I felt the knot start to unravel part way. I circled my finger around his chest and he smiled at me with those delicious eyes. Hard to resist the man. He didn’t know what I knew, though.
“Look- I just. I don’t know. I want to be a doctor so bad and look after my community. I can't jeopardize that.”
He stroked my back as his warm breath fell on me. “So you’re telling me something…”
Puzzled, I talked into his chest without looking up. “What do you mean? I don’t understand.”
He smoothed down my hair as the toast popped. “Are you talking about a future with us?”
I blushed. “I mean- no. That’s not what I meant. We’re not together officially, I get it. I just don't-”
“I’m not exactly against the idea if you can’t tell.” He grinned at my anxiety. “You’ve got nothing to worry about and I would never want to put you in harm’s way.”
My mind began to race. “What’s to stop a rival gang approaching you, though? You might be doing good, but how do you know they are?” My heart was beating faster than I wanted it to.
He released me. “Want your toast? How do you like it?”
He was changing the subject and it was ticking me off. “Please answer me, and no, all of a sudden I’ve lost my appetite.” I started packing my purse and getting things ready, looking around to make sure I didn’t forget anything.
He ran his hand through his hair. “Yes, we may have had some dealings with other motorcycle clubs in the past. But that shit’s in the past. I would tell you, just like I told you now. We do a lot for our people and we want the community involved. Just give me a chance,” he pleaded.
I closed my eyes briefly. “Look, we’re good, you just shocked me with it. I didn’t know that’s what you were into. Like you said, I gotta get to class, plus I have to go home first. Thanks for the toast, but I’m going to leave it.” My flat tone gave it away.
“You’re not good completely, though, are you? I can hear it in your voice…” he challenged me and I avoided his gaze. “Don’t turn away from me now when we’re just getting started. Give me time to show you, mamacita.”
I sighed. “I need some time to think about it, Diego.” I softened and went to him standing on my tiptoes, giving him a quick peck on the lips. I walked quickly to the door, opening it.
He stood there in disbelief. “I can’t believe you’re just going to leave it like this. Over me opening a bike club? There’s got to be more to this… Don’t walk out.” His eyes were begging for answers.
“Diego,” I said as I turned back one last time. “I had a wonderful time last night. I enjoyed myself and you. I just need a little time to think it over. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Well, I mean, okay. You’ll see. Not much I can do if you won’t listen to me,” he mumbled.
“Bye, Diego.” Fuming, I headed to my vehicle. The California air felt a little colder today. I put my hands on the wheel for a minute, contemplating. Have I been too harsh? Maybe his chapter is good. Am I letting my bias get in the way? I cranked the engine, heading for home with these thoughts in my brain.
Lost in the daze on the drive home, I entered the house. Not a peep. My shoulders released. I didn’t need Palo giving me shit. I went to my room and changed clothes quickly. I looked at my watch. I was making good time. I had class in two hours, plenty of time. I picked up my phone. Diego. He’d texted a bunch of love hearts to me. I couldn’t help but smile. A bad boy softie. Who knew?
I switched on my laptop and googled Outlaw Souls. I scanned for pictures and information to see if I could sense anything or find something to incriminate Diego. I came across something that made my stomach lurch.
Outlaws motto: “We stand united brothers in arms.” “We are a law unto ourselves.”
The members were rough around the edges. Ten of them lined up with their backs facing the camera. Black motorcycle jackets with an emblem on the back. Another picture, Diego all smiles, flipping a burger on the grill surrounded by people. I scanned to the next picture. Bikes lined up in another and one person with a plume of smoke in the parking lot. I clicked out. I’d seen enough. I had to focus and get to class.
I drove through the traffic with my favorite Spanish tracks on in the car. I tapped my fingers and turned it up, trying to come to grips with the fact that I’d just slept with a guy from a motorcycle chapter. My brother rang on the Bluetooth as I drove.
“Hullo?” I answered.
“Ay. Are you all right?” he inquired.
“Yes, Palo, why wouldn’t I be?” I replied with annoyance.
“I’m checking in as big bro’, I wanted to let you know something too.” Another reason for my stomach to tighten.
“Well, I’m good, what is it?”
“I’ve officially been sworn in as president and those two guys at the club will never bother you again.”
Chills ran down my spine. “What did you do, Palo? What the fuck did you do?” I screamed, slamming my palms on the steering wheel. A lady to my left saw me and gave me a weird look.
