by James Cox
That was fucking disturbing.
“The plan is to have Justice and ten of his men hide out in the construction areas. The women—”
“Amazons,” Lily interrupted.
“Excuse me?”
“We’re the Amazon MC.”
I chuckled and a few heads turned toward me. “The story of the amazons from Earth.” Blank stares. “Our parents used to read it to us.” Nothing. “They were women that formed a group and used men. They fought, they fucked, and they ruled their own land.” I frowned. They were looking at me like I’d suddenly grown a pussy and was flashing them. “Fuck you all.”
Romeo laughed.
Outlaw hid his smile somewhat by clearing his throat. “Fine. Amazons. We need three of you to go into that pipe. It’s too small for most of us.”
I didn’t like that plan. “They’d be on their own.”
Outlaw glanced at me. “Can I finish?” His tone wasn’t exactly flexible.
I grunted. That was the closest he wasn’t going to get to an answer.
“Three of them head in. I’m going have Tage and one man go in the front door to act as buyers.”
“No.” The word burst from lips before I could think about it.
Outlaw glared at me. “You wanna make the fucking plans then? Let me guess, go in there shooting.”
I growled and stood up.
“Sit the fuck down, Deviant. I am your damn president.”
“And you’re putting the two people I love in harm’s way.” Oh, fuck. I instantly lost my temper. Had I really said that aloud?
Outlaw looked taken aback.
I didn’t dare look at Tage. “I meant, you’re putting people in harm’s way that aren’t trained for this.” Yeah, yeah that’s exactly what I fucking meant. “If we go in...”
“They’ll start shooting.” He placed his hands on the table. “So, the women go in through the pipe. Two men go in pretending to be buying. Tage looks the fucking part. He plants two of Mayhem’s bombs. They get out. We blow the bombs so that there’s two holes in the walls. The wom...Amazon’s get into the basement freeing the women and take them out through those holes. Justice goes through the back door, we go through the front door. We shot them to fucking hell as the women flee. There will be a bus waiting on both roads. The get in, drive off. We back out. On the way we set off two more bombs on the north east side so the attention is diverted there and we all get away.”
I sat back in my chair. It was a good fucking plan. Except Lily was in the basement, Tage was risking his life, and I wouldn’t be close enough to save either one.
“Any comments?” Outlaw asked looking at me. “Concerns?” He glanced around the room. “Good. Justice and the women don’t need an alibi. Tage and whomever he’s with will go across the street to the bar. Make sure lots of people see you so your asses are covered.”
I wanted to be the only one covering his damn ass.
“We’re going to leave Prospect here and Whip to monitor the peacekeepers chatter. When it’s all done. The women go with Justice, we can transfer them to Tage later. We come back here and work the bar like we’ve been here all night.”
I crossed my arms over my chest.
“That’s the plan, alibis, and general chaos we are about to set in fucking motion.” He turned off the holograph. “Agreed?”
Lily and Serra nodded.
“Good. Now, ladies, and Tage can you excuse us for a moment?”
They left. I watched Tage go and that lump in my throat formed again. The door closed and the sound had an echo effect in the room.
“What the fuck was that?” Outlaw erupted. “You never say more than two fucking words at church and those are usually grunts. Suddenly you’re...” he paused.
Romeo laughed. “Deviant’s got a hard-on for the pretty boy.”
I stared at him and his mirth faded.
“We have another matter.” Outlaw changed the subject. “We’re voting in a new prospect. Torrin has been a friend to the club for a while. He spent some time in holding for us during that fight that gave us an alibi for the auction house explosion.” He paused and flinched. Probably because that reminded him of Lover. The man that was on Earth waiting for us to take down the government. Outlaw’s soul mate. “He wants in. Prospect, yay or nay?”
There was a round of yays and I just nodded. I didn’t know this new guy well enough to vote, but I had to say something. It pissed me the fuck off. Shit, everything was making me angry.
“Good. He’s in. Mayhem give him his prospect cut.”
The big man sucking on his cigar nodded.
“Now get out a minute. Be nice to our guests.” He looked at Romeo. “Keep your clothes on.”
Roman grinned. “Yes, Mr. President.”
Outlaw waited for them to leave then closed the door. He rested his hand on it. “I understand about not wanting Lily to go but...It’s Tage you’re upset about too?”
I kept silent, but my arms crossed over my chest.
“Deviant, listen to me. We need Tage. Now is not the time to be playing around. He’s not the kind of man to just have sex and move on. He’s not even your type. ”
“I fucking know that.”
Outlaw paused as if he had some kind of epiphany. “You like him.”
“He’s got a nice dick,” I muttered.
“Jesus fucking Christ.” Outlaw drew his hand over his face. In that moment, he looked tired. No, exhausted. “You love him.”
I stood, pushing the chair against the wall.
“You are falling in love with him.” Outlaw shook his head and sat down. “Are you falling for him because he saved Lily or because you really love him?”
“I don’t fucking know.” I didn’t but the thought that I liked Tage more than a simple fuck actually scared the shit out of me.
Outlaw pinched the bridge of his nose. “Why does everything get so damn complicated?”
I wasn’t sure if he was talking to me so I just stood there looking angry.
“I’ll put Grim with Tage okay? The man is deadly but can keep his cool.”
I nodded and swallowed hard. “Thanks.” It was a pitiful thank you. Grunted almost.
Outlaw took a deep breath and laid his head back. “Be sure, Deviant. If he loves you and you don’t love him back...it can tear at a man’s chest like a damn bullet.” He scratched at his chest then stood. “Take them all home. We’re starting this plan at sundown.”
I nodded and left the chapel.
****
There were only three women good enough to do the job; Serra, Lily, and a big-titted redhead name Lora. I kissed Lily on the cheek then the forehead and squeezed her tight enough to hurt. “If bullets start flying get your ass out of there.”
“What about you?” Her voice had a whine to it.
“I’m a big fucking boy.”
She frowned, looking up at me with that same expression as when we were kids. “Stop cursing.”
“Stop asking stupid questions.” And for good measure I added, “Fuck.”
Lily snorted and then shook her head. “I’ll do my part and leave. But if you get yourself killed...” Her voice broke.
“I’ll be fine.” I kissed her forehead again. “Go.” I watched as she joined the other women in the hover car. Mayhem was driving them to their spot until it was time. Justice’s men weren’t getting into place until the sun went down. Tage had to start the ball rolling. I was standing outside the clubhouse. I was waiting for him and Grim to come out. Tage looked better in the black on white suit. It hugged his lean body and made my dick start doing sprints of growth in my jeans. Grim gave me a nod then headed to Tage’s expensive car.
“Hello.” Tage smiled at me. The grin was so big, too big.
“You ready for this shit?”
His smile fell. “Of course.”
“If you think for a second they don’t believe you, get out.”
“I know.” He frowned. “I can do this.”
�
��If something goes wrong, use Grim. He’s good. He’ll keep you safe.” I blew out a breath. Damn, this was fucking hard. This is why I had a type, fuck ’em and leave ’em. This worrying shit was exhausting.
“I’m going to be fine. And...and I enjoy the fact that you’re so concerned about my wellbeing.”
I grunted.
Tage placed his lips on my cheek and then walked toward Grim.
I kept watching, pushing down the dread that rose up from my gut. This better not be the last fucking time I saw him alive. I don’t know who I was threatening. It was some universal fucking warning to anyone that was listening. If Tage died, I knew nothing would stop me from burning this fucking city to the ground and probably with me it.
Chapter Nine
I hadn’t seen Tage enter the breeding house but arrived after. The building was gray, two stories, but the top was still being remodeled. There were only two windows on this side, a large square door of glass and two guards. I watched those armed men from the darkness. My hands kept flexing around the gun I held and my toes curled in my boots. I wanted Tage out of there. I trusted Grim to keep him safe, but an alarm that something might go wrong was ever present. We had confirmation that the women were in the pipe, Justice was ready. The buses were on either side of the building idling, Justice had two of his men driving them. I knew we were prepared, but I was still anxious. Usually I’m eager during a mission but this time it was making me queasy.
“You’re making me fucking nervous.”
I glanced at Outlaw, who was squatting next to me.
“Either control yourself or put the gun down and then fidget.”
I grunted, then stared back at the front door. The sun was almost completely gone. Shadows were growing, forming large dark spots. It was the perfect time to hit, but we had to wait for Tage and Grim. I started jerking my leg back and forth, bobbing because I couldn’t pace. My eyes scanned from left to right then back to the door. Where the hell were they? I adjusted the dark mask on my face. We were all in black clothes with our tech masks on to jam signals in the area. Our bikes were stashed in several shadowed areas. “What the fuck is taking so long?” I grumbled.
There. The front door opened. The two guards stiffened then relaxed.
I let out a slow breath. It was Tage and Grim. They were talking, it almost looked like they were arguing and playing it up for anyone listening. I watched closely as they fumbled down the set of stairs to the street then Grim pulled out a ring, one of Whip’s pieces. He placed it on his finger and wiggled it so the light caught on the light overhead. That was our signal that everything went according to plan. Grim held the thick cylinder between his fingers and they started to cross the flat, red street.
“See.” Outlaw winked at me.
Yeah. He was right. Tage was okay.
“Now, let’s go kick some ass.”
I couldn’t fucking agree more. We all hunkered down and waited. As soon as Grim and Tage entered the bar they’d hit the button. Any second this street would be rocked by two loud explosions. I inhaled, exhaled, held my gun tighter. I inhaled, exhaled, shifted so I could pop up and start shooting. I inhaled and exhaled...
The first bomb went off. The ground under me vibrated. Buildings quivered, some construction equipment fell, and debris flew into the street. A few people were screaming, running. I popped my head up. Outlaw fired at the guards and struck one. I caught the other in the leg and then in the head. The dust began to settle and we stood up. That’s when the second detonation went off. I couldn’t see it, but I felt it under my feet and the impressive bang made my ears pop. Outlaw and Mayhem started across the road. I followed, checking both directions to see if anyone was going to play hero. Behind me was Romeo, Chaos, and Beau. The three of them were watching our backs.
Outlaw ran up the steps, Mayhem close on his heels.
Shots rang out from around the building. I pushed away from my post and stopped myself before I went toward my sister. I had to trust her skill. She would be okay. Besides they were more likely to fire on us then a woman. Fucking idiots. Now we had to give them time. I ran up the stairs, more gunshots going off. A laser blast flew over my head that was a bright white color and hot sparks left in its wake. Damn, somebody had some fancy toys.
I used the door as cover, catching sight of Outlaw and Mayhem. They were firing, but their angle was wrong. I pulled the knife out of my boot, aimed, and threw it. It struck the first guard in the head. With his finger on the trigger, he fell, shooting. That took out the five guys in our way.
I turned, making sure our backs were safe. That’s when I saw a group of naked women running out the hole we blew in the wall. They moved quickly, quietly, very fucking efficiently to the bus that had its engine going.
More laser shots rang out on Justice’s side. There was some yelling. Outlaw was inching closer, further into the building. Mayhem was planting more bombs. I was watching the three doors that might suddenly spring to life. Nothing moved. Mayhem shifted back to his position and so did Outlaw. We waited, anxious. Two guards came running through the right set of doors. Mayhem fired, taking them both down.
I glanced back at the hole. Two women with masks came out helping pregnant women. They were all shuffled on the bus and it rolled away from the scene. “Our side clear,” I yelled.
Outlaw held his ground. “Any word from Underground?”
I glanced at Romeo, who was at the edge of the building. He shook his head.
“Nothing yet,” I said and added a “fuck” for good measure. It made me think of my sister. That lump in my throat formed again.
“Deviant, get over there, see what’s going on,” Outlaw yelled. Two more guards came from the left room. It must lead to another part of the building.
Mayhem fired as I backed out, jumped over the railing, and landed heavy on my feet. It took less time with my leg span to run the line of the building. I stopped at the edge, peeking over. Justice and three men were watching the door. Women were rushing out into the bus. I saw a masked woman helping them. Was that Lily? I didn’t fucking know. Damn it. I rushed forward. “Come on. Move your ass!” I yelled harshly. I picked up a pregnant lady who looked about ready to blow. She squeaked as I held her in my arms and ran to the bus. I dropped her off on the first step and turned around. Three more were left.
Gunshots went off. I leaped forward, knocking into all three of them and nearly crushing them into the ground. Thankfully, not of them looked to be carrying a child. My gun was out, but Justice was already firing. “Get them the fuck out of here.” The mask made my threats harder to hear. I lifted myself up, pushing at their backs until all three were on the bus. Then it pulled away. I jogged back to the edge of the building and gave Romeo a thumbs-up. Justice started backing out. I ran the length of the wall and went with my club. We all took long strides to get to our bikes. Another explosion went off, smaller, in the heart of the building. More screams erupted from the neighborhood. I heard the cracking of the wall as I pulled my bike out of the shadows.
Two more huge booms went off on the other side of the street. That would be our diversion. I hopped on my bike, pressed the hover tech on. Outlaw rode first and Mayhem beside him. I waited for Chaos and Beau to take off then Romeo. I followed, staring back every couple of feet to make sure we were in the clear. It seemed like forever before the building was out of sight. We took a few turns. The smoke was still billowing high in the sky, filling the night with an acrid smell. I forced my bike faster, further from the danger. Further from Tage. He and Grim would be sitting in that bar, using it as an alibi for their innocence. I just hated leaving him behind.
We all made the right turns sharply, but we were on our street now. I rode my bike into the garage with the rest of my MC Brothers. We stripped off the masks and gloves and threw them in a secret compartment near the downstairs bar. One by one, we rushed up the stairs and set ourselves up in the bar. I was breathing heavily as I grabbed a glass of water and sat down at the far table. Prospe
ct and the new guy Torrin, who we dubbed Two, was there. There were three customers, friends of the club, who were sitting around. It looked like your average day at a bar. The music was low, the beat fast like the pounding in my chest. I heard the faint sounds of sirens and thought of Tage.
I was sipping water that was almost gone, heartbeat calm as the peacekeepers came in the bar. It was that fuckhead Day-Si. I growled and Romeo placed his foot on mine under the table. That got him a decidedly unfriendly look.
“Peacekeeper Daisy.” Outlaw wiped his hands on a towel and put some cut up fruit in a blender.
“Let me guess...” He pulled his hand through his brown hair. “Your boys were here all night.”
Outlaw smiled, but it was rough around the edge. “All but Grim. He’s checking out our competitions new drink over at Meeko’s place.”
“Well, ain’t that funny. We just had an explosion over there.”
“Is that so?” Outlaw stared at him pointedly.
“But I guess I’ll find him on camera, maybe having a fruit drink while that bomb went off.”
Outlaw just stared at him.
Day-Si looked around the room. His eyes stopped on me. “What about you, shithead? You been here all night too?”
Oh, I hoped he didn’t like his fucking nose where it was. I stood up. Romeo stepped in front of me. I didn’t push at him, but I stared right at Day-Si.
“If you’re going to patronize customers in my bar, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Outlaw said, stepping around the counter.
I squeezed my hands into fists, thinking about all the damage I could do to this guy. I could probably break his nose and his jaw before his partner got close enough to stop me. Day-Si looked around the bar then walked toward the door.
“One of these days I’m going outsmart you fuckers.”
I doubted that. We all just stayed silent. When they left, Romeo moved away from me and sat at the table sipping my water. Asshole. I plopped back down. “I want to fucking break every bone in that guy's body,” I muttered to no one in particular.
