DON’T TEASE THE SNAKE
SNAKE
Fury eats at me as I settle Saban on the back of my chopper. I don’t trust myself to speak, so I remain silent, revving my bike and shifting it into gear.
Thankfully, she doesn’t feel the need to try me right now. There’s no telling what I’d do in my present state of mind.
It wouldn’t go well. Not after being lectured by Pa-Pete and more bullshit from Angel when he was done. Not that either of them is in a position to say much, since they both took their women much in the same fashion as I did.
The bike jerks her forward into my back, giving her no choice but to encircle my waist. Closing my eyes against the sweet pleasure of her small hands clutching my waist, I allow satisfaction to sink deep into the recesses of my heart before I take to the road.
“We need to talk.” Taking off the helmet I keep just in case she rides with me, she moves to place it in the compartment before turning her troubled gaze on me.
“Nah, I’m good.” I don’t answer to her. Plus, I already cut a meeting short to see what she was doing at The Shack afterI received the alert. My girl’s had a very busy day — first volunteering at the church, then off to the local juke joint.
“I’m not.” She grits making it known how frustrated she is in the moment.
Turning off the engine because I know without a doubt she’d follow me once I head out and I don’t want her coming upon me unaware, I pull out my phone and type a message to an anonymous number.
{Give me a few hours}
{Bet}
“Hot date?” She inquires like is no big deal, but something in her eyes tells me that is far from the truth.
“As hell,” I quip, stepping off the bike, storing my helmet before coming to stand before her. “Speak.”
“Not here.” Looking up and down the alleyway behind her shop, she shakes her head. Though it’s quiet now, anyone could come stumbling from around either corner, and I’m sure she doesn’t want people seeing her crashing out now that she’s running a business in the city center.
Following as she takes the stairs up to the loft above the tattoo shop, I watch the gentle sway of her hips, getting a peek at the ruffled boy shorts she’s sporting beneath the skirt. Damn. She looks good enough to eat. I would have lost it if I had touched her and found out she had gone without panties.
“Stay here for a sec.” Reaching past her once she gets to the landing, I step in first to make sure everything is secure. Ulysses let me know a few weeks ago that some weirdo broke into Kandie’s loft, which is just across the park, and they haven’t caught them yet.
“What’s going on?” Worried brown eyes search mine.
“Did you hear about Kandie’s place being broken into?” She nods as I let her past once I’ve checked the small space from any intruders.
“She has a small balcony and a fire escape that leads to the roof. I thought that’s how they got in.” She shrugs, slipping off her boots. I do the same though I have no intention of staying long. I’m already late for my “date”.
“That’s the assumption, but both of you are single, living alone. We can’t think she’s the only one being targeted.” There’s no rebellion in her stance, but I can tell the moment a troubling thought surfaces.
“I-is that why you’ve come by every night only to be gone in the morning?” It’s the fake nonchalance in her voice that has me stepping into her space, crooking my finger beneath her pert chin, making her meet my gaze, which I can tell from her flinch is full of menace.
“Fuck yeah, that and to make sure you sleep well. What do you have a problem with, ti dezòd, me watching over you, or me not being here when you wake? I know it can’t be latter. With the way you let Bahir touch you, and how you miss Oz.” Dropping my finger, I brush past her.
“Uh, uh,” whirling to face me, she shakes her head vehemently. “You don’t get to do that. Are you jealous? Boy please, not when you were so dead set not to have anything to do with me.” Scoffing, she shakes her head, muttering, “I’m not doing this. Aye —” Now her fists are planted on both hips, and she’s tapping her foot in an agitated manner. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth from the start? Why’d you let me continue to think all this time that you were guilty?” She’s furious and hurt. Good.
“And ruin your righteous crusade, mi pequeña amenaza? No fucking way.” My voice is low and vicious as I utter the words I’ve longed to lay at her feet. “You wanted to believe the worst of me — Hadrián — who saved you from near death at the hands of that pendejo. Who trekked with you for months for over seventeen hundred miles through jungle, dealt with coyotes whotried to prey on us. Then got here never touched you in anger, would never—” the words catch in my throat like I’ve been shot through with lead from a fifty-caliber rifle. Taking a deep breath, I forge on, past the pain of her betrayal. “You hate what I had to become once we arrived here. It was apparent to me as you watched the hero, Hadrián, die to give way to Snake, who you feared.” Watching her face as my words take root, I can almost forgive her for not realizing until that moment what she was too afraid to voice or even accept.
“You hated yourself for wanting either of us. But Snake? Nah, you couldn’t let that stand. I know you, little girl. Knew you were going to run from me once I made you mine. Realized it so deep into the marrow of my soul that I tried to push you away. I was determined to keep you at bay until you ran, so the hurt would be so eviscerating. Little did I know you’d nearly bring down the entire MC and the community we built in the process with the first convenient lie that was laid at your feet.” Stepping back, I watch her grapple with the truth of my words.
“No. It was a mistake. The way Easy explained it. Anyone would have—” Not letting her continue to lie to herself or me, I snatch her ass up so hard her body nearly bounces back off of mine.
“When have we ever been just anyone to each other, mi amore? After I rescued you, and you saved my soul? When I found my home in the warmth of your arms even before you ever gave yourself to me? Tell me what made you hate me so much for caring for you that you would do me like this?” My voice sounds so raw — ravaged by hurt and pain. My fucking eyes and nose sting.
Releasing her, I step away, unsure whether I will shake her or claim her mouth. I know I don’t want to do either.
Taking deep breaths, I try to cleanse the feelings from my spirit. I know I’m failing, that I’ll continue to fail if I stay here.
