Butch

by Sam Crescent

  “I don’t want to piss you off, honey. It’s club business, and you’re not an old lady.”

  Nodding, Cheryl let out a sigh. “Butch isn’t part of the club, so I can’t help out.”

  “No, you can’t. Sorry.”

  “No problem. I’ll see you at the picnic.” No matter what Butch said she was going. She kept Matthew with her for the rest of the day not even bothering to phone her mother. Humming to herself, she served the occasional customer while also keeping an eye on her son.

  She asked some of the customers if there was anything else they would like from her shop. Ideas were fired at her, and she wrote every single one of them down. She had a whole file of ideas by the time Butch entered.

  His arms were held up in surrender. “I’ve just got a call from Tate. We’re going to that picnic. I swear, that woman gets louder week after fucking week.”

  Cheryl chuckled as he covered his ears. He rounded the counter, tugging her into his arms. She would never get bored of this. Butch surrounded her with warmth and love.

  “I want to go.”

  “Then we’ll go.” He kissed the top of her head, dropping down to claim her lips. “Fuck, baby, I want to take you home.”

  “We can’t.” She pointed into the office where Matthew was playing with some toys she kept stored in her bag.

  “Alex couldn’t hack the whole day?”

  “Nah, Matthew missed his mommy.” She smiled, proud of her son even though she wasn’t jealous of Alex’s new status in his life.

  “I’ve got a delivery for Cheryl Barnes?”

  Glancing toward the door she saw the driver of a reputable company.

  “That’s me.”

  “I need you to sign here, doll.” She pulled out of Butch’s arms and signed her name taking the box, which was quite heavy.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “I don’t know. We get the orders and paid to make a delivery as soon as possible.” The man tipped his hat to her and left the shop as quickly as he entered. Lifting the box onto the counter, she tore into the seal. The cardboard fell away. The box looked more like a cool box that she’d seen in medical dramas for organs.

  Curiosity getting the better of her, she opened the lid and screamed. She couldn’t stop screaming, stepping away from the counter. Covering her eyes, she tried to stop herself from looking.

  “Baby, what is it?” Butch asked.

  “The box, what is it? Who would do such a thing?” She pressed her head to his chest, trying to forget about what she’d just seen.

  “Cheryl, honey, I need to check it out. Please, go into the office, and I’ll deal with this.”

  Nodding, she pulled Matthew into her arms, rocking him as she tried to forget about the box and what she’d seen. If she could gouge out her eyes, she would.

  It’s okay. Butch will fix everything. Whoever’s head it was, she hoped they didn’t suffer before it was taken from them. Bending over, she reached for the trash can and threw up inside it.

  ****

  Butch knew who the head belonged to. He didn’t have time to lose his shit. Cheryl needed him now more than ever before. Closing the box, he pulled his cell phone out and dialed Tiny’s number.

  “What do you want, Butch?” Tiny asked.

  “A head has just been delivered to Cheryl’s place at the florist. I need you all here to take it away.”

  “Fuck, seriously?”

  “Yeah.” Butch glanced behind him, watching Cheryl vomit into the trash can behind her. Matthew stood up and rubbed her back. “Her son is here. I need to get them away.”

  “This has nothing to do with us.”

  Butch silently cursed. This was the kind of shit he didn’t want. The Skulls had the resources to move this, and he didn’t. Join them. “It’s Frederick’s work.”

  Tiny paused, and silence filled the space.

  “How do you know?” he asked.

  “Remember me telling you about the doctor who helped me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Her head is here in the box. He’s moving up, Tiny. How do you know he won’t go after your women next or mine? Gonzalez is unpredictable.” Running a hand down his face, he tried to clear his thoughts.

  “Fine. Alex and I will be there to get it, but you fucking owe us.”

  He hung up the phone and hid the box underneath the counter. Hanging up the closed sign, he went back to his woman. Helping Matthew, he rubbed her back.

  “What’s wrong with Mommy?”

  “She’s just being a little sick.” Cheryl curled around him when she finished.

  “I’m sorry,” she said.

  “Don’t be sorry for feeling sick. It would be strange for you to not be feeling sick.” He kissed the top of her head.

  You’ve got to go back to the club.

  It’s not right asking them for help.

  Gritting his teeth, he held Cheryl tighter against him. He didn’t know how much time had passed before the door was being banged on. Releasing her, he let Tiny and Alex inside. “I’m going to take Cheryl and Matthew home. I have the car today, and I’ll come back.”

  Join them again. They’re your future and will always be your future.

  “We’ll wait for you,” Tiny said.

  Within half an hour, Butch was back on the road heading toward the shop. He didn’t know what the club expected him to do. When he pulled up outside of the shop he saw Nash’s and Murphy’s bikes parked outside the door.

  Entering the shop, he saw they were all talking, and they stopped when he entered.

  “Frederick used a reputable company. I saw the van and the guy who delivered. This was done as a message,” Butch said, folding his arms.

  “Why? You’re not a Skull. Why is Frederick playing with you?” Nash asked.

  “He’s going to tie up a loose end. I’m a loose end from his father’s day.” Butch let out a breath. “I want to come back. I need to come back,” he said.

  The whole club paused as they looked at him.

  “What?” Tiny asked.

  “I can’t protect my woman alone. This was the biggest fucking mistake I made.” He ran a hand down his face, cursing. Ever since he left, he knew he should have come back. Stupidity, stubborn pride, and being a pain in the ass had stopped him from taking that next step.

  “How do we know you’re not going to pull out again when we help you?” Nash asked. “You’re not exactly trustworthy right now.”

  The knowledge of their doubt hurt, but Butch knew he couldn’t do anything about it. This is what I caused.

  “Gonzalez is from my past. I don’t want you guys to end up like my father’s MC did. He took them all out as if they were nothing more than bugs. Gonzalez’s son is the same. I don’t know what he’s expecting, but I think it would be best if we’re all on guard and I come back to the club.” He was bringing danger to Cheryl and Matthew. Gritting his teeth, he tried to deny the truth, but all he could see was the trouble he caused. He couldn’t protect them alone. He needed The Skulls, now more than ever before. Butch was better at taking care of Cheryl and Matthew with The Skulls than on his own.

  “What is your advice?” Tiny asked.

  “Don’t go to the picnic.”

  Alex shook his head. “You know we can’t do that. We spend a shitload of money and are expected to be there.”

  “Eva’s already invited Cheryl. You’re not going to stop the women from enjoying their day,” Tiny said. “I’m not going to tell my woman to stop.”

  “It’s dangerous.”

  “We’re being investigated, Butch. Our money has been put on hold. The cash we’re getting is coming from Eva’s fucking father. He’s supporting us and the club right now. Do you fucking know what that feels like?” Tiny yelled the words, his face red. “I promised him I’d take care of his daughter, and so far, she’s been in nothing but pain. I’m pissed off.”

  “Tiny, calm down,” he said.

  “No, you don’t get to tell me to calm do
wn, you little shit. You couldn’t even stick this life out.” Tiny threw his hand out. “All of us have social workers on our backs. The cops are checking everything out. I’m keeping Lash and Angel out of this, but they’re only going to stay in Italy for so long. I can’t let them come back to this life.”

  The raw emotion in Tiny’s face was clear to see. He was hurting, and he was hurting bad.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I don’t need to hear that you’re sorry, Butch. I need a man with a fucking backbone, and right now that’s not you. You’re offering to come back, and yet how do we know you’re not going to bail on us again?”

  Butch tightened his fists. What could he do to prove to them he was serious? He stared at the floor, seeing the box that had caused Cheryl to throw up. This flower shop had emptied out his account. He had enough money to get him by. If he went back to the life, she’d be exposed in more ways than one. Yes, he caused this, but what about the future? He wouldn’t always be the cause. Other brothers had problems, and over the years they’d all dealt with them. But she’d be surrounded by women who knew the danger they faced. Eva, Angel, Sophia, Prue, even Tate, knew what the life was like. Cheryl wouldn’t be alone anymore, and she’d have other women to be with.

  “I can leave you to handle this, but I want back in,” Butch said, turning away.

  “That’s it. How do we know we can trust your work?” Nash asked. “You’ve not exactly been a good enough friend the past few months to take your word for it.”

  Pain exploded inside him. “I fucked up months ago. I know that.” He threw the keys at Tiny. “I’m a civilian now, but I’m begging for a chance.” He glanced around the shop. “I bought this place for Cheryl. It was a gift as I’m going to marry her.” Licking his lips, she stared at Tiny. “I’ll give it to The Skulls, and Cheryl can work for you. Any money this place makes, apart from Cheryl’s salary goes back to the club.”

  “How does this work?” Tiny asked, glancing down at the keys.

  “I’m not going to leave The Skulls knowing this place belongs to you.”

  “If this doesn’t make any money, we’re back to square one,” Zero said.

  “Cheryl will make sure this place earns its keep. She’s a hard worker and loyal.” He stared at Alex. “She’s the one who has been trying to get me to come back to you. Cheryl trusts you, and she knows me.”

  “What if she leaves town?” Alex asked.

  “She won’t leave town. The only time she considered it was when you turned back up. Cheryl’s not the running kind.”

  “Unlike you?” Nash asked, pointing at him.

  “I deserve all the shit you want to throw at me. I’ll let you make a decision on what you want to do with me. You can own this shop, and I’ll talk with Cheryl about it. I’ll do all the shit a prospect does. I want back in, and I promise you, I won’t back out.” He moved toward the door, breaking inside at the fact they didn’t snap him back up. This is your fault, shithead. “Deliver the keys to Cheryl’s. You know the address, and I’ll leave you to clean up the mess. I’ll wait for your decision.”

  He turned away knowing they were going to make him wait for an answer, but he was done running away. The club was his life and would always be part of him. Closing the door behind him, he climbed into his car and drove home. Cheryl was on the sofa with Matthew asleep curled up to her. He slid down, wrapping his arms around her.

  “You’re back.”

  “Yeah, I’m back.” He let out a sigh, wishing the club had accepted him back into the fold.

  “What’s the matter?”

  “I asked for my spot back at the club. I want to be a Skull again.”

  Cheryl smiled. “That’s amazing, Butch. You’re a Skull.”

  “They’ve not accepted me back yet,” he said. “I’ve got to wait for them to make a decision.”

  “I don’t blame them. You can’t just change your mind when it suits them.”

  “There’s more,” he said.

  “What is it?” she asked.

  “I promised to give them the shop.” The smile on her face fell. “Please, let me explain. They wanted to know how they could trust me to not leave when all this shit is over. I promised them the shop so they knew I’d stay. Wherever you are, I’ll always be.”

  “I don’t like the fact you did that,” Cheryl said.

  “I know, baby.”

  She blew out a breath. “If they give you back your patch then I’m happy about it.”

  “Are you sure?” he asked.

  “Yeah, I love you, Butch. If that means The Skulls own the shop and I run it, I’ll be fine with it. I get to stay with you.”

  “You’re so fucking sweet. I don’t deserve you, but I’m going to do everything in my power to make it up to you.” He leaned down, kissing her head.

  The turmoil inside him refused to go away. He knew he’d made a mistake, but he was prepared to take all of the club’s shit to get back there. It was the only way for him to protect Cheryl and Matthew.

  Chapter Fifteen

  “We don’t have to go,” Butch said.

  Cheryl finished wrapping up the lasagna she’d baked, glaring at him. “I want to go.”

  “It’s part of the club, baby. We could stay in, watch some movies, have some fun.”

  “Matthew’s home with us. I’ve told him about the picnic, and he’s excited. We’re going whether you want to or not. They’ll get back to you, Butch, don’t give up.” She gave him a smile then turned toward him. He’d been concerned about her ever since she had seen the head in the box. She couldn’t think about it like that and chose to pretend nothing was different. The last couple of days she’d been speaking to Eva, and the other woman helped her get through the visible nasty of it all. “Eva’s expecting us. I know you don’t want to be part of the club, but I like her.” Butch still hadn’t heard anything back from the club, and they were both waiting to hear news.

  He groaned. “It just figures. I quit the club, and you’re okay with the women there.”

  Chuckling, she wrapped her arms around his waist. “I love you, Butch. I’d never ask you to choose between the two, and they’re going to let you back. You deserve this waiting period.”

  Butch cupped her cheek tilting her head back. “You’re going to drive me crazy. You should be on my side.” He kissed her lips, and she opened her mouth for him to slide his tongue inside. They groaned together. One of his hands ran down her back to cup her ass. “Fuck, I need you.”

  She felt the evidence of how much he needed her pressed to her stomach.

  “When we get home Matthew will be exhausted. I’ll take care of your needs then, and I’m on your side. I just know when you’re wrong.”

  “Baby, that better be a fucking promise ‘cause it’s the only way I’m going to get through this picnic, and I’m never wrong.”

  Kissing him on the lips once again, she smiled. “It’s a promise. I’ll take care of your needs, and you’ll come to the picnic. It’s a pretty fair trade off, and you can be wrong.”

  He groaned but no longer in pleasure. “Fine, I’ll come along without causing a problem.” Fingers sank into her hair, and he pulled her against him. “You better remember who you belong to.”

  Tapping his chest, she pressed another kiss to his lips. “I do.” She noticed he didn’t make another comment about his wrong opinion. Cheryl must have won that round.

  Butch grabbed the food while she collected Matthew’s belongings. Together they walked out of their home and started toward the main part of town where the picnic was going to be held. He took hold of her hand, and the warmth went through her body. Heat bloomed inside her pussy, making it hard for her to focus on anything other than Butch.

  “I know what you’re thinking about,” he said.

  She glanced at him, but his gaze was on her breasts.

  “Mine.” He mouthed the words so only she could see.

  Shaking her head, she started to smile. Butch made her feel like
she was the most beautiful woman in the world. The walk was a slow one. After a time she picked Matthew up so he wouldn’t be tired by the time they got to the fair. He didn’t struggle, and once there she went straight for Eva. The other woman looked refreshed and happy, unlike the last time she’d seen her.

  “Hey, Cheryl,” Eva said.

  The other women in the group greeted her. She took in the tension among all the men. “Be nice,” she whispered to Butch. “Give them time to give you a chance.”

  He shook hands with the men even though the tension didn’t leave his body. She rolled her eyes sending her apologies Eva’s way.

  “Anyone would think he doesn’t want to be part of the club.”

  “He does, but he’s being petty. I think he expected them to jump at the chance to have him back,” Cheryl said. She didn’t doubt them getting him back. The club clearly cared very deeply for Butch, and his reasons for leaving were non-existent.

  Pulling out of Butch’s hand, she led Matthew toward the children’s play area. Alex stopped her from going to embrace his son and talk with him. She took the time to talk with Eva.

  “This is going to be a safe area for kids, right?” Cheryl asked.

  “Yeah. We’ve got guards looking out for the kids. Tiny gets paranoid and won’t allow anyone near here unless he was happy. The club and his kids’ protection take priority.”

  “How have you been?” Cheryl asked, folding her arms.

  “I’ve been good. We’re all doing well. It’s just this Gonzalez guy. He’s causing a few problems and being a general pain in the ass. I can’t tell you more. You’re not an old lady yet. Sorry.” Eva touched her shoulder.

  Together they placed their children in the play area. For several minutes she stood and watched Matthew play, enjoying his newfound freedom.

  “I’m going to get back to them,” Eva said.

  “Okay.”

  Alex stayed by her side, watching Matthew. “I wanted to say thank you for allowing me the opportunity to spend time with my son.”

  “I’m not a monster, Alex. I hate what you did, but there’s no love lost. I’m asking that you don’t come between me and Butch. I love him.”