.

  Gia returned her attention to India. A million images rose in the back of her mind. Had

  Mylandra sent her enforcers? Would they try to wrest her away from Lefty? Perhaps she’d come herself. Fear spread through her body. Her chest felt tight and her mouth went dry. Her heart beat double time. She forced her face to remain expressionless as the scared child in her head pleaded with her to run. That didn’t work the first time. I’d rather die on my feet than live on my knees for the rest of my life, constantly looking over my shoulder. This is my only option. Above all, Mylandra was a businesswoman. She just had to offer the right incentive. They approached the Champagne room and her stomach bottomed out. Lefty placed a hand on the small of her back

  and she soaked up his silent support like a sponge.

  India paused in the entryway. “You can go it alone from here.”

  “If you thinking I’m leaving her, you’re mistaken,” Lefty said.

  “Oh no, you’re free to join her. It’ll make the present that much better.” India’s full lips twisted up into a feral smile.

  “Why are you doing this? I don’t even know you,” Gia asked.

  “Because unlike you, I know my place in the world,” India snapped.

  “Sad, you’ve come all this way to America and still learned nothing. Get the hell out of my club.”

  India bristled. “We’ll see how you feel soon enough. You think you’re so smart, so much

  better than us. You’re nothing. I don’t look up to you for shirking your duty. She took you off the streets, gave you a safe place to stay, food in your belly, clothes on your back, and a way to support yourself. In re
turn, you threw it all in her face?”

  “She exploits young, desperate children who don’t know any better or see any other way.

  She’s no saint,” Gia pointed out.

  “How quickly you forget where you come from.” India shook her head.

  “Like I said, get out.” Gia ignored her ignorance and stepped inside with her head held high.

  The dimly lit room stole her ability to focus. She blinked, desperate for her eyes to adjust.

  A woman stood a few yards away, hidden by the shadows of the room. She stepped forward.

  Gia gasped, grabbing her throat. Her breath came in shallow puffs of air.

  The woman’s heart-shaped face was thinner than she’d ever seen it. Her bones protruded at

  angles so sharp she swore they might cut her. Her hazel eyes were void of life and her lips were pulled down into an ugly snarl. The scars that lined her face had been deliberate and destructive.

  Gia’s stomach rolled. “Taffy?” Her voice cracked and she swayed on her feet.

  Lefty caught her around the waist, keeping her from falling.

  “Surprise.” She smiled. The cuts on the sides of her lips twisted grotesquely, reminding Gia of the Joker. “So good to see you after all this time. I’ve dreamed of the day.”

  “You’re alive?” Gia whispered, completely floored.

  “Oh yes, even death yields to Mylandra. They worked on me furiously when they found me.

  After you left me.” She narrowed her eyes. “I was fixed up as good as new, so I could feel everything they did to me later.”

  Bile rose in Gia’s throat. “I didn’t know. I wouldn’t have left you. I would’ve come back.”

  “Now, that is what I was hoping you’d say. It’s time for you to make this right. For years, you’ve had your freedom while I lived in hell.”

  “Tell me what to do, Taffy, anything.”

  “Mylandra is willing to let me go for a fee.”

  “I’ll pay it,” Gia said automatically

  “Oh, it’s not monetary. It’s a life for a life. You go with her and I’m free.” Taffy grinned.

  “Fuck you, bitch!” Lefty barked. He pulled her back to his body like he’d been burned. “I

  don’t give a shit what went down. You both took a risk running. Don’t expect her to suffer because you got caught ass out.”