Relinquish

by Sapphire Knight

  She shrugs, “Look, you can believe and feel however you want. I knew about Tate before anyone else and it didn’t bother me one bit. I just asked that the Mafia please not come after me since I knew about them. I know Niko handles some crazy stuff, but who am I to judge what he does without me? You are the same way, I know you don’t play cards with the boys and keep everything G-rated. You do what is expected from you and what you enjoy. As long as I am treated well, then I couldn’t care less what you do in your free time. Like you said before, that’s club business, which means it’s not my business.”

  I’m a little impressed and surprised with her response and reasoning. Could I really have a girl who can understand my way of life, maybe even enjoy it? I’m almost too scared to hope, but can’t help myself.

  “I’m glad you look at it that way, Shorty. I gotta get to Church and check in with my brothers.” I kiss her affectionately on the tip of her nose and stand up off the bed. “You need something before I split?”

  “No, thanks, I’m just kosher. I’m going to hang out here and try to take a nap. I’m a little worn out after all that madness earlier.” I nod and make my way to Church. Niko’s still sitting at the bar looking angry.

  “Hey, Nikoli, she’s chillin’ in my room. She said she’s gonna take a nap, but she’d probably wanna see ya’ beforehand.” He regards me and raises his eyebrow.

  “Good, I’ll check on her,” he replies shortly and stands up, walking toward the hallway. Okaaaaay, well, you’re welcome, asshole. Now, to find out what Prez’s plan is, and defile some scum.

  Avery

  Chapter 7

  I feel a burn radiating up my thigh and it hurts so fucking bad. ‘It was a skim’. I don’t give a shit if it was a skim or in the gut, this damn hole hurts. I was trying so hard to be brave in front of everyone. I just wanted to cry and hide my face so no one could see how bad it affected me. I’ve never really been hurt before doing anything, so I don’t have a high pain tolerance. Maybe I should get a couple of tattoos to help me build it up, especially if I have to worry about this sort of thing taking place.

  I can’t believe 2 is doubting me. I may not be around his type of lifestyle on the regular, or ever to be realistic, but still. I wish he would just have a little faith in me. I’m still here; I haven’t run off scared yet. I knew getting involved with a biker could bring complications. I didn’t think they would really affect me though. I can handle it, he may not believe in me right now, but I believe in myself.

  My head is still spinning with the fact he just sewed up my cut. I mean, who does that? ‘Oh, you’re shot, let’s just sew you up like new and you’ll be fine, it’s just a skim’. I wanted to throat punch him when he said it’s just a skim.

  Leave it to me to move from a Mafia man to a biker. At least here they seem to take care of their own and there’s a strong sense of loyalty. Those Mafia guys will kill their own wives if they have to. Not Tate and Emily, but others would. I really hope I’m never on the receiving end of their wrath.

  To think, I could be at the coffee shop right now. I’d be serving fru-fru drinks to men in suits and questioning my reasons for being there. Instead I’m laid up in a biker compound, shot in the leg. Why am I not surprised in the least? Maybe I should call my mom. I’d definitely relish the fact this situation would drive her absolutely berserk. My dad would probably laugh until I got to the details of being shot. I am still a little creeped out by the scary-looking guy who was following us around the store. He just looked plain evil. I thought Spin was scary when the guys were fighting, but this other guy made Spin look like a freaking boy scout.

  I wonder how Brently is doing, healing up and that awful tattoo. Spin is going to have to ink all of Brently’s stomach to try and cover up that nasty gouged in lettering. It looks like someone took an apple peeler and tried to tattoo with it. The letters are big, chunky, black and look scribbled. I don’t know how he made it through it, I would have passed out. It makes me nauseous just thinking about it, let alone actually looking at it. I heard Brently talking this week about how he’s thinking of prospecting for the Oath Keepers now. I’m guessing being a bad ass isn’t looking so bad to him now, especially after his experience with that other club.

  The guys keep pretty quiet about their business stuff, but I’ve caught little bits and pieces from different members. I think Ares is my favorite out of them so far. Most of the guys are stand offish but Ares talks to me sometimes. He’s broody and grumbles a lot but he’s sexy as hell and very smart. I thought he was just a huge jerkoff, but he’s actually quite the opposite.

  I can understand how London fit into this life so easily. It’s freeing here. You don’t worry about everyday mundane bullshit. Everyone at the club pitches in and enjoys each other’s company. It reminds me of a giant family. I really hope the others warm up to me like Ares has.

  I think back to how he was really sweet the other day…

  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

  Two days prior…

  “Heya, Avery, can I borrow you?” he grumbles, appearing peeved. I look at him, confused, wondering what he could possibly have to say to me. The other night was awkward enough, I really don’t know if I can talk to him without blushing like a school girl after being a prude and locking myself into the bathroom. I tilt my lips into a miniscule smile and nod. Probably better to say as little as possible, I don’t want to come off as a complete hot mess to this beautiful man. He nods back and walks to a small table toward the back of the room. I always see him sitting at the same table in the bar area, nearly at the same time daily. “Sit, please.” He gestures with his hand to the opposite seat.

  “Okay, sure.” I sit across from him and look down to play with my nails. I have no clue what on Earth to say. I’m so embarrassed to be sitting in front of him like this. Please don’t bring up the other day, please.

  “So I wanted to get with you ‘bout the other day.” Damn it. Obviously this day is not working with me, but against me. I keep staring at my nails hoping I will just disappear suddenly and reappear on a nice beach somewhere. You ever wonder if you sit still enough, whether maybe you can just blend in? Well, that’s what I’m going for right now.

  Bang. His fist slams on the table and I jump. The glass and bottle rattle, I wince and clench my stomach. I’m just counting the seconds until it falls and shatters. He snatches them quickly, silencing the ruckus. Ares then covers my hands with his huge, strong hand.

  “Am I so ugly you don’t want to look me in the face?” he snarls angrily. What the hell is he talking about? I glance up and am met with his harsh stare. “Well?”

  “Um, no. Not at all, the opposite actually. I’m just a little embarrassed about the other day.” God, is he crazy? He’s a built like a freaking Spartan Warrior and he thinks I don’t want to look at him. I’m still kicking myself for not licking every inch of his expansive chest when I had the chance.

  “That’s what I wanted to talk about,” he mumbles, calmer now, and his voice makes me clench my core.

  “Okay.”

  He looks at me perplexed, “Okay?”

  “Yep, okay,” I say and look him in the eye. I can do this one word thing all day, if he’d like.

  “Yeah, so I talked to 2 ‘bout what went down. He told me you thought you were gonna be passed around.” I nod and lay my hands on the sticky table. He shakes his head at me. “It’s not like that. I would never hurt you. I may be controlling and like some wicked shit, but I would never put it on you, if that’s not your thing.”

  “Thank you for saying that, I know that now. It was just overwhelming at the time and I didn’t know what to do or how to act. I know I should have stayed and just talked it out with you guys. I tend to get dramatic sometimes though.”

  “I can see it being overwhelmin’ and shit. Anyhow, I’m sorry,” he says and stares at my fingers, massaging my hands softly. I really don’t want to speak and break this moment, whatever’s happening, but I ha
ve to say something.

  “I mean, I totally would have you, you know. If I had have known what was going on.”

  His head shoots up, meeting my eyes, surprise clearly written on his features. “Yeah?”

  “Yes, definitely. I would be crazy to not take advantage of that situation,” I say and he grins roguishly.

  “We may be able to work somethin’ out in the future,” he chuckles and I smile back at him. I feel like my heart may beat out of my chest.

  “Maybe, if you’re lucky,” I reply smoothly and he laughs a little louder.

  “Guess we will just have to wait an’ see then, huh?”

  “Guess so.” I beam a wide smile back at him. Who knew Ares could flirt, or be sweet, or be the first to mend fences?

  God, I never would have guessed in a million years that Ares and I would have that conversation. Ever since that chat, when I walk past him, he gets a mischievous grin on his face. 2 Piece thought he was weird until I told him about the discussion we had. Now 2 just rolls his eyes and laughs when he sees Ares grinning at me. I don’t understand why he gets so jealous over my friendship with Niko, but is okay if I’m flirty with Ares.

  Men are so weird, I will never understand them. Nikoli and I have a past together, but that ship has sailed. We are just good friends now. No scratch that, we are best friends. I love him like a super-sized, hot, blond step-brother, not as a fuck buddy anymore. I wish I could just convince 2 that he has zero competition in that department.

  He could have all of me if he really wanted to, but he’s not at that level. He’s not on the same wave that I am. I want that with him, I want everything. If anything, experiencing things like today makes me want to live in the moment even more.

  There’s a knock on the door and I look up as it opens. “Bean?” Nikoli asks as he pokes his head through the crack.

  I smile at him and he opens the door wider. “Hey, Niko, come in,” I croak and he scrunches his brow. “I’m okay, just thirsty now.” I take a big drink of my bottled water and clear my throat. “There, see, much better. I think my throat is a little sore from screaming at 2 over the bike’s engine earlier.”

  “Doesn’t make it any better. Ass is in dog house with me,” he says in a snarky tone.

  “Ugh, Niko, why? I don’t understand, why don’t you guys just get along?” I ask, exasperated.

  “Because he is not good enough for my Bean,” he says in a deep Russian accent.

  Awww, that is so sweet. At the same time though, it’s very frustrating. I love the fact he cares so much for me. I would be protective of him too if the situation were reversed. The difference is that 2 Piece can actually protect me. He did earlier, with getting me out of the store quickly and his crazy weaving in and out of traffic. He could have easily given me to the creepy guy and let him do whatever he wanted to me. Instead, he did his best to protect me and get me back to safety.

  “Thank you, Niko, but maybe I’m not good enough for him? There’s so much more to him than you realize.” For example, he’s so caring inside. He takes care of others and it doesn’t even faze him. It’s like second nature and I’m sure he doesn’t even realize he’s doing it the majority of the time.

  “Harumph,” Niko grunts, and lies back onto the bed beside me. He’s so large; the covers pull tight and squish me with his weight. His feet dangle off the end of the bed and I grin up at him. “You do not understand. In Russia, it is the man’s job to not let girl get hurt. He let you get shot, so his fault.” He shrugs like it’s the simplest thing to understand. I rake my fingers through Nikoli’s soft hair and he closes his eyes. Whoever ends up winning this man is going to have a fierce protector. She will be one lucky lady. Well, aside from the scary Mafia stuff I’m sure he deals with that I’m not privy to.

  “But he did protect me. He left the store and brought me back here as fast as he could. He didn’t know the guy was going to shoot me. He even had a gun to put in his boot.”

  “That is no excuse. Why not use the gun, then?” He opens his eyes and looks at me earnestly, interrupting what I was saying.

  “I was the stubborn one and told him to let me hold it for him. He took it back when we parked the bike. I was lucky I was able to even hold on to it and him.” I raise my voice slightly and he snarls.

  “See that’s it, another thing. He ride bike and you can fall off.”

  “You’re just being ornery now. You know I love riding on motorcycles. Don’t start trying to boss me like my parents always do. I’m twenty-three years old for Christ’s sakes. I can make my own decisions. I love you, Niko, I really do, but I can’t deal with this shit. I’m starting to fall for him and his ways. I just need your support.”

  “You always have my support, Bean, you know I love you,” he says and his eyes soften.

  “I know, just, please stop fighting with him. You arguing and stuff is not supporting me. I miss my fun, Niko. You’ve been so serious since we got here. What’s going on?” I ask him worriedly.

  “I am still fun Niko, this is business. I told you not to come. I knew I would be tired and grouch.” I giggle a little at his wording.

  “Well, stop being grouchy. I’m already here so there’s nothing we can do about it now.” I smile.

  “Yes, I take you home and keep you safe, like good Russian man” he says and nods.

  “I mean it, stop! You’re pissing me off. I’m not going anywhere, I’m staying with 2.”

  “Oh yeah? You stay now, or forever?”

  “Good question, I guess we will have to see.” I shrug and he rolls his eyes.

  “I hope you know what you are doing. I will back off, but I think you are being stupid right now.”

  “Gee, please tell me how you really feel.”

  “I do.”

  “I know, Niko, I know.”

  “Okay, if you stay here, I am going back to the hotel. I know the bikers will be up to something soon now and I need to rest prior.”

  “Okay, be careful,” I say and he kisses me on my cheek.

  He gets up and walks to the door. Right before he leaves he blows me a kiss and I smile. He has always done that to me. I used to think it was romantic, now I know it’s just because he is sweet. I’ve never seen him do it to any of the other girls though, and that makes me feel special.

  My phone makes its signature bubble sound and I check my text. It’s from London. I wonder if Cain told her what happened.

  London – Hey hootchie mama, you okay?

  Me – Hi. Yes, fine, just a scratch. Cain tell you?

  London – Yes, you know this! Would you like to come back to the house?

  Me – No, I’m just going to stay here. 2 is taking care of me.

  London – I bet he is! LOL. Okay I hope you get better soon and if you change your mind, we will come get you. I called to tell Em, but they are out of the country on vacation. Tate wanted to surprise her before she’s too far along to travel. Her cell reception was shit¸ so she told me to tell you she loves you. I didn’t tell her you were shot, just that she should give you a call sometime when she had a chance. I didn’t want to worry her and Tate.

  Me – Alright, thank you. I appreciate it and I’ll give you a shout if I need to be busted out of here.

  London – Sure thing Lady Xxx

  Me – Later :P

  I really got lucky meeting Emily when she moved to Tennessee. That girl thought she was going to sit in the back of that lecture hall, all isolated. She didn’t know it, but I was all by myself too and was lonely. I’ve met many people over the years but none of them really stuck to me.

  I love Emily like a sister and without her I never would have met London, Nikoli and 2 Piece. I love London to pieces; she’s so fun and goofy. Tate’s not so bad either. He just isn’t close to anyone but Niko. I still wonder what happened with the whole Cameron situation.

  I’m so happy Emily and Tate found each other. They have both been through so much, they deserve to be happy. I can’t believe Emily overcame everyt
hing she did. I don’t think she ever had a chance though. Tate took one look at her and made it his mission to save her. She was crazy thinking she could keep everything bottled up to deal with single-handedly, and that we all weren’t going to help her. Thank God for Tate manning up and embracing his Russian background he kept trying to hide from. Now he’s the Big Boss, I never would have guessed that was going to happen.

  I can only hope to be half the person Emily has grown to become. She genuinely thinks and cares about everyone else but herself. She’s going to make a wonderful mother and Tate will make a great, loving father.

  I’m getting sleepy and I wish 2 was in here taking care of me. I know he’s in Church handling his club stuff. They will eventually go after these guys, the President said as much when they were stitching up my leg. It’s amazing what people will say when they think you aren’t paying any attention. I just hope 2 Piece doesn’t get hurt. I feel like I am just getting to know him and finding him, I don’t want to have to let him go already.

  ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

  I hear a door slam and I’m jolted out of my peaceful slumber. I must have dozed off. I shift and there’s this hulking dark shadow at the end of the bed. “2? Baby, is that you?” I ask drowsily. My vision is still a little blurry and I swear that shadow looks bigger than the one I’ve gotten used to.

  “No, it’s me. He’s on his way,” he says and takes his shirt off. I see the outline of his well-defined torso in the moonlight streaming through the blinds. He opens his belt buckle with one large hand and unbuttons his jeans. His pants stay propped up on his defined hips and thick muscular thighs.