A Ride or Die Kind of Love

by Chelsea Camaron

  Escalating voices caused me to turn my attention to Maddie, who had her finger in the face of another girl. “You know better than to have your trashy ass in here,” she yelled. That was the last thing said before the fight erupted. Several other women in red and gray were there too, standing behind the woman and cheering her on. My instincts kicked in and I ran closer. Someone grabbed my arm and I whirled around to see the cold eyes of the man from the pool table staring into mine. He had greasy black hair, small beady eyes, and looked like he was drunk or strung out on drugs.

  “Well hello, sleeping beauty,” he said to me. I jerked my arm from him and surprisingly, he let me go. I turned around and found myself in the middle of the fight. I looked over to see that all of the ladies from the club were involved in some way. Some were separating women who were fighting and some were fighting themselves. I had never seen anything like it. These grown women were literally fist fighting like teenagers. I looked down to see that two women had jumped on Maddie and she was doing her best to fight them off. I was sure that she deserved it in some way, but a fair fight was a fair fight. Besides, Red said she was a part of the club and my job was to help if any of my family was in need.

  Putting my hatred for Maddie in the back of my mind, I allowed my fighting skills from my high school and college days to resurface, and leaned down to pull one of the girls off of her. She swung her arm around, with absolutely no aim and I dodged it with ease and planted a blow to her face with my right hand and quickly followed with one from the left. By the time she retaliated, I was in full fight mode and she didn’t stand a chance. I had always been told that I was a good fighter. My record was 13-2, not that I was keeping count. I hit the girl, who was about my size, on the tip of her nose, and I knew she was down for the count. Blood gushed from her nostrils and she was too busy holding her face to see the punch coming that put her on her ass. I looked down and saw Maddie getting pummeled by a girl with a roll of quarters balled up in her fist.

  These bitches fight dirty. Well, two could play at that game. I gave the girl a swift kick to the ribs, allowing Maddie enough time to recover from her fetal position to rein blows on top of the girl’s head. I was grabbed and lifted into the air as the guys came in from outside and broke up the fight. Within seconds of Luke barking orders, the fighting ceased and everyone was standing around looking at one another. The bar was silent as he walked over to the woman lying on the floor and pulled her to her feet.

  “What the fuck are you doing here, wearing this shit?” Luke asked her and pulled on her vest.

  “Frankie sent me. He has a message for you,” she responded trying to sound tough, but I could tell that she was intimidated by Luke. Hell, who wouldn’t be?

  “Oh yeah? Well, you tell Frankie that if he has something to say to me then he knows where I am, and not to send bitches to do his dirty work. Now, you get the fuck out of my town and it would be in your best interest to burn this shit. If you ever flash those colors in my presence again, I’ll cut them off of you myself.” The coldness in Luke’s tone had me shivering. He was a force to be reckoned with and everyone in this bar knew it. He looked down at the girl like she was nothing. Like a scolded child, she hung her head, and along with the four other women, she left the bar.

  “Everybody whole?” Luke asked the room, his eyes finding mine, giving me a once over, then walking up to Maddie. Luke put his hands on either side of her face, moving her head as if to look her over. “You good?” he asked her.

  “Yeah. I’m good.” Luke let her go and she glared at me, spitting blood onto the floor. Why was she so pissed at me? I just saved her ass.

  “We’re out, bill me,” Luke announced to the bartender, but made it loud enough for everyone to hear. No one dared to utter a word until we were outside.

  All of the women seemed to know their place and what not to say. Apparently when Luke was in a pissy mood, everyone knew to stay out of his path. Red shot me a wink and a smirk, and although the other women tried to hide it from the men, I could see satisfaction and approval on their faces.

  Luke had hardly looked at me since the scene unfolded, but when I went to put on my helmet, he grabbed it from my hands and stared at me. I could see the concern behind the fury in his eyes.

  “You okay, babe?” he whispered. Scared that I would say the wrong thing, I just nodded my head. He shot me a look of warning and I quickly remembered his rule.

  “Yes, I am okay.” My lips parted and my breath quickened at the thought of a lovely punishment fuck. How did he do this to me? He was obviously on to what I was thinking about because that damn smirk was on his face, again. It relaxed me a little. At least he wasn’t mad. He put my helmet on then kissed my swollen, bruised knuckles and I climbed on the bike behind him. I noted that everyone else was seated on their bikes and ready to go, but no one cranked their motorcycle until Luke did. We pulled out onto the highway and I wrapped my arms around Luke. We were going fast, like really fast, and the motorcycles behind and beside us were only inches away. I looked to my right and Luci B was watching me intently. She gave me a reassuring smile and I waved at her; only realizing how stupid it looked after I did it. Riding so close to everyone made me nervous. I looked in Luke’s rearview mirror and could see the pack behind us. The synchronization was amazing. When one moved, they all moved.

  By the time we got to Luke’s, I needed a stiff drink. I followed Luke and the others into the clubhouse. The window that had been broken was now repaired. Luke led me to the bar and swiftly kissed my cheek before going behind it and pouring us a drink. It was a shot of some kind of liquor, but my nerves were strung so tight that I didn’t question it as I through it back and let the burn soothe me. Luke gave me a wink, walked around the bar, and then unlocked the door to the room with the large table. The guys, without having to be told, walked in behind him; the last one closing the door. I noticed one of the PROSPECTS stood guard outside of it and the others fell in behind the bar, making drinks and busying themselves. “Why are they not in there?” I asked Red, who had taken a seat next to me.

  “Only patch members sit at the table and they have not reached that phase yet. They have to prospect for a minimum of one year before they are even considered for a cut.” Wow. A whole year and even then, they may not make it.

  “Why do they do that?” I asked, turning in my chair to look at her.

  She laughed lightly. “Ask them.” I had a sense that this was some sort of test or challenge.

  “Can I do that?”

  “What? Ask them a question?” There was a mischievous glint in her eyes and I knew that unless I found out myself, I would never know.

  “Excuse me,” I said to the PROSPECT standing behind the bar. He looked to be in his mid-twenties and had an attractive face with big green eyes that were framed with dark eye lashes.

  “Yes, ma’am?”

  “Why would you want to prospect for a year for a club, when you’re not even sure you will get in?”

  His answer came almost immediately, as if it was as natural as breathing. “For the brotherhood, ma’am.”

  I looked at him expectantly, hoping he would elaborate. When he didn’t, I decided to push further. “What does that mean exactly?” He had my full attention. I was expecting him to say something about getting women or how bad-ass his cut would look, if and when he got it, but he surprised me.

  “Ma’am, in the real world there is no such thing as loyalty. I have been betrayed by my friends and even my own family, but with this club, I never have to second guess my potential brothers. I’m willing to take a year of my life to work hard and prove my loyalty to the club, so that one day, hopefully, I will have the honor of wearing a Devil’s Renegades patch and ensuring a lifelong brotherhood with some of the most honest, honorable and respectable people that I have ever met. Don’t you think that’s worth it, ma’am?”

  I was shocked. His last statement hit home with me. I knew he was not trying to be a smart-ass, even though it kind of soun
ded that way. Did I think it was worth it? I knew it was worth it. I had seen the way these guys were with each other and it amazed me. This life was not for everyone, but for PROSPECT MARTY, it most definitely was. I could relate, because it was worth it for me, too. “Yes, Marty, I do.” I smiled at him and he smiled back, passing me another shot.

  “Excuse me, ma’am.” He turned and headed to the other end of the bar, checking on the ladies and making sure there was nothing that they needed.

  “Such manners he has,” I said to Red, who was eyeing me. “Rule number one, be respectful. When the guys are prospecting, they are walking on thin ice. Some of the things they do may seem a little overboard but the meaning for it is there. There is not a man in that room who did not go through the same thing.”

  “What’s the meaning?” I asked.

  “The greatest thing a man possesses is his pride. That is not something that is easily given up. If a man is willing to swallow his pride for the club, that is a true sign of loyalty. Women will come and go. Material items can be replaced, but pride is something in your soul, something a real man cannot live without. So, when these guys have to lower themselves to waiting on grown men hand and foot and doing things that belittle them; their pride is taken. But, respect is earned in its place.” Red seemed to be in deep thought over what she just said. I could tell she was struggling with something. I decided to drop the subject and move to another more important one.

  “Why did you need Luke to stay with me last night?”

  “It was not safe here,” Red said to me as if the answer was obvious.

  “Well, I know that, but Luke is a big boy.”

  “Well that ‘big boy’s’ safety is the most important thing right now. He was safer with you than he was on his bike alone and vulnerable trying to come back here.”

  Alone and vulnerable? Was someone after Luke? “I don’t understand. Why would anyone want to hurt Luke?”

  Red laughed, “You’d be surprised.” That was her only answer. She took a draw from her beer and turned to me, curiosity consumed her expression.

  “What did you say to him to make him stay?” That awful feeling I had in my gut resurfaced. I didn’t want to relive what I did last night. Lying to Luke was one of the hardest things that I had ever done. I felt like shit for making him choose between me and the club, and I was ashamed at the feeling of satisfaction I got when he chose me.

  “It was bad. Let’s just leave it at that.” I couldn’t look at her. She nudged my shoulder and placed her hand over mine.

  “Hey, look at me.” I turned to meet her serious gaze. “You did the right thing, Dallas. Thank you. And speaking of doing the right thing…,” Red said raising her voice. The chatter died down and Red walked behind the bar, grabbing a bottle of tequila and lining up a row of shot glasses. She filled them and everyone grabbed one and turned to me.

  “To Dallas, for standing up and taking care of business when business needed taking care of. I am proud to call you my sister.”

  “To Dallas!” The ladies all said in unison and through back the shot in my honor. Red was already refilling glasses. Luke was going to have to carry me inside at this rate. I forced the drink down my throat and looked up into the eyes of the ladies standing before me. I wasn’t sure if they wanted a speech or a thank-you or what, but I was glad I had already had several shots of liquid encouragement and my voice came out smooth and strong.

  “It is an honor to be a part of this family. Thank you for welcoming me with open arms; to love, loyalty and respect.” I raised my now full shot glass to the women and once again, as if they had rehearsed this a million times, they chanted in unison. “Love, loyalty and respect.”

  I took the drink easily this time and looked over my shoulder to see Luke and all the guys standing behind us. Luke had a very pleased smirk on his face and it seemed the others were pretty happy, too. I figured a happy Luke meant a happy club. He sauntered over to me and once again, we were the only two in the room. I wanted him to kiss me. I could feel his mouth on me everywhere and my breath was ragged and shallow.

  “You seem to have made some friends,” Luke said smiling down at me, but not touching me. I almost whined as I shifted, trying to draw his attention to my body. He leaned down and whispered in my ear, never letting his body touch mine. “You will have to wait, baby. We have a house full of company.” A groan escaped my lips before I could catch it and his amused expression didn’t sway me in the least.

  “Fuck the company.”

  He through his head back and laughed, “Not much longer, baby, I promise.”

  I suddenly remembered my trip tomorrow and the realization must have been all over my face because his expression turned to one of concern.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Nothing, I am just wishing that I didn’t have to work tomorrow.” I wasn’t sure why I hadn’t come out and told him about my trip, but it made me feel somewhat rebellious and I liked that. He smiled at me, the worry gone from his eyes.

  “Well, we still have the night. Stay with me?” Like he had to ask.

  Chapter 16

  It was after midnight before everyone left. I was exhausted and knew I had a long drive ahead of me, but when Luke pulled me into his arms; sleep became the last thing on my mind.

  “Take off tomorrow. I’ll take you to the beach.” I pulled back to look at him. He was smiling so big that his cheeks must have been hurting. I was tempted to say yes. The beach with Luke would be incredible, a whole day of seeing him completely shirtless.

  “I have to go to Tupelo tomorrow,” I said pouting.

  “Tupelo? For how long?” he asked incredulously. My eyes looked everywhere but at him. Why did I suddenly feel like I had done something wrong? “When were you going to tell me, Dallas?” He asked in a stern voice.

  “I didn’t know until Sunday and with everything going on, I didn’t want to bother you.” He dropped his arms from around me and stalked into the bedroom. Did he seriously want a fight? “Luke!” I called, stalking after him. “What the hell is wrong?”

  “Nothing,” he stated, not looking at me.

  “Something is wrong.” He was undressing to get in the shower and the fight went out of me as I stood there watching. He had his back to me and I watched as his muscles flexed when he took his shirt off. He was completely naked when he turned around and finally spoke.

  “Get undressed.” I was slightly taken aback by what he said. I stood there in shock, not sure what to do. Luke walked slowly towards me. The darkness in his stare was so intense that I had to look away. When he was only inches from my face, he stopped. I could tell that he was mad, but was trying to control it. “You belong to me. When you decide to just up and leave the city, I need to know about it.” I wanted to slap him and tell him that I belonged to no one, but when I opened my mouth, he silenced me with just a look. “Raise your arms up, Dallas.” He spoke with authority in his voice, but so softly that I had almost asked him to repeat it. I raised my arms and he pulled my shirt over my head and then unclasped my bra. He grabbed my belt loops on the front of my jeans and pulled me up against him. Luke was pissed. I remembered seeing him this way only twice before. Once at my house and the last was when I left him at the bar. This could go either way and I knew it. I was scared to death even as a thrill of excitement coursed through my veins.

  “A man broke into my house yesterday. He came into my bedroom and touched the face of the girl that I love. Yesterday, she was so beside herself that she could not be alone. Today, it’s as if nothing happened. Then, this incredibly frustrating woman plans a trip, out of town, and somehow forgets to tell me about it. Now, I am not sure what the fuck is in her head, but I can assure you that within a matter of minutes she will think twice before she ever does that bullshit again.”

  His voice was full of malice, his eyes like stone and I had never wanted him more. I raised my arms around his neck to bring his face down to mine. I kissed him hard, pulling the back of his head do
wn to me and letting my tongue invade his mouth. I could tell that he was torn, but when he groaned into my mouth, I knew I had him. He pulled back from me and viciously ripped my pants off. He was like a predator and I, the prey. I didn’t care that he had just ripped the buttons from a pair of my favorite jeans, or that I was probably not going to be able to walk tomorrow. At that moment, all I wanted was him. He grabbed me around my waist and lifted me onto the counter.

  “I love you so much. I don’t know what I would do if anything happened to you.” His confession came out like a strangled groan. I could tell that he was in pain and worried-about me. It seemed that sex was his release and I wanted him to know that we were okay. I wanted him to know that I was okay and that I was sorry. We couldn’t get enough of each other. Our kisses were not enough and even though our hands wandered freely over each other’s bodies, I knew we wouldn’t be satisfied until he was inside me. He wrapped my legs around his waist and in one swift movement was inside me. I cried out from the harshness of it as he covered my mouth with his. Luke’s arms were resilient and he lifted me with ease, pushing in and out of me.

  “Stop. It’s too much,” I moaned between kisses, but it was not too much. It was just enough. He slammed into me harder and a whimper escaped my lips.

  “You can take it, baby. This is what you want, what you need and most definitely, what you deserve.” His voice was softer this time, hypnotizing. Luke knew my body better than I did and just as he promised; the feeling was phenomenal. I could feel myself building and I threw my head back, allowing Luke to take full advantage of my throat. “Tell me whose pussy this is, Dallas,” he growled into my ear.