by Nikki Mays
“I’m going to tell her that you said that. Everyone knows not to mess with her.” I chuckle.
She shrugs carelessly. “She would never screw with the person who could give her a mullet.”
I tilt my head and then nod. “Okay, you’ve got me there. She’ll never mess with anyone who pours her wine or does her hair.”
She impressively finishes off another taco before looking at me with a half weary, half mischievous look. “Speaking of your mother,” She ignores my groan, “she called me today and asked for a favor.” Jessie looks innocent, too innocent.
I finish chewing my bite before responding. “What kind of favor?” I ask with a hefty amount of dread. God only knows what my mother is trying to pull her into.
Her eyes are dancing which is a bad sign if my mother is involved. “She wants me to take her to the Needle’s Edge.”
It takes me a minute before that name registers. My eyes practically bulge out of my head. “The tattoo shop?” My voice sounds a little high pitched even to me.
She nods her head before taking a sip of her wine and hiding her smile. “Yeah, my buddy Edge owns it. She figured that I would be the best person to ask.”
“Is that his real name?” Because that’s the most important question here, I sigh mentally. Mason is starting to rub off on me.
At that question she laughs out loud and it’s the most lyrical sound that I’ve ever heard. “No, it’s his road name. Although he’s had it since we were kids.”
“I’m going to need a little more info here.” This is more Noah’s speed.
She leans forward and rests her arms against the table. “Okay, well Edge and I grew up in the same trailer park. His real name is Ryan but he’s gone by Edge for as long as I can remember. He’s a few years older than me and moved away before I did. When I moved out here, he let me crash on his couch for a while until I was able to get my own place.” She has a nostalgic smile on her face. “He’s probably the closest thing to a brother that I’ll ever have.”
“How did the name Edge come about? How is it a road name?” I question because I’m still fairly lost and I want to know everything about her past
“Hmm, well he got the name when we were kids because he always lived his life on the edge. If there was something crazy to be done, he was going to do it.” She starts cracking up. “Hell, he even stole a car once and pinned it on one of his mama’s good for nothing boyfriends to get him out of their trailer. When I moved in with him, he was already a member of the Rebel Chaser M.C..”
“He sounds exactly like someone that my mother would want to get a tattoo from.” I say drolly.
Jessie narrows her eyes. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“That she’ll probably ask him for tips that way she can steal a car and blame it on someone that she hates.”
Jessie blinks for a minute before laughing. “Yeah, I guess you’re right. He’s exactly someone that she would want to have all alone for an hour or so.”
I sigh loudly. “You should probably warn the poor guy not to give her any more ideas than she already has. Last thing he needs is to be an accessory to some crime that my mother’s committing.”
“You get that he’s part of a motorcycle club right?” She says slowly.
I nod my head, because yeah, I’ve heard of the Rebel Chasers before. They’re the only club in this town. “Yes, and your point?”
“I’m pretty sure that him and any of the other guys can handle themselves when it comes to Dee Ross.”
I feel my eyes going wide again. “Oh shit! I didn’t even think about the other guys.”
“They won’t hurt her.” She says defensively.
I can’t help the snort that comes out. “I’m not worried about them hurting her. I’m worried about them somehow ending up part of one of my mother’s schemes. Or worse, down a motorcycle because she begged to ride it and crashed the thing.”
“You’re worried about a bunch of bikers?” She asks incredulously. Can’t say that I blame her. Most people would probably be worried about a woman surrounded by a group of bikers. However, this is my mother that we’re talking about.
“Absolutely. If they’re not careful, my mother might become their leader. God only knows what else she might convince them to do. Most people think sweet lady when looking at my mom. They never realize how cunning she truly is until it’s too late. Never underestimate her.” I tell her seriously.
She starts laughing until she realizes that I’m not joining in. “Oh my God, you’re serious?” She gasps.
I nod my head very solemnly. “Trust me, it’s best to think the absolute worst and hope for the best.”
She rolls her eyes while she stands. She grabs her plate and mine before walking away from the table. I turn to see her rinsing them, before arranging them in the dishwasher. “You are absolutely ridiculous Ben. Your mother is a sweet woman. Sure she’s spirited but that’s what I like about her.”
She closes the dishwasher and turns around. She leans against the counter with her arms crossed. “You boys need to stop being so mean when it comes to your mother. She would do anything to help someone. She’s not Hitler for Christ’s sakes.”
I lean back in my chair and admire the view before me. While I like the fact that she likes and thinks highly of my mom, I can’t help but feel worried. “Okay, but don’t say that I didn’t warn you.”
“Noted.” She rolls her eyes at me again. “You’ll see, everything will be just fine. Just you watch.”
I smirk. “You know what those sound like?” I ask cheekily.
“What’s that?” She starts to tap her foot for good measure.
“Those sound like some famous last words.”
“We’ll see.” She replies.
Chapter 7
Jessie
It’s a little over a week later and Dee and I are currently at Needle’s Edge. In all honesty, I probably should’ve heeded Ben’s warning a tiny bit more. But come on, who would think that a lady in her sixties could be such a damn menace? Not that I’ll be admitting anything to that smug ass. He’s stopped by every night after work and has given me the same grin each time I told him that everything would be fine. He’s even taken to him and his brothers texting me pictures of them looking smug. They’ve also added on stuff like “Rather you than me” and other ridiculous things like that.
Although looking back, it should’ve been a warning that they were so damn gleeful. Even Kayla sent me a text message with a wide-eyed emoji. But I just had no way of knowing what I was in store for. How was I supposed to know that not only would she get notes on grand theft auto from Edge, without him even realizing what she was up to, but that she now even has a date with the club President Malcolm “Mac” Tremain. Freaking Ben was right, she’s slowly trying to take over. I just know it!
I swear to God, she’s the only person that I’ve ever met that could plan a felony and a date while getting a tattoo. I’ll admit it, I was totally unprepared for the tornado that Dee Ross is.
And because this day is a disaster, of course the smug ass who stars in my fantasies would be walking through the door. Seriously, the way today is going, you would think that I kick puppies or something to deserve this. Karma is a bitch and I haven’t even done anything wrong!
Watching him walk towards me really isn’t a hardship though. He makes worn blue jeans and a light blue button up shirt look way too appealing.
“You’ve got a bit of drool in the corner of your mouth.” Edge whispers in my ear making me jump.
I turn my head towards his with a glare. “I’m not drooling.” I hiss.
I suppose Edge is a good looking guy. With dark brown hair, eyes that are almost black, permascruff, tattoos covering like eighty percent of a body that he works hard to keep in shape and the fact that he’s six foot six. Yeah, he’s okay looking. I know that just from the revolving door of women that his bedroom door sees. He’s nothing but a big ol’ man slut, but none of those women ever se
em to mind.
Although it might not be his looks, the draw of a bad boy in a motorcycle club is what probably draws them in like flies to honey.
To me, he’s just the closest thing to a brother that I have. And he pisses me off just as much as I think a real one would. The only thoughts I have about his body are of me kicking him when he annoys me.
“Sure you weren’t.” He says with a grin that I would love to knock off of his annoying face.
“How’s it going?” Says a voice that causes goose bumps to break out all over my traitorous body.
“Fine.” My voice sounds like Minnie Mouse who just inhaled helium. Christ I need to get my shit together around this man.
I ignore the snort from Edge, but mentally plot his demise for another time.
Ben looks over at Edge before extending his arm. “Hey man, I’m Ben Ross. Did Ma cause you any trouble?”
Edge takes his hand and shakes it. “Edge.” He grunts. He looks over at Dee and smiles. “Nah, she wasn’t too bad. Took the pain like a champ. I’m actually disappointed.”
Ben’s brow furrows. “Why’s that?” I listen in kind of curious to know myself.
Edge crosses his ink covered arms over his chest. “Everyone around town has heard stories about her.” Ben and I snort in unison at that. “But damn, people must be exaggerating shit. She sat in my chair as calm as could be just asking me random questions.”
Out of the corner of my eye I can see Bens eyes light up and the corner of his mouth quirk up on one side. He looks over at me and winks before looking back at Edge, a move that my pseudo-brother doesn’t miss. I know I’ll be getting a call from his ass later.
“She just asked you a bunch of random questions, huh?” Ben can’t even hide the amusement in his voice. “What sort of things did she ask you about?”
Edge looks a little unsure but I just nod my head for him to continue. “She asked how Jess and I met. What my life was like before moving here and joining the club. Things like that. Why?” His eyes narrow.
“So, Jessie told me about a car incident when you were younger. She also might’ve mentioned it to my mother in passing as a funny story.”
Edge smirks. “Yeah, she wanted to know all about that story. Honestly, I still don’t feel bad about getting that loser out of our lives.”
“Right. Right.” Ben says through a chuckle. “And it didn’t occur to you that you possibly shouldn’t be telling her a story like that?”
Edge looks a little confused. “Nah, she didn’t really strike me as the uptight and judgmental type.”
Ben and I start laughing only confusing Edge even further. “Oh, she is definitely not judgmental.” I add through a laugh.
“Then what’s the big deal with me telling her that story?”
Ben holds up an index finger and looks around the shop. He spots Dee sitting on the couch looking pretty cozy with Mac. He raises his eyebrows a bit but doesn’t comment on the obvious flirtation that’s going on. “Hey Ma?” He shouts.
She raises her head and looks surprised to see him standing there. Hmm, someone is flirting hard.
“Well, hello sugar.” She says while standing and walking over to us. “Whatever are you doing here?” Ben bends down to give her a kiss on the cheek. Not at all shy about showing his mother affection in front of a bunch of bikers. My heart absolutely does not skip a beat or do anything funny.
Ben smiles down at her. “Oh, I just wanted to see how everyone was faring with you.”
Dee narrows her eyes and places a hand on her hip, ignoring the round of masculine chuckles. “And what is that supposed to mean Benjamin?”
“Oh, she used your full name.” I mutter gleefully.
I ignore the matching glares that I receive from mother and son.
Ben crosses his arms and leans against the glass display counter. “It means, my wonderful troublemaker of a mother,” He ignores her “hrmph” and continues talking, “that this poor fool has no idea that you’ve probably made him an accessory to a crime without his knowledge.”
Mac and Edge exchange glances. “Darlin’ what’s your boy talkin’ about?”
Edge nods his head. “Yeah, I’d like to know how I’m part of a crime when I just met you.”
The glare that she gives Ben would be scary if she didn’t look like a child being chastised. “This is why Mason and Marc are my favorite sons.” She grumbles.
“Isn’t Marc that cop that pushed some dude in front of a car?” One of the other bikers, whose name I don’t remember, asks.
Dee turns around and looks at him. “Yes and it was an act of God. There was no pushing. Just an accident, nothing more.”
Everyone just stands still staring at her with varying degrees of disbelief. Ben just shakes his head and smirks.
“You see, those two are her favorites because they won’t think twice to get up into any trouble that she comes up with.”
“I don’t come up with trouble. They’re just good boys who love me.” Dee sniffs. “Not like you and that stick in the mud older brother of yours. I swear you and Noah are all your daddy. There is none of me at all.”
“Yes, well someone needs to bail you fools out of jail when one of your schemes go awry.” He gives her a look before turning back to Edge. “So, today you basically taught her how to steal a car and frame someone else for it.”
Edge’s eyes go so wide that it’s comical. “I didn’t.” He stammers. “I never told her how to steal a car.”
Ben waves a hand in the air. “Yeah, she’ll be able to teach herself that with a YouTube video. But you’ve definitely helped her come up with a plan on how to frame someone she hates.” He looks back at his mother full of smug confidence. “Isn’t that right Ma? Who is the unfortunate one in your sights?” Ben taps an index finger to his chin while the rest of us just watch on entranced.
“You can’t prove that.” Dee lies.
Ben snaps his fingers. “Let me guess. Your target is that women who hit on Anthony like a million years ago?”
“Who?” My nosey ass just can’t help myself. This is better than a soap opera.
He looks down at me and smiles. I ignore the butterflies taking flight in my stomach. I am too old to be this affected by a man’s smile. “My mom’s best friend is Jean, Kellie’s mom.” He looks at me and I nod my head for him to continue. “So, this one lady hit on Anthony years and years ago?”
“She knew damn well that he was married. This is a small town and his damn wedding ring was right there.” Dee growls with her foot tapping furiously.
Every man in this place just smiles at her. Oh lord, she’s already infiltrated them.
Ben gives her an exasperated look. “As I was saying, this was many years ago and my stubborn and petty mother is still holding a grudge. And we’re all pretty sure that you already got back at her once, since she crosses the street every time she sees you approaching.”
“I just don’t want her to forget that her place is far away my best friend’s husband. Is that so wrong?” She says with a straight face in a sugary sweet voice. She even bats her damn eyelashes for Christ’s sake.
“It is when you’re planning on framing her for grand theft auto.” Ben drawls.
“I mean as long as Dee doesn’t get caught, it’s probably not that bad.” Edge states earning a glare from everyone but Dee.
“Please don’t encourage her. She really doesn’t need it.” Ben says blandly.
She waves a hand at Ben. “Shush. Don’t listen to him sugar. You just became one my newest favorite people. Do you like cookies?”
Ben pinches the bridge of his nose. “Ma, you need to stop buying people’s loyalty with sweet treats.”
“No she doesn’t.” Edge says with sugar in his eyes.
I shove his shoulder, not moving him in the slightest. “Will you shut up. You don’t even eat junk food. Everything you eat tastes like a nasty cardboard.”
The look Dee gives me could peel paint. “I can assure you that anyt
hing that comes out of my kitchen is anything but junk.”
I narrow my eyes at her. “That’s not how I meant it and you know it. I just meant that he sticks to a strict diet to look good for his revolving door of bad decisions.”
I get many chuckles at my words and probably the grossed out expression on my face.
Dee turns her head towards Ben. “Are you sure that you want to keep dating this one? She obviously has bad taste in food.”
Ben just smirks and holds his hands up in surrender.
“We are not dating.” I huff. “He’s basically stalking me at this point.”
Edge gives Ben a once over, obviously going into big brother mode.
Ben shakes his head. “I’m not stalking you. Stalking is when two people go on a long walk, but only one knows about it. You are very much aware of my presence when we take Dragon for a nightly walk.”
“Nightly walk?” Edge, no longer looking alarmed, asks. Now he just looks intrigued and maybe even a little giddy… dammit.
I narrow my eyes at the annoyance. “He just shows up. Hell, he’s even taken to breaking into my place.”
Ben steps forward and holds up a hand. “First, it’s not breaking in if you have a key.”
“I didn’t give you a key! You stole it from one of my drawers.” I grumble.
Ben just shrugs. “Ma always told us to find a way around any issues that we face.”
“Of course she did.” I drawl.
“And second,” He continues on. “I make you dinner and change your dog out of those ridiculous outfits that you put the poor little sucker in.”
I stomp my foot like a toddler. “Those outfits look adorable on him.”
Edge snorts while his eyes ping pong between the two of us.
Ben looks at him with a smirk before turning back to me. “Is Dragon fixed?”
I can’t stop the frown from covering my face at his words.
“No, I didn’t want him to go through any unnecessary pain.”
“Well, I’m sure that you don’t have to worry about him ever becoming a father. His balls have probably shriveled up thanks to those fucking outfits you put him in.”
