by Harlow Brown
I paused again and looked at him. Thoughts of our encounter upstairs just minutes before came back to me, and I realized he never once looked at my wounds.
"Whiskey, why didn't you even look at my bruises and cuts?"
"Fuck, Charlie, I was so caught up in the moment and… oh shit, babes, are you okay? Did I hurt you? God, I'm so sorry." Total word vomit coming out of his mouth.
"No, no, I'm fine, and you definitely didn't hurt me. But it's like you didn't even see them. They aren't exactly subtle."
"Charlie, when I’m with you all I see is you. I look into those mystical eyes of yours and I see you. I see all the way through to your heart. It's moments like that where our souls unite that make me know that this, whatever it is, is precisely what it’s supposed to be. And I know I will fight Satan himself to protect you." He paused a split second and grinned real big. "I see a smoking-hot package of perfection."
This has to be a dream. I only attract douche bags. He cannot be real. He's a biker with long hair and tattoos. He doesn't look the part of a soft-hearted man.
“Things aren't always as they seem, Sugar Bean.”
Damn it, Daddy. Always popping up in my head with his words of wisdom right when I need them.
"Um, so this is new to me. I'm not real sure how to react. Just know that I appreciate it, and I'm glad I've landed a good one this time."
WE GOT IN and started driving. It was a bitchin' ride, actually smooth and roomy. Not what I expected from a rugged SUV. Charlie looked a little funny driving it because it was so big and she was so short.
I called Magnum to make sure the booze was stocked and the house would be ready to go by the time we got there.
"Hey, Magnum. How's the house coming? You ready for us?"
"Guests left a little while ago. Just having some of the girls cleaning it up. Why, whatcha need?"
"Well, Charlie and I had a stressful day, to say the least, so when we get there she wanted to get a drink. Think you could arrange that?"
"Shouldn't be a problem. What do you want?"
"Shinerbock and real food."
"Since when do you drink Shiner?"
"I don't. It's for Charlie."
"Damn, brother, your girl likes the good shit. I thought she was a fruity foo-foo drink kinda girl."
"Charlie is full of surprises. It's not what I'm used to and it’s fucking awesome. She's…."
As I thought a minute on what she was to me, he interrupted my train of thought. "She's what dude?"
"There are no words man. There simply are no words."
"Holy shit, Batman."
"Shut up, dickhead. Just make sure there’s plenty of beer and good food—steaks, veggies, chicken, things like that. Got it?"
"Sure, what time should I expect you to get here?"
"In about nine hours or so."
"Sweet. See you then. I’ll be waiting here."
"Dude, I have a key. You don't need to wait."
"Yeah, I do. I can't wait to meet the girl who tamed your wild ass."
"Mag? That's why you're waiting? You couldn't have humored me and said that you couldn't wait to see me, your brother from another mother, because it's been too long? Tell me again why you're my favorite?"
"Because I'm fucking awesome, that's why. Now hurry your ass up. See you later."
"Later, Mag." I looked over at Charlie and saw her brain working. I knew she had questions, and I knew I had to answer them honestly—good, bad, ugly, and everything in between. Right there and then was where I’d find out if Charlie could handle me. All of me.
Thank God we’re in a vehicle going seventy-five miles an hour and she can't just kick me out.
"What are you thinking, babes?"
She quickly glanced at me, then focused on the road again.
"Out with it, Charlie. What's going on in that pretty head of yours?"
Crickets. Fucking crickets. Well, this is odd. Is she mad? Did I say something that upset her and I just don’t know?
"Tell me about your club. Briar doesn't talk about it, and Jazz hasn't told me jack shit other than the loyalty you guys have towards one another."
"What do you want to know?"
"Everything."
"Babes, there are certain things I won't, and can't, share."
"I'll have no part of secrets, Whiskey. Get that? None."
"Babes, there’s shit that we deal with that no one except members knows about."
"You need to think long and fucking hard before you continue. I do not do secrets, and I don't do lies. Period." She cut her eyes at me, and they were as cold and gray as a tombstone in December.
Fuck. She meant it.
"I do not want to know if, or how many people you guys have killed, hurt, misplaced or whatever. I don't care about that. I don't even want to know your sweet secret handshake and clubhouse passwords, or whatever you do. But if I’m with you, I deserve to know what I'm in for."
Son of a bitch, she’s right. Fuck me running. She is with me, and I'll be damned if I let her go.
"Fine. Our biggest money maker is moonshine. We live by the motto 'Once in, Always First.'"
"Really? If they’re first where does that leave me? Second? I don't think so. I've been second as long as I'm going to be. If I'm not your top priority, I'm out. I refuse to be—"
"Charlie, you're overreacting. Look at Jazz and Briar. She’s his number one, right?"
"Yes, I guess so. But they were together before he was a member of The Chosen Legion, so it's different."
"No, it isn't. 'Once in, Always First' doesn’t mean the club comes before family. It means your family becomes part of the club. You’ve always been part of it, but you just didn't realize. Briar would just have to say the word and Hensley would’ve been fertilizer. Briar thinks of you as his, and because you're his, you're also Chosen Legion property, so to speak."
I reached over and grabbed her little hand that had a white-knuckled death grip on the leather wheel. As calmly as I could, I told her," And now that you're mine, now that we’re together, you’re official. You just need to trust me on this, okay?"
"Oh." I could tell that she was trying to soak it in.
"Charlie, now that we’re together they’re just as much your family as Briar and Jazz are. Our creed doesn't just apply to the guys. You know why?"
She glanced at me, and her eyes were starting to take on the starburst effect again, meaning she was more okay with the situation now.
"No. I couldn't imagine why, really. Everything I've read or watched about clubs is not like this. Most of the media paint this horrid picture of barbaric, ruthless, money- and power-hungry men trying to conquer the other clubs around or their territory. They love their women but aren't always faithful, and sometimes they’re abusive. It’s a little unsettling."
"Abuse isn't tolerated," I deadpanned, hoping she would get some kind of peace out of it. "Why, then?"
"Because every man needs his woman. She’s the one who keeps him grounded. She’s what he’s waiting to come home to. A man's love for his woman is so strong that we’ve decided that it’s better to include them so we have the entire heart and soul of the men. That way there’s no half-ass shit going on. If we’re all living as a family and everyone has each other's backs, life is just easier. If something happens with one of us, then it happened to all of us."
"Even the day-to-day arguments of a couple?"
"No, that's just overboard. However, should the argument start interfering with the tasks at hand for a member, we would suggest that the girls go out on the town and have some drinks to lighten things up and hopefully talk about the problem. Same for the guys. Hopefully we can shed some light on the situation and help them help themselves."
She seemed a bit uneasy and unsure of what was being said. How can I put this into terms she’ll understand?
"Charlie, to the brothers, all of them, our women are our fucking life, so we need our girls. Think of it like a pitcher with a catcher."
&nb
sp; Her face visibly relaxed and her features returned to a softer appearance.
"We aren't shit without the love of our woman, especially when we’ve found the right one. Like a pitcher and a catcher control the field, that's how we work. It takes an entire team to make this work. We depend on each other, but the heart and soul of the game are on the mound and behind the plate. That's how we live as a family. That's the best way I can describe it."
"I… I don't know what to say."
"Say that you trust me, and that you know I won't keep anything from you. Nothing that affects you or us, anyway. There will be runs and stuff that I have to go on, but that’s part of it."
"Can I know where you’re going?"
"Yes, but not who we’re going to see. That’s club business, and we don't discuss it outside the club. It doesn't concern the women."
"Can I see the still?"
"What?" Did she really just ask to see the still?
"I've always thought it would be cool to see one. Is it like the ones on the TV shows?"
I'm pretty sure she’s referring to the reality show that has the dumbass dude as the main character, and I can't hold in my chuckles. "Yeah, kind of like that, except we aren't idiots."
She grinned. "Good. I can't wait to see it."
What have I gotten myself into? She’s so goddamned perfect.
We pulled up to the most gorgeous two-story house that overlooked the blue waters and white sand beaches of Destin Beach. Out front sat a kick-ass bike that looked as if it had just come off the showroom floor. If I didn't know better, I'd think this place was owned by a wealthy person who used it as a vacation house, not a biker club. One would believe that an MC would have a skanky run-down auto garage or something, not a beautiful, breathtaking beach house.
Whiskey had climbed out of the driver's seat—I finally let him drive so I could sleep—and was coming around to my door. I started to open it, but he shut it back. A puzzled look on my face, he opened the door with a playful grin and said, "It's time you were treated like the lady you are." Then he stretched out his hand and held mine in it. The playfulness was gone, and lust took over. I could tell by his bourbon-colored eyes that he wanted more than to open my door. He leaned in to kiss me and my body was attentive to his touch. It had been awakened to the fact that I wanted him as badly as he wanted me. I was aware of the strange feelings that brought to light. I was also mindful of the fact that I didn't care, that I trusted him with everything in me. Our tongues dueled and fought, only to be interrupted by a strange voice.
"Dude, don't fuck her in the driveway. There's a perfectly good house right there."
Whiskey pulled away with a megawatt smile and said, "Charlie, that's Magnum. Magnum, this is Charlie."
I was positive my face was a pretty shade of scarlet. "Hey, Magnum. It's nice to meet you."
"Damn, Whiskey. You weren't playing around. Your girl is hot. Like bangin' hot."
"Umm, hello? I'm right here." I waved my hands around.
"Babes, Magnum doesn't come with a filter. But he is right, you know. You are insanely hot." He bent down for a quick peck on the lips, then pulled away to unload the car. I quickly followed him, in fear of being eaten alive by Magnum.
"Fuck, dude, she isn't just a beautiful face. She's the whole package. Where’d you find her again? I'm going there with you, for real."
"Magnum, this is Briar's girl, Jazz's, best friend. She’s from Arkansas."
"I'm so going back with you."
"Fuck off and help me get the bags in the house."
"Some things never change. You’re still a bossy son of a bitch."
Still leery of Magnum, I stood back a couple steps and let the boys lead the way. Inside was just as gorgeous as the outside. The clean lines, bright colors, and top-of-the-line appliances in every room—this belonged to a motorcycle club?
Then I saw the ocean through the sliding glass door of the patio. I placed the bag I was carrying on the ground and gazed intently at the massive deck and the beach just beyond. It reminded me of a family vacation. Daddy had taken us to Gulf Shores, and the view was just as picturesque as this one.
"Sugar Bean, you see how big the ocean looks from here?" He pointed from as far left as he could go and moved his arm to the far right. "That's how much I love you. I love you as big as the ocean and as far as I can see."
I smiled at the memory, then overheard Magnum say to Whiskey, "In all seriousness, dude, she is gorgeous. You weren't exaggerating. Her smile could light up the night, just like you said."
"I told you, dumbshit, Charlie is totally different, in every way. She's just stunning. She is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen, or known, on the inside and out."
I appreciated the compliment, really I did, but I was starting to feel awkward. "Hey, biker boys! Which one of you is going to show me where the beer is in this joint?"
"Biker boys?" Magnum questioned. "Did you just call me a boy?"
"Mag? You're still with this?" Whiskey rolled his eyes.
Magnum continued, "Answer me please, Miss Charlie."
I put my hands on my hips. ''Yeah, I did. What of it?"
"I got a bucket of balls, a yard of dick, and enough hair on my back to weave an Indian blanket and you have the nerve to call me a boy?"
Simultaneously, Whiskey and I cried out in laughter. I laughed so hard I snorted; then we laughed at that too. I tried to calm down my giggle box and stop my eyes from leaking. "Shit the bed, Magnum. That was funny. Now where can a girl get a beer?"
"Babes, I'll go get you one. You need anything else?"
"Nah. Just beer is fine. Thank you."
Whiskey turned to get drinks.
"Charlie, can I tell you something?" Magnum asked me.
"Do I have a choice?"
"Nope, and thanks for acknowledging that."
"What's on your mind, Magnum?"
"You’re really good for him. I've known him a damn long time and I’ve never seen him like this."
"Like how?"
"Completely fucking in love. I like seeing the big cranky bastard happy. And I just wanted you to hear it from someone other than him. I also wanted to personally tell you that since I see how happy you make him, welcome. You are one of us now. If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, you just need to ask."
Whoa. I've got a seriously sexy, tatted-up biker welcoming me to his world with open arms, no questions asked.
This is real? Do clubs act like this? If I'm good enough for Whiskey, then I'm good enough for his brothers.
I was blown away by the reality of his confession.
"Charlie, are you all right?" Magnum asked cautiously.
"Uh, yeah. It's just so new to me to be welcomed so wholeheartedly. I've never felt so… shit, how do I explain it?" I thought a second. "Safe and protected. My ex—"
"Will pay," Whiskey said as he walked back up. "Sit on your anger and hatred and let that shit boil. I promise I'll help you get your revenge."
"Now that is the cranky fucker I remember," Magnum said.
He wasn't cranky with me, though. Was I seeing a different side of him?
"Here, babes, drink up. Let loose and be free tonight." He handed me my beer, and I drank it down in record time. Whiskey chuckled and turned to Magnum. "Mag, do me a solid and get me six more and bring them out on the deck."
I sat the empty bottle down and accepted another. "Thanks."
"No problem. Want to go outside?"
I just nodded and went to the deck. There wasn't a house close to us, which kind of surprised me.
"Thanks for bringing me here to unwind."
"Think nothing of it. Just enjoy yourself."
"I can't wait for my girls to get here. I'm ready to work with them and have fun before the tournament. "
"Charlie, we have a couple days yet before they arrive. Let's think about something else."
"Like what? I'm here to take home a championship." What in the hell is he talking about?
&
nbsp; "Really? You aren't good at flirting, are you?"
"What does my flirting ability, or lack thereof, have to do with anything?"
"So innocent. How could he be so fucking stupid? He had a rare find, a precious gem, and he pissed it away."
"Connect the dots for me."
He took off his shirt as he slowly made his way to me. He put his arms around my waist and joined his hands at the small of my back. "Why don’t we think about fun. Let's think about figuring us out. Let's just forget about everything except us."
Just as he was leaning down to kiss me, we heard, "Dude, you want me to leave so you can finish what you started in the car? It seems like it’s a priority."
As bad as I wanted my hands on his abs, I wanted to get to know Magnum too. "No, Magnum, waiting is half the fun." I winked and playfully pushed Whiskey away.
"I'll remember that." He smiled back. Damn it to hell; he was sexy… and bumpy… and did I mention he was sexy?
"I'm starving. What's for dinner?" I asked.
Magnum’s eyes grew as big as the plates we would eat from, and he said, "You say that like he’s going to know. As if he’s cooking."
"I assumed he was."
"This I gotta see to believe. This dude never cooked."
"Things changed, times changed, so drop it. Charlie, I can grill out tonight. You want steak or chicken?" Whiskey asked.
"Steak is fine. Can I help you with something?
"Charlie, what I want you to help with can't be handled right now. I'll take you up on that later."
I watched as his strong back rippled with his movement as his jean-clad ass walked back inside to get dinner.
"Charlie, I'm not sure what you’ve done but thank you. He never used to cook or be as attentive to his women. I believe you’ve tamed the beast.” Magnum turned up his beer and walked to the edge of the deck with me. "So, tell me about you, Char."
Rage and anger pumped through my veins. Memories of hearing “Char, do this,” “Char, do that,” and “You should have listened to me, Char” came flooding back, and l lost my shit. I looked at him so hard that I could’ve bored a hole through his forehead. I stabbed my finger into his pec so hard he stumbled backward. "If you ever call me ‘Char’ again, I'll see to it that you don't walk or ride anything or anyone for a few days. Do you understand me?"
