Taking a long drag, I hold the nicotine in my lungs until it starts to burn, then blow it out in a long, streaming cloud.
Making my way up to my room, I make sure no one, especially India, is watching my movements. Finding Victoria lying on my bed, I kick off my boots and unbuckle my belt. It helps that she’s nothing like Sara.
For the rest of the day, Sara is no one to me because of Victoria Simmons.
Chapter Four
Victoria
At first glance, the club could be regarded as industrial. The building housing the bar is cold and grey. The garages aren’t anything you would call pretty. Even the house could do with a lick of paint. Everything is as manly as it could possibly be, but out back, the view is of endless green and brown. Over by the big tree, red, pink, and white petunia flowers brighten up the landscape.
The soft grass tickles my feet as the warmth of the sun seeps into my skin. A gentle breeze sweeps over me, and I bend down to pick a few of the petunias. Who knows how long this lockdown will last. The least I can do is pretty the place up, even though the flower represents anger and resentment, reminding me a little of Luca.
“Victoria! Come on in now!”
Over my shoulder, Grandpa waves his hand, beckoning me. Plucking one last pink petunia, I rise to my feet and head toward him. When I’m close enough, the concern on his face is evident.
“What’s happened?” I ask.
“Harper’s been taken. I want you in the bar. You’re not to leave until I say, you hear me?”
“I hear you, Grandpa.”
I always hear him when he gives out orders. He’s keeping us safe. He also has the twins to look out for, giving him more than enough to do without having to worry about me.
“You’ll be safe as long as you stay inside,” he reiterates.
“I’m not worried.”
Smiling, he opens the door for me.
Walking into the bar while the brothers are in high spirits is one thing, but when trouble is around, it’s like walking into a minefield, where at any moment, someone’s anger could explode for the tiniest reason.
That’s the first thing I notice. The second thing is Cas yelling.
Not wanting to get in his way, I slip through the crowd and into the kitchen. Searching through the cupboards and not finding a vase, I settle with a large glass and fill it with water.
Mason and Myles bound into the kitchen, making themselves comfortable in a chair and on the table. My brothers are prospects for the club, but I’ve heard Dad telling Mom they’re as much prospects as they are little darling angels. Some ignorant-minded people would be inclined to say their behaviour is a product of their upbringing in a motorcycle club, but from what Momma says, they’ve been this way since they were able to walk. She also says they’re magnets for trouble, but no one calls them out on it. Most laugh them off and say, “They’re just like their grandpa.”
“We haven’t seen you around much,” Mason says, his eyes pinched as he looks at me.
“I’ve been around. It’s not my fault you only notice yourselves.”
Myles chuckles, but Mason remains serious, as usual.
“So now you think we’re stupid?”
Sighing, I continue arranging my flowers and murmur, “Stupid is as stupid does,” earning me a menacing growl.
“We’ll tell you what stupid is,” Mason grinds out. “Stupid is hanging around the wrong people.”
He doesn’t know about Luca. India’s the only one who saw us, and she wouldn’t breathe a word from what Luca said.
Leaning on the counter, I turn to my brother and ask, “And what people would these be?”
Sliding off the counter, he comes to stand in front of me. I’ve spent my whole life looking up to my brothers—quite literally, with them being older and much taller than me—and as I stare up at Mason, I give him a look daring him to come out and tell me to my face what he’s going on about.
“I guess I can add you two to those people, then,” I retort, crossing my arms over my chest.
After a moment, his face softens. “You think we don’t notice, but we’ve seen everything, and we’re going to be keeping a closer eye on you from now on.”
My brothers like to play games. I’ve seen them in action, particularly with girls that take up their interest. They’ve even had one girl attempt to end her life because of them, yet no one talks about that.
“Do what you like, but there’s nothing to see. You’ll get bored and move on. You both have the attention span of a gnat, and that’s being generous.”
I go to walk around him and bump into his arm. Before I make it to the door, Myles is jumping out of his chair, blocking my exit.
Scratching the back of his head, my mischievous fuck-around brother tries to be serious. I have to stick around for this. This is a rarity, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world.
If they want to do the big brother act, I’ll allow it… for now.
“There’s a reason nobody takes us seriously, because when we want to do something real bad, it gets shrugged off and forgotten about in minutes. But you do something, and everyone will notice. They won’t forget so quickly.”
“What exactly is it you both think is happening? Seriously, what I do in my own time is my business, no one else’s.”
“We’re just making sure whatever is happening doesn’t leave you looking the fool. And us being able to see the future and shit, we see you not only looking the fool but also hurting somethin’ fierce, and we won’t tolerate that.”
My annoyance dissipates, and for once, I’m grateful to have two big brothers looking out for me.
They still haven’t come out and directly said what they think they know, but they know something, or they think they do, and they’re pretty close to the truth.
“If I tell you I know exactly what I’m doing, and what you think you know is probably the furthest from what’s actually happening, will you back off?”
Myles shrugs, but it’s Mason who replies with, “Probably not.”
I go to huff, but it comes out more of a snort.
“Cute,” Myles snorts, mocking me.
“It’s like she thinks we’re the worst ones to find out. Grumps won’t be happy to hear about your sneaking around the club at night.”
Bringing Grandpa into this is low, even for them.
“Okay, I’m done with this conversation.”
Barging past Myles, I leave them laughing and wander around the bar until I spot an empty table. Taking a seat, I bring my legs up, making sure my skirt drapes over them as JJ storms into the bar, heading directly for Cas, trying to keep his calm, but failing miserably.
“Have they called yet?” he asks Cas.
“Have you heard the fucking phone ring?” Cas barks back.
You don’t hear Cas snap at anyone too often, so when he does, it’s because shit’s serious. It makes me wonder where Luca got his asshole attitude from, because Cas seems to keep his reigned in.
Sparky joins them and places his hand on his son’s shoulder. Everyone knows JJ’s been sleeping with Slade’s niece. I’ve heard whispers about them, but I didn’t think JJ was that serious about her.
“Go and take a shot, it’ll calm your nerves. This isn’t our first rodeo, son. You need to cool it.”
JJ stares at his dad like he’s weighing his options: take his advice or punch him. Before anyone can find out which option he’s going to choose, Lily comes up beside JJ and glares at Sparky.
“Don’t push him away when he’s the only one who’s acting like he cares where my daughter is.”
I don’t know Slade’s sister. I didn’t even know he had a sister and a niece until they showed up in town, but I’ve heard some of the old ladies gossiping about them. I make my own judgements, so I don’t tend to listen to them much.
She seems to be holding her own, though, standing in front of Cas while he’s looking like he could murder someone at any second.
“I care where she is
,” he grinds out through gritted teeth.
Luca appears, walking from around the bar and straight toward his dad. His arms are sadly covered by his black hoodie today.
“I don’t think you care enough!” Lily shouts in Cas’s face. “I think you’re going through the motions because she’s Slade’s niece, and because the men who took her are your enemies, not hers.”
I like her strength. Most would’ve backed away by now, but not her. I guess a mother’s love is above all else, giving you a ferocious bravery you wouldn’t normally possess.
The silence is palpable as Cas slowly stands, towering over her unflinching resolve.
“Don’t tell me what I feel. I’ll bring her home to you. I give you my word.”
Again, she doesn’t waver being so close to him and not one person can take their eyes off of them.
“Your word means nothing to me. You’re an arrogant asshole. If I were to trust you with her, I would’ve trusted you a long time ago.”
“Lily!” Slade roars, rushing to his sister’s side. “There’s no need for this. We’ll get Harper back, and whoever took her will pay.”
I watch with bated breath as Cas ignores Slade and demands, “What do you mean, you would’ve trusted me a long time ago?”
All eyes are on Lily. Lifting her chin higher, she focuses her gaze solely on Cas.
“I’ve watched you since I came back to town. You’re the loyal husband and the doting daddy, an all-around good guy. But that wasn’t always the case, was it, Cas?”
The silence as we all wait for this to play out is how I imagine what losing your hearing would be like.
Cas backs away from her, but she matches him step for step.
“I would say for you to work out the dates, but you were so self-absorbed back then, you probably don’t even remember our night together. I’ve kept this secret for twenty-five years, and I would’ve kept it till the day I died, but I reckon you need a lot more incentive to bring my daughter home. Or, should I say, our daughter?”
Well, well, well. This is most certainly a blow to the Jackson family. My eyes roam from Lily and Cas to Luca. The coldness in his eyes sends a shiver down my spine. Balling his hands into fists, he glares menacingly at Lily.
“You’re lying,” he retorts, his voice as cold as his eyes. “My dad would know if he had a daughter out there.”
“Son…” Cas struggles to say before clearing his throat. “Leave it.”
Suddenly remembering the bar is full, he orders,
“Everyone out, now!” When no one moves, he roars, “Now!”
This is none of my business, anyway.
Following everyone out, I catch sight of JJ leading Luca outside. Once out in the sun, I linger by the main house. When JJ turns his attention to Leo, I watch Luca make his way back around the bar. Picking up my skirt, I follow him, only to find him punching the brick wall.
“You won’t achieve anything by hurting yourself.”
His coldness chills me to the bone, but I move even closer. I’m pretty sure I’d freeze for him.
“Just… go away, Tor.”
Tor? That’s new. I’ve always been Victoria to him. But I have to admit, I like how it sounds coming from his lips.
“It doesn’t have to be a bad thing, finding out you have a sister,” I push on.
Looking away from me, he punches the wall one last time and stumbles back, his ass hitting the bench.
I’m surprised the old thing hasn’t rotted yet, but seeing that it holds his weight, I join him.
“I’m not doing this with you.”
“Doing what?”
Pinning me with his best Jackson glare, he growls, “This! Talking with you like you’re my fucking girlfriend or something.”
“How about talking with a friend?”
His glare intensifies, and I brace myself for what I know is coming.
“I don’t do friends. I don’t do heartfelt conversations, and I’m not doing you anymore. Fuck off, Victoria. Go pick your flowers or whatever, just stop acting like you’re more than a fuck to me.”
I don’t know what stings more, him telling me I’m just a fuck, which I know, or him referring to me as Victoria again. No more Tor?
“You don’t have to be such an ass. The fact is, it’s looking like you have a sister. All I was trying to say is, it doesn’t have to be something you get angry about, or something you hurt yourself over.”
“Yeah?” The acid in his tone is frightening. “How would you react if you found out your dad had another kid? Your brothers wouldn’t be too happy, that’s for fucking sure.”
I decide to follow in Lily’s footsteps by refusing to back down.
“I’d like to think I would at least hear my dad out—”
“I don’t care what he has to say. I’m thinking more about my mom, the one person this will hurt the most.”
“What are you doing hiding out here, then? Why aren’t you with your mom instead of out here? I’m sure she would’ve heard the news by now.”
Cocking his brow, the coldness fades, but it’s quickly replaced with sheer anger.
“I can’t bear it when she cries… She has the old ladies.”
Getting to his feet, he paces back and forth. I’m surprised he hasn’t lit up a cigarette yet.
“You’re only going to grow more frustrated staying out here. At least if you go see your mom, you’ll be able to help her and do something productive.”
“You sound like our guidance counsellor,” he mutters as he turns to me.
I stare up at him, trying to work out what’s going through his mind. The fact that I can’t read him scares me a little.
“If you’re not going to leave, you might as well take your panties off. Fucking you would be me doing something productive, and shut you up at the same time.”
I can’t say I was expecting that.
Rising from the bench, I step in front of him. “This is why you’re alone all the time, Luca Jackson. Just because one person hurt you, doesn’t mean everyone will. If you want to fuck, go find someone else. I would never let you use me like that. If you decide you want a friend who will listen and try to help you, come find me.”
Spinning on my heels, I walk away, knowing he doesn’t need to be alone right now, but knowing I don’t deserve to be treated like shit because it’s easier for him to lash out rather than talk it through with me. Someone who would’ve sat and listened, giving him the time he needed to vent.
When I turn the corner, I see the brothers still lingering out in front of the bar, all watching JJ carry someone through the gates. A white sheet blotched with patches of blood hang from the person he’s carrying. My stomach drops when he gets closer, and I see it’s Harper, but she’s not back in one piece. JJ tries his best to shield her, but I catch the bruising on her cheek and the blood around her mouth.
As soon as he disappears into the bar with her, I make my way into the house, finding it far quieter than I was expecting. Walking into the kitchen, I see Alannah sitting at the table, just staring into space. A black cloud just rolled over the club, and by the looks of it, it’s here to stay for the foreseeable future.
Chapter Five
Luca
It’s been two days since my mom spoke a word to my dad. It’s been the same amount of time since she slammed the bedroom door in his face, and she hasn’t left. Through the door, I can her soft sobs, and I feel her pain. Dad’s got so much shit to deal with, he’s leaving her alone, when in my opinion, he should be focusing on her. Instead, he’s over in the bar, trying to deal with the Black Crows, and trying to get Harper to talk to him.
I couldn’t give a fuck if she’s blood. She didn’t grow up with us, and she isn’t anything to me. But when I think like that, my chest tightens. It feels wrong. What doesn’t feel wrong is the hatred I have for Lily. Dad deals with everything. I don’t feel for him being kept from his daughter. What I feel for is my mom. She’s the one who does everything for us, for him, and no
w she has to see the product of one of his one-night stands around the club. I couldn’t give a shit that it happened before he got with Mom. Everything she thought she knew has changed, and it’s irreversible.
Twisting the doorknob, I push open the door to find her sitting at the end of the bed. She looks up at me, and quickly wipes her eyes with her sleeves.
No one gets away with hurting my mom. For the time being, Dad can go fuck himself. At least he won’t get anyone pregnant that way.
“I just wanted to check in on you.”
When she offers me a small smile, I step into the room and close the door behind me. Sitting beside her, I take hold of her hand and squeeze it.
“I don’t like hearing you cry, Mom.”
“Stop listening at the door, then,” she retorts.
“Mom—”
“I’m okay. Really, I am. I’m just adjusting, that’s all.”
Like shit she’s okay. She doesn’t hide away from anything, yet this has her holed up in her room.
“What’s it like over there?” she asks, talking about the bar.
“You’d know if you went over.”
Rolling her eyes, she taps my hand, and I release my hold on her.
“Are you hungry? I can make you something to eat.”
Perfect deflection. But if it gets her out of this room, I’ll definitely eat.
“Sure.”
She rises from the bed, but I stay where I am. She looks down at me and purses her lips before she says, “How are you doing?” Trust her to be thinking of me.
“I’m more concerned about you.”
This earns me a genuine smile. and she cups my cheek.
Cupping my cheek, she replies, “Don’t be. This will pass, and before we know it, we’ll find our way again.”
“Does Dad know that?”
Her smile slips.
“He will eventually. But for now, it’s best he deals with club business while I stay over here.”
His Twisted Heart : Sons of Lost Souls MC Series Book Nine Page 3
