“You snowboard?” Kelex and I say in unison.
Don’t ask me why that annoys me so much. Skittles looks between the two if us, then gives us both the finger. I can’t help smiling. She’s a little asshole too.
“Yes, I can snowboard, ride a snowmobile, and probably ski better than all of you. Why so shocked? Because I’m a Black girl? Fuck you both.”
“Not likely,” I mutter to myself.
“What was that, King Asshole?”
I grin. “First thing you’ve said right.”
“You know what, this was stupid,” she says and her shoulders slump. “If you guys want to leave, go ahead. I’ll call a car to come get me when I’m ready.”
Kelex throws an arm around her shoulder and kisses the top of her head. I ball my fists at my sides. I look to Deacon and his eyes are on me.
I lift a brow and tilt my head toward Skittles and Kelex. He can’t be willing to stick by his earlier conviction. He shrugs and smiles.
“I’ll stay with you,” Kelex says.
“Well, he’s my ride. As long as you have snacks, I’m with it,” Tak says.
Luke hops over the back of the couch to reclaim his seat now that he has a beer in his hand. “Whatever. My flight back is in a week.”
“Well, Snow White, that gives you three dwarfs. Don’t see why you need me,” I say and pick up my bag.
“Because strip poker and Truth or Dare will be lame without you. And if you stay, I’ll sponsor your opening night at your new bar. Trust me, my friends will spend money just to spend it and your bar will be an instant hot spot with my guest list alone,” she says with a wicked grin on her lips.
She had me at strip poker. Getting my dick in her may never happen, but I’ll take having a peek at those boobs to bank for future reference next time I do get my cock wet. Wouldn’t be the first time I’ve banged a chick while imagining another.
Skittles
* * *
I laugh my ass off as I sit fully clothed with five naked, very attractive men surrounding me. They all look pissed. I’m breaking them down in poker.
“Serves you all right for underestimating me,” I sing.
“This is some bullshit,” Kelex grumbles.
I almost feel bad. I can tell he’s uncomfortable with his burns revealed. However, I also think it’s big that he’s doing this around us.
No one has made him feel different or at least no one has tried. We all carry on as if everything is normal. Well, I guess I can’t say normal.
Pit has left the room charged with his energy all night. Like now. I chance a look in his direction, and he sits with his arms folded over his bare chest, watching me closely.
If I thought he was fine in clothes, he’s body is sick. I mean, all of the men around me look like they take care of themselves, but Pit’s body is tanned and ripped. He reminds me of a chiseled Greek god. As if reading my mind, he flexes his peck and licks his lower lip.
I follow his tongue with my gaze. Unable to look away, I try not to squirm in my seat. Deacon is the one to break me out of the trance I’ve fallen into.
“I’m looking at all this pale ass unmarked skin and I’m still trying to figure out why you wanted me to bring my ink kit,” he says, grabbing my attention.
I blow out a breath and smooth my hands over the table in front of me. It takes a second for me to get my thoughts together. I’m never vulnerable for anyone, but here I am getting ready to take a big leap.
“The tat is for me. That night… my whole world changed that day.” I pause as my words get choked up.
I look up and stare into the eyes of each of the men at the table around me one by one. They don’t know how much they have in common. How all of our stories make us the same.
I lick my lips and start again. “Ever since I was a little girl, my mother was like Super Woman to me. I was kidnapped once, me and my cousin.
“It wasn’t the police or my father who came to rescue me. It was my mom. She stormed in and took me home.” I inhale, because this is where it hurts. I ball my fists on the table. “On the night of the race, I was there because I needed control. I needed to find a way to breathe.”
“You don’t need to do this,” Kelex says.
I smile and shake my head. “Yes, I do. That morning, my Super Woman. The woman I looked up to all my life was diagnosed with ALS. She went from being the strongest most perfect woman in my life to having a flaw with no fix.”
I scoff and fight against the tears. “She was given a death sentence and my father… he… he went to a fundraiser that night as if nothing was wrong. Mom cried herself to sleep in my arms and he was out schmoozing for a fucking campaign.”
The room is silent as I stop talking. Everyone’s looking down at the table except for Pit who’s watching me with narrowed eyes. He works his jaw as he takes me in.
“How does the tat fit in?” Deacon asks.
“You guys are my people. I know Tak’s story and why he’s the way he is.”
“What’s his story?” Pit asks, turning his gaze to Tak.
“It’s not mine to tell. Luke, you talk a lot when you’re drunk. I think you told me way more than you meant to when I came to visit you.” He looks up with a glare in his eyes. I don’t take it to heart. I’ve learned that’s just him. “Deacon, you and I have hung out and gotten to know each other more. And Kelex and Pit. You guys have more in common than you think. You two would probably be great friends if you hung out.”
“The tat,” Pit snaps.
“Shut up, Will.” I roll my eyes. “My point is, we’re all pretty fucked up. I think the accident brought us together when we needed each other. You guys are all assholes, but you’re my assholes.”
I take another large inhale before turning to Deacon. “I want a reminder of that night. My mom isn’t doing any better. Actually, it’s gotten worse pretty fast. It’s so hard to watch. I’m always running...”
I inhale and suck back the tears. “I’ve been spending all my time with you guys because you all love shit that I love. Skydiving, racing cars, snowboarding. I need that feeling. I’m an adrenaline junkie and when I hang with you guys, for a little while, I have an escape,” I say, the last part coming out as a whisper.
“I think I get it,” Kelex says.
“Yeah, I think I do too,” Deacon says.
I get up and go for my bag. Once I retrieve the drawing rolled up inside, I carry it over to Deacon. I unroll the paper and smooth it out before him.
“It’s not much. I can’t draw that well, it’s a seal with intertwined branches. It symbolizes the branches I want to extend to the five of you. I’m a very loyal friend. You call on me, I’ll always be there. I think once you guys get to know each, you’ll see we’re all the same in some way. You guys don’t have to get tats.” I laugh. “This is for me. I just wanted you all here when I got mine. Whether you all want me or not, you have a friend for life.”
Pit snorts. “Asshole for life, is that what you’re saying?”
I smile and shrug. “Yeah, I actually like that. The Asshole Club.”
What I don’t say is, this is also my way to spend more time around Pit without giving away I’m crushing on his rude ass. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I must be crazy, but for the last six month I’ve looked forward to spending time around him. He makes me feel safe for some reason.
Oh, don’t get me wrong. We are all the same. We’re kindred spirits. However, when Pit made that comment about getting his dick sucked and his balls smelling like fresh rain, my nipples tightened, and I had to turn away before he noticed.
“So, what’s your story, kid?” Pit turns to demand of Tak.
Tak looks to me with wide eyes. I smile and give him a nod. That night we sit around and spilled our guts as I got the seal tatted on my lower back with The Asshole Club scrolled underneath it.
While I was the only one to take the ink pledge, I wasn’t the only one that sealed our bond forever. They became a club of my favorite
guys. My lifelines. My assholes.
Chapter 4
Tats 4 Life
Pit
One year later…
We all stand around Skittles as she stares into the open grave. I feel for her. She’s not taking this well.
Her father’s been a dick and the person she’s always seen as her hero is gone. I look across the grave at her father. He’s eyeballing the five of us as we stand with her.
I narrow my gaze at him behind my shades as if he can see. He doesn’t have to like us. We’re not here for him.
“Mommy,” Skittles begins to sob, and her knees give.
Tak and Kelex move forward, but it’s Kelex who catches her and holds her up. I don’t move, clenching my fists at my side.
I can’t say I’m much good at any of this, but this girl has become a part of all of us. So, I’m here, suit, tie, and all. We haven’t left her side since she called us.
Someone’s always with her. Mostly, Kelex. I work my jaw as I watch him hold her.
I crack my neck and turn to look up at the sky. Life is funny. It keeps changing and all you can do is change with it.
“Let’s go,” Deacon says beside me.
I look around and notice everyone has started for the cars. I didn’t mean to zone out like that. I’ve had a lot on my own plate lately.
We all get to the limousine Skittles rode in. The guys take turns giving her a hug before she gets in. I’m the last one.
She throws her arms around my waist and holds on tight, surprising me. Recovering, I wrap her in my arms and squeeze the way I would when Scarlett needs me to be a big brother.
Skittles looks up at me with tears in her eyes. “Thanks, Pit.”
“Anytime, baby girl.”
She places her head on my chest and hugs me again. I look at all the guys and a light bulb goes off. I rub a hand up and down her back.
“I think it’s time we get those asshole tats. Deacon, you think you can fit us in?”
“Yeah, I got you.”
I look down at Skittles. Her lips tremble. She’s so gorgeous, tear soaked face and all.
“Assholes for life, right?”
“Yeah, my assholes for life,” she says with a watery smile.
Chapter 5
I Need You
Pit
* * *
Ten and a half years later…
Strolling out of my private back room of my bar Fuck Off, where most my time is spent when I’m here, the music starts to vibrate through my chest as the DJ keeps the patrons entertained in the main area and I haven’t even stepped out of the card room. It’s a good night for business.
“Kid,” I call, getting the attention of my house manager.
She looks up from her tablet and hops down from the stool she sits at most nights. The music muffles as the door to the card room closes. I look around.
The usual gamblers fill the room. I see old man Ericson frowning at his card and wiping under his nose. He’s the reason I had to stop my meeting and come out here.
He’s about to crash and burn. He’s already dangerously close to his house credit limit from my glance at the broads before I came out here. Which means he’s about to show his ass, I’m not dealing with that shit tonight.
“Cut him off. No more drinks and he gets no more chips tonight. He’s about to lose his fucking shirt. You know what happens next,” I say and nudge my head in Ericson’s direction.
“Already on it, boss. I’m watching the boards. I gave the word twenty minutes ago,” she replies.
“All right. You throat chop his ass if he even looks like he’s going to try that shit from last week. I don’t give a fuck who he’s related to.”
A smile spreads across her face. The tomboy is one of my best employees, loyal and lethal. I nod and turn to go back to my meeting, but my phone vibrates.
I pull it from my pocket to see it’s Deacon. I grunt and answer the call. I’ve been waiting for him to get back to me on something the guys have planned.
“Yo, what’s up?” I answer.
“Amira just got me the key,” Deacon says.
“Amira?” I say distractedly as a chick in tight red shorts walks past.
“The realtor. Can your ass focus?”
“Like I knew the broad’s name.”
“Whatever, I have them and we’re closed, but Tak wants to be the one to give them to her.”
I snort and shake my head. “Figures he would. It’s a gift from us all. That kid is a pain in my ass, we have time before her birthday to decide. We just needed it secured.”
“Well, it’s done.”
“Good, I’m heading back into a meeting. Later.”
We don’t need to say goodbye. I hang up and head back inside my back room to my seat. I glance one more at the screens that pretty much shows me the pulse of my bar. The main area is jumping with music and a party. The sports bar area is roaring with games on and excited fans rooting for their teams.
Yeah, tonight I’m getting a cut of those bets too. There isn’t one aspect of this bar that doesn’t pay or that I don’t watch. Satisfied with what I see, I turn my attention back to my meeting.
“You good, baby girl,” I say to Cirah as she sits across from me.
She’s a cute little thing, about five nine, mocha skin and hazel eyes. I’d fuck, but I don’t mix ass and business. I get her information and she pays. As long as that’s happening, I’m good.
“For now. I’ll be in touch,” she says and nods.
I grunt and stand up from the table again to walk her out. I need to stretch and get some fresh air. It’s been a busy night for my side hustle.
Everyone knows if you want something handled or if you’re looking for information in Vander City you come see me. Blake made good on his word. However, instead of taking the keys to the city he offered, I became them.
With Blake’s help and the one thing my father hated about me most, I’ve become something no one expected. I’m that guy. I know everything and everyone. I make shit happen.
It can be a pain in the ass, but I’m about my money. Cash talks, all that other shit can suck my dick and choke. I don’t have time for bullshit.
I’m a straight shooter and like the people I deal with to be the same. Say what you need and keep it the fuck moving. Cirah is one of few of my clients who understands this and because of that she has my respect.
“You leave that bag with Ox.” I nod for her to head over and hand the sack with my money to my guy behind the bar once we’re in the main area.
I continue down the steps that leads down into the path that wraps the bar. The square flows around the space with ramps and stairs that leading into the different sections.
The dance floor in the center is packed. Which is great for a Wednesday night. We only have a DJ on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Those are our most popular nights for the party crowds. Other night when there’s no DJ, we have more highboy tables on the floor.
To the right of the dance floor where the raised seating area sits, drinks are flowing, and everyone seems to be having a good time. The sports bar area mirrors the raised style on the opposite side of the bar. It’s encased by glass and has several screens mounted with a mix of highboys and lounge chairs. My waitresses have smiles on their faces as they hand out drinks and accept hefty tips.
I turn at the next set of steps and jog up them, stopping right behind Cirah as she hands Ox my money. I check out her ass as she reaches over the bar. I said I don’t mix business and pleasure.
That has nothing to do with looking. Damn, I might need to change that policy. She turns and catches me looking at her ass and lifts a brow.
“Can I help you with something?”
“Not unless you’re thinking about putting that neck to use tonight and getting your intel elsewhere from now on,” I say.
“Asshole.” She rolls her eyes at me.
I shrug and nod for the exit, then start for the door. We’ve done this back and forth bef
ore. Nothing ever comes of it.
We’re almost to the door when I catch a chick rushing my way out the corner of my eye. Her tits bouncing in her tight dress and a big smile on her face. I turn and she opens her mouth to start to say something, but I lift my hand and put my finger over my lips. She scrunches up her face in confusion.
“Chi-chi-chi,” I say. “Listen, you’ve had your one ride. It’s never happening again. Stop running your ass up on me before I put out a restraining order. I have camera footage of your crazy ass lurking around my car. That shit stops tonight.”
Her crestfallen face means nothing to me. I told her from the first night she wasn’t getting more than a quick fuck and nut. I turn back to Cirah and lead her the rest of the way out. Clearly, I’m not in the mood.
“You come through in a week or so. I should have something for you,” I say to Cirah as I push the front door open and walk out of the bar.
“Yeah, I’ll see you then.”
My eyes are back on her ass as she makes her way to her car. I shake my head. I truly should rethink that rule. I wouldn’t mind having her in my bed once, maybe twice.
I move to lean against the side of the bar and put my head back. I’m exhausted. That’s what my ass gets. I know damn well I’m getting too old for jumping out of planes and drinking all damn night.
I grin as I think of the crew. Last night was fun. However, I can’t help wondering where the fuck Kelex was. Something’s up with his ass.
I pull a cigarette and pop it into my mouth. Flicking the lighter open, I squint at the car that pulls up into the spot right in front of me. I don’t have any more appointments tonight but from this car, I’m sure whoever’s driving is here for me.
The shiny new blue Maserati has my attention right away. As do the red heels that hit the ground once the driver’s door opens and the owner steps out. I groan instantly.
Pit: The A**hole Club Series Page 4
