I can appreciate that. I nod. “I can probably get you more to work on. All I’ve got now is he was married to Beth’s mom, Patsy, until about eighteen years ago. His son, Connor, now lives with him. Before he moved to Denver, he lived here in Pueblo.”
“Okay. When I’ve got a moment, I’ll see what I can dig up. Presumably you don’t know if he’s a Philip, and whether that has one or two Ls?”
I shrug which gives him the answer. But Cad’s found people on less, so I’ve no doubt about his abilities. If he’s there to be found, Cad will discover him.
“I’ve got to get through last night’s footage from all the cameras before I can start taking a look.”
Demon would have my hide if I took Cad away from his club work for no reason. “No hurry.” I don’t miss Cad’s thankful look as I leave him.
The rest of the day passes like any other Saturday when I’m not needed at the shop. I eat, watch some TV, then looking out at the weather regret it’s not a day to go for a ride on my bike. It’s a fucking shame I had to postpone teaching Beth to ride. I’m actually looking forward to seeing whether she can handle a bike.
Maybe it’s because I’m anticipating seeing Beth later that time seems to pass slowly. It’s only mid-afternoon when I see Wills and Sparky with their heads together. As I walk past heading for the kitchen to top up my caffeine levels, Sparky catches my eye.
“Wills had trouble at Tits Up last night. More of the same. Cad’s been staring at the screen all day, but the new cameras haven’t picked shit up. Think we need to widen where we’re looking.”
“Didn’t we have a team there?”
“Yeah, but only Judge and Bomber out front and out back. Obviously not in the right place, ‘cause shit was brought into the club.”
Mentally I go over the location of the strip club. There are alleys either side, and a dimly lit parking lot discreetly placed at the back. Another alley runs behind that. But I thought we had security shit set up so we could see all over. It would appear not.
“What’s behind it?” I ask to refresh my memory.
“The Jade Lion. The Chinese place. Cad’s asked for permission to set cameras up there, but they weren’t particularly cooperative.”
Hmm. Wonder what they get up to at night? Wouldn’t bother me what, if it wasn’t affecting us keeping our own businesses secure. “When does the Jade Lion shut?”
“Midnight.”
“Could be whoever it is has figured that out, and that’s where the dealing’s taking place.”
“That’s what I was thinking.” Sparky, our road captain who loves diagrams and maps, produces one now. He’s marked a number of crosses on it. He kicks out a chair and I sit my ass down, leaning in for a closer look. Tapping on the paper in front of him, he informs Wills and myself, “These are the locations we’ve not got eyes on right now. Close enough to be associated with the strip club, but not near enough to be in camera range.”
“Or,” Wills sits back with a frown, “they could be dealing inside.”
“Nah. Cad’s said cameras show nothing in the gents or the ladies come to that.”
I raise my eyebrow. “And just who’s checking that feed?”
“Pal and Cad.”
Pal’s got a woman, but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t have hormones. I chuckle, but Sparky says, “Cameras don’t cover the stalls.”
“Yeah, but it still gets interesting at times.” Wills winks. “Bitches adjusting their underwear. Or so Cad says.” He adds the latter fast, but I’ve got a sneaking suspicion he’s had himself a look.
Sparky’s letting me in on all this for a reason. “We’ve got to get those blind spots checked.”
“Yeah, most of us are going out later rather than just two or three. That way we can make sure everywhere is fuckin’ covered this time. You in?”
Seems like my plans for another fuck-session with Beth have just been put on hold as well as that conversation I was planning on having. Suppressing my personal regrets, I say without hesitation, “I’m in.” I’m sure she’ll understand. She’ll have to, if she wants to be an old lady.
Beth? An old lady? If she’s going to be anyone’s, it would have to be mine. Is that really the direction my thoughts are heading? I suppose that’s the logical conclusion of what I’ve been thinking.
Beth. My old lady. Well I’ll be damned if that doesn’t sit easy in my mind.
Perhaps I did get that bump on the head that Mace had suggested. Am I really thinking I’d be happy being tied down? No doubting how much my dick likes that woman in my bed, but take it to the next level?
But fuck it. I can’t get her out of my mind.
Should I ask Beef or Pyro? Is this how it started with them? Is this how they knew they’d found their one? Hell. Thing is, I know the answer without asking.
When you’ve tried fucking a woman out of your head and that didn’t work… When you wanted to wake up with her, not just today, but every day of your life... When she brings out every protective instinct you possess… When you fucked up and knew you’d never again make that mistake if you could only have another chance with her… If you were told you could only have one cunt to sink your cock into for the rest of your life and you would be quite happy as long as it was hers…. When you enjoy spending time with her talking, and her texts brighten your day… That’s when you know she’s going to be your old lady.
Me with an old lady?
What the devil’s gotten into me?
Thank fuck I’m out on a job tonight. Clearly we need time apart. I try to convince myself I don’t mind not seeing her.
I’m lying.
Beth’s like a devil who’s gotten under my skin, tempting me to sin. For the first time since I was patched in, I resent having to do my duty for my club. When we’re called in for a meeting to discuss tonight’s plans, I’m so annoyed I kick my chair over.
“What the fuck’s up with you, Leatherneck?”
“Fuck all,” I snarl at my brother and friend. “Leave it.”
Chapter Fifteen
Beth
“Is it serious between you and Ink then, if you’re going back tonight?”
When I left the gym, I didn’t bother to change thinking I’d sort myself out when I got home, so I’m still in my running gear and in desperate need of a shower. The fact Mom has hardly let me in through the door before starting her inquisition shows her eagerness to hear my response.
“It’s not serious, Mom,” I reassure her. “Despite Mel finding her happy-ever-after with Ro, bikers are men you use for fun.”
I’m lying.
Last night had been different, and while I was on the treadmill, I’d let my mind drift, trying to sort out how. I still couldn’t put my finger on it.
It had started off badly, but Ink had listened and had got my point when I’d come so close to walking out. I’d let him off with a pass this time, and something tells me he won’t behave like that again. He is trying, but whatever’s between us is new to him.
We’d had the same type of sex as we’d done before, Ink being his usual dominant self and me unable to resist him, but at times it had felt more like we’d been making love. There was never any question right from the start that I would spend the night, and for a long while after we’d used the last condom, he had just held me, and we’d talked. He’d even offered to spend the day here with me and Mom in case Connor put in an appearance.
Coupled with the texts we’d been exchanging all week, that doesn’t sound like the behaviour of a man who just wanted me for sex.
Would he run a mile if I told him I’d like us to date? To have a relationship, not just in bed, but out of it.
But what if he’s not in the same place? I’m already in deeper than I’d ever intended, and it won’t be easy to casually wave goodbye when Ink gets bored with our arrangement. Unless… it’s no longer a cold arrangement for him either.
Love?
Not sure I’m there yet, but the involvement of my heart is certai
nly not far over the horizon.
“I’ll be seeing him again, but don’t read much into it,” I warn her.
Mom opens her mouth to say more. Not wanting to hear parental words of wisdom for now, I pull my exercise tank top away from my armpit, sniff and wrinkle my nose, then seeing she’s got the message, run upstairs to jump into the shower.
As I stand under the hot water, my hands smooth over my breasts. They might not be huge, but Ink seems to like them. He seems to find me as perfect for him, as he is for me.
Maybe I’ve just chosen wrongly before, but my experience with men who are shorter hasn’t been good. They’ve felt the need to prove themselves, the worst one I’d left when he’d used his fists on me to make a point that despite my height he’d been physically stronger. Then there were a couple more who saw me as someone to support them, that my broad shoulders could take the weight of their worries. If I wanted a pet to take care of, I’d have gotten a dog or a cat.
Ink offers himself for me to lean on, and he’s definitely a take-charge man in bed which I’ve found I enjoy immensely. Even if my ass is still a little sore, I grin, as I reach around and massage my buttocks. He wouldn’t want me to sort his problems, instead, he’d take on mine as well as his.
He makes me feel cherished and cared for. That’s why I need to shield my heart. Ink made it clear this is only a temporary arrangement, and nothing he’s said has hinted otherwise. If I read too much into his actions when he’s made no other promises, I’ll end up getting hurt. Which would be my fault for overstepping the boundaries.
I rinse my hair, thinking how hard it is for me to put myself out there. I’ve had enough hurt and disappointment to be wary, and my natural inclination is to hide in my shell. The only men I meet are friends of friends or people I meet through work. I could never use an app like Tinder. My shyness at odds with my looks, it isn’t what most people expect.
Mel knows me though, that’s why she was surprised I went after Ink. Sure, I’d been bolstered by alcohol, but when I’d seen him that day it was as if I’d been possessed by a devil telling me I couldn’t let this one escape, not without at least making an attempt to get him to notice me. Just for sex? Well, that would be worth something on its own. Something more?
Ink had immediately knocked that idea on its head, but I found I was happy to stay for scraps, even if the full meal was beyond my reach. But now, it would seem, I’m developing a hunger for more. But I worry the cost of that dinner is way out of pocket.
As I dry myself off after the shower, I muse what would have happened if Ink had turned me down. Could I have actually gone with another biker?
No, I hadn’t been that desperate. I’d taken a calculated risk coming on to Mace. If it hadn’t had gotten Ink riled, I’d have backed out soon as I could. Luckily, my gamble had worked.
Though, I grin, as my mind circles back to the behaviour of the town girls last night, I doubt any of the bikers would have been a disappointment in the sack. Something about these rough tough men keeps the girls coming around. Coming, obviously, I give a childish giggle to myself at the double entendre as I sort out some fresh clothes.
“Bethany? Want some lunch?” a voice floats up the stairs.
“Sure, Mom,” I call back.
I go down, help her make some sandwiches. Give her a side-eye look when she tries to bring Ink into the conversation again, which gets her changing the subject.
“I’ve come up with some new designs I’d like you to look at.”
“Yeah?”
“I’d like a picture of you wearing those pants and shirt I did last week. Would you mind modelling again?”
The business mom is just starting up is designing clothes for taller teenagers and women, ones which actually fit. She’s had a lot of interest on her Instagram page.
“No, of course not.” As long as I can turn my head, or the picture just shows me from the neck down. I hate having my face on photos.
The afternoon passes like any other Saturday, and to my relief Connor doesn’t make an appearance. I do start getting fidgety, anticipating seeing Ink again later. Surely the fact he wants to see me again so soon means something?
When my phone rings I stand and leave my mother alone.
“Missing me already?”
“Huh,” he laughs. “Not yet. But babe, gotta tell you, I’m really sorry, but I need to reschedule. I can’t make tonight, something’s come up.”
“Reschedule, You can’t, huh? And what’s come up, has she got a name?”
“There’s no bitch involved, babe. Trust me.” His chuckle shows he knows I was joking. “Just need to do something for the club.”
Mel’s learned to accept Pyro disappearing at odd hours with no explanation, I suspect I’m going to have to learn to do the same if my relationship continues with Ink. “Is this club business?”
“You got it, doll.” He’s quiet for a second before adding, “But how about I make it up to you tomorrow? Storm’s moved off now, it’s already warmer. Forecast is dry with sun for tomorrow. How about that first ride?”
“That sounds really good, Ink. I’d love that.”
“Okay. I’ll call you in the morning. Might have to wrestle Beaver’s keys off him first. Oh, and if you’re worried about leaving your mom alone, bring her with you. I’m sure she and Jeannie would hit it off, and she already knows Mel.”
I’d giggled when he’d mentioned Beaver and the key to his bike, but my eyes had gone wide when he’d talked about Mom. What fuck buddy thinks of his partner’s mother?
“I’ll talk to her,” I tell him.
“I’ll be in touch tomorrow. Take care, babe.”
“You too, Ink.”
“Me? Come to a motorcycle club?” Mom’s eyes twinkle when I tell her, and she nudges me in the ribs. “There were a couple of older bikers I noticed at Mel’s wedding.”
“Mom!” I stare aghast at her. “Hellfire and Bomber are taken.”
“What about the redheaded man? He was quite striking.”
“Rusty?” I roll my eyes. “Mother! I am reconsidering this if you’re going to make a play for your own biker. If Rusty hasn’t taken a woman in all his life, what makes you think he’d start now?”
She nudges me again. “He obviously hasn’t found the right woman as yet.”
I’m speechless.
She laughs loudly. “Just messing with you, Beth. Anyway, I’m fine staying here. Connor probably won’t even turn up.”
While I’m having doubt about the wisdom of Mom coming to the compound, I’m also against her staying here on her own.
“Come on, let’s watch a movie if you’re not going out with your man.”
We do. Mom, as usual, goes to bed fairly early. When she does, I turn off the lights and go to read in my room.
I miss Ink.
Sitting cross-legged on my bed, I stare down at the phone lying on the comforter, wondering whether I could text him. But I don’t know what he’s up to tonight, maybe it’s not right to disturb him.
My finger is actually hovering over Ink’s name when the phone rings making me jump.
“Yo,” I answer evenly, trying to hide how overjoyed I am that Ink’s called.
“Beth?”
It’s not Ink. “Yup. What d’ya want, Connor?” Nothing good, I muse, not at this time of night. “You coming to see us again?”
“I can’t.” His voice sounds croaky.
“You ill?” I ask, suddenly feeling sympathetic. He is my brother even though I may not agree with the choices he’s made in his life.
“I’m hurt, Beth.”
Oh my God. No. I sit up straight. “Hurt? How? Have you been in an accident?”
There’s a pause, then, “Beth, I need help.”
I grip the phone tighter. “What do you need?” He’s my baby brother. I might not think much of the man he’s grown into, but I was his protector while we’d been growing up. If he was bullied, I’d step in to help. My immediate reaction to offer assista
nce is automatic.
“Be certain, Beth, I’ve no one else to ask. It’s a matter of life or death.”
What? He must be being overdramatic. “Whose life, whose death?” I ask fast. “What the hell’s going on, Con?”
“They’ve hurt me and threatened worse if I don’t do as they say.” His voice certainly sounds rough.
“Oh my God,” I exclaim. “What? Who’s they? Why? Have you told the police? Do you want me to call them? Where are you, Connor?”
“No cops, Beth,” he croaks urgently. “Promise, no cops. They’ll kill me if I get the law involved.”
Kill him? “Con, you’re sounding like someone out of a movie. What the hell is going on?” I wouldn’t have believed him for a moment, except for one thing—his connection with our father who is very bad news.
“Promise, Beth. Promise you’ll keep this between you and me. You can’t tell Mom, or that man of yours. Promise me. You tell anyone else, I’m dead, I swear. Sis, I need you to promise. If you want to see me again, you’ve got to give me your word.”
Nothing he’s saying is making me feel any easier. I might not have had much to do with him lately, but there’s a sincerity in his voice, an underlying fear that warns me the situation is serious. A cold lump has settled in my gut. “What help do you need, and what can I do? You say you’re hurt? How badly? Where are you? Should I come to you? Should I ask Phil to help?” I never call my dad by a more familiar title.
“No, no and no,” Connor says fast. “I don’t want him involved. I got into this, I’ll get out of it. Look, I’ve got broken ribs, cuts, bruises, but I’m alive. I need your help to stay that way.”
I’ve gasped as he’s run through his injuries. He’s my brother. What can I say? “Christ, Con. Surely it’s best…” But there are probably reasons he can’t involve the cops. The reason why Mom hadn’t wanted him to have a key to the house was she thought he was involved in something illegal. From what he’s saying he probably is, but more importantly he’s hurt. What do I know about how things work on the side of the line which I’d never cross over? Nothing. All I can do is hope that my younger brother knows. “Anything, Con. Tell me what you want me to do. I’ll do it.”
Satan’s Devils MC -Colorado Box Set: Books 4-6 Page 51
