Rocket’s head jerks up at the tone in his president’s voice, and I can instantly see the fear in his eyes. Before I even give it a second thought, I open my mouth.
“Come on, Blue Eyes, he wasn’t doing anything wrong. Probably trying to lighten the mood, that’s all. Why do you have to always be such a grouchy person? My life is the one in shambles, not yours. And who died and left you the boss ofme… well, it sure as hell wasn’t me. Thanks, Rocket, I appreciate you getting me here. Hope your day gets better. Sorry Blue Eyes seems to have turned into a grumpy-ass.”
Before I can even push the door open, I hear Cobalt whispering something under his breath. God, this dude doesn’t give up. I hear a throat clear and then Rocket’s voice sounds so unlike it was before. Now it is timid and quiet, where before it was a bit cocky and vibrant.
“Julie, I owe you an apology. Cobalt is right. I was given orders and was messing around, which in our way of life could get people hurt or killed. It won’t happen again.”
I watch as he turns to head back down the hallway, but I call out to him to stop. Then I look at Cobalt, giving him my worst stink eye ever.
“Well, Blue Eyes, your turn to apologize to Rocket for being a major dick. You can do it; I have faith in you. You can’t always be this grumpy because if you are, how do these guys put up with you?”
Rocket is waving his hands in the air, his eyes huge. Cobalt has a bit of pink on his cheeks so I think to myselfmy job is done. I watch as Cobalt runs his hands over his buzzed head then looks to Rocket, mumbling something under his breath. It looks like the prospect is ready to have a heart attack.
“No, Prez, you don’t owe me anything. If you don’t need me for anything else, I got some shit to do with Nickel and Dreamer.”
He then hightails it out, almost running down the hall. When the big guy turns my way, I turn the handle and push the door open. To say I’m stunned doesn’t describe what my eyes are seeing. The room is so different than the rest of this building, which kind of looks like a frat house. I slowly walk in, my head moving left then right. Off to one side is a sitting area with a love seat, and two sitting chairs by the window, a small table, and ahanging reading light above the area. Behind that love seat I can see the bathroom, though the door is slightly closed. The bed is huge with a very faint floral design on the duvet, along with quite a few pillows. The floors are wood-like vinyl with a really pretty muted colored area rug. On the other side of the room is a small counter with a beverage refrigerator and a few cabinets, along with a sink and microwave. It literally takes my breath away. So warm and welcoming.
“What’s wrong, Darlin’, cat got your tongue? Is this up to your standards?”
Feeling like such an idiot I slowly turn, not realizing how close Cobalt is to me. My breasts rub up against his muscular chest, which has him growling right before his hands land on my upper arms, moving me away from him.Whatever,I think to myself but bite my tongue. If that’s the way he wants to play it, I’m good with it. I don’t plan on staying long enough to have to worry about having feelings, or falling into some kind of warped reality with the biker with blue eyes. Before he can spew whatever his next comment is going to be, his phone starts to ring. He pulls it out of a back pocket, looks down at it, then swears profusely. Oh, poor Blue Eyes is having a bad day. I don’t feel sorry for him at all. I grab a suitcase, push it into the room, turn and repeat, then finally pick up the travel bags. He gives me a finger like he needs a minute, which is perfectly fine. I move into the room, slam the door, and lock it. Glad I’m out of the same vicinity as him because, for some reason, Cobalt affects me more than any other man I’ve ever known and, just saying, that isn’t a good thing. Pushing him out of my head, I grab a flavored water from the drink refrigerator and then take a second to look around. The room is much larger than I thought, in fact, it’s probably almost the same size as the entire Airbnb I was renting. That’s wild. I almost let out a screech when I push the barn door to reveal a walk-in closet. Oh, it’s been a dream ofmine to have something just like this. Quickly placing the lid on the water, I put it down on the carpet and then I grab my stuff and start putting it away. I mean, I’m here, and even if it’s for a day, week, or month, might as well use this beautiful closet. I lose track of time and before I know it, I’m extremely tired. Maybe a short nap might help, though it dawns on me that for reasons unbeknownst to me, I don’t have my cell phone. Which tells me Cobalt took it because who else would want it?That dogI think to myself as I pull the throw up to cover myself. This has been one of the longest days in my life and that is saying a shit ton. I need to find out where my brother is and how he’s doing. Also need to find out what this club wants with me anyway. I’ve always followed the letter of the law, which is how I got in this jam to begin with. As my mind is shifting, I feel my body relaxing as my eyes drift close. Before I know it, I’m heading toward sleepy town without a care in the world. Or so I think.
FIVE
COBALT
Just hearing his whining voice turns my stomach. Salvatore is a huge pain in my ass and refuses to cut us loose from our dealings with the Mob. I’ve tried everything—including offering to pay him off—but no, the bastard will not cut ties. First, he bitched because somehow his men lost Stash. He repeatedly asked me if I helped the weasel get away. I lied through my teeth, telling the Mob boss absolutely fuckin’ not, why would I do that? Next, he ranted and raved about Julie. The reason behind his call finally rears its ugly head, I should have known. Salvatore tells me that since we owe him a favor, he’s calling it in. Not sure how he gets we owe him a one-off, but what the fuck, I’m only the president of this club. It’s not worth arguing, well, until he tells me what he wants us to do. He wants us to whack Julie and her brother, Stash. Once we have physical proof of their deaths, our debt to the Mob is settled. There’s a couple of problems with this scenario from this insane jagoff. First, we have no outstanding debt to the Mob or anyone else. When I became president I made sure, though it took some time, our club owes no one and we run in the black always. Second, I trust this asshole about as far as I can throw him, which ain’t a long distance ’cause he’s a fat ass.
This motherfucker is a lunatic if he thinks I’m getting involved with this type of heat. If I take an educated guess, Salvatore got too greedy and got his hands caught in the piggy bank, so to speak. He forgets there is always someone above ya, no matter what ya do. I’m just starting to be able to catch a breath from the last encounter with him. I swore back then we’d never get involved again and I meant it, though not sure how I’m gonna pull this shit off. With that thought in my mind, I also know I have to play this one close to the vest. He has way too many people working with him. What I do know is Julie and Stash are probably in the safest place with us, as long as they stay put and stay off the grid. From what Stash told us and what I’ve seen, which hasn’t been much, I do know the purple-haired woman isn’t going to be easy to try to control and keep her in one place. Gonna need to get her brother to work with us so together we can protect her, whether Julie likes it or not. That’s the only option because, if she leaves here, she’s as good as dead, probably the minute she’s off KOAMC property. I’m half listening to Salvatore but when he comes right out and threatens my club, brothers, and me, I’ve had enough of his fuckin’ Italian mouth.
“Listen, Sally, if you’re gonna threaten me then this telephone call is over. Don’t need your bullshit, we got enough of our own.”
Before I can hang up, he tells me he’ll pay me a million dollars for the brother-sister team. I can’t believe my ears, which instantly has my Spidey senses tingling. What do these two have knowledge of that the Mob, particularly this blowhole, is willing to order a million-dollar hit. When I go to ask a question, or more like twenty, Salvatore hangs up on my ass, though not before telling me I was gonna pay for calling him Sally. I started using that nickname months ago ’cause I knew it pissed him the fuck off. The pounding in my head is getting worse, telling me tograb my prescription, take a pill, and get my ass in a dark room with ice. Since being in the service, with multiple tours in the Gulf War, with all the action I saw and being close by when IEDs blew and all other shit we were exposed to, my head is totally fucked. Been to see doctors and specialists, and they all have told me the same thing. Nothing they can really do except try to help with medications and to keep my stress levels down. What the fuck? Like that is ever going to happen in my lifetime. I do remind myself that my injuries could be a lot worse. Incubus and I, along with a few other brothers, had carried out friends who didn’t make it or wish they hadn’t. Need to keep myself in some sort of check and balance, which lately has been a total joke. Too much going on trying to keep the good and evil from colliding.
Now, I gotta deal with Salvatore while trying to keep both Julie and Stash alive, hidden, and figure out exactly what they have on the Mob and, more importantly, Salvatore. Smirking, I think of the attitude I just got from her a little bit ago, which lets me know this ain’t gonna be an easy thing to do. She’s gonna fight me at every turn, I’m sure. And for some reason that makes me excited, looking forward to the back-and-forth with her, while it brings a smile to my face. Can I say fucked in the head?
Making my way to my room, I’m stopped by one of the club whores standing at my bedroom door. I take in a deep breath ’cause I can guess Sparkle hasn’t cut Honey loose yet. As a club we don’t have many rules for the women who party with us, as it’s their choice if they want this type of lifestyle. We provide them with protection and have a few places for them to live and even work at if they want. The only shit that bothers the fuck outta me is when a club whore tries to wiggle her way into a brother’s life on a permanent basis. They are allowed into our beds, we got no problem at all with that, but once the fucking is done, move the hell on. Sounds harsh, I know that, and Sparkle has told me time and time again. I remind her that, bottom line,it’s their choice to stay while dealing with a bunch of assholes—who are alpha men—in this chapter of Kings of Anarchy club. Honey has been getting a bit too big for her thong lately, and I told Sparkle to rein her in. Seeing her lounging against my door means I need to have another conversation with Sparkle.
“Honey, ain’t got the bandwidth to deal with you right now. Move that fine ass back to the party room. I’m sure there’s a brother or two or five who would love to party with you, it’s just not me.”
“Aww, come on, Cobalt, I know you want this.”
She runs her hands up and down her scantily clothed body. She does have a rockin’ body, no doubt about it, but after the second time I fucked her, I could tell she was gonna be a huge-ass problem. This situation doesn’t come up often, but when it does, we have to call achapelmeeting because, unfortunately, these women pick up on a lot of club business. I mean, rules go out the damn window when a man is buried deep in a woman’s pussy, so they seem to forget to keep their goddamn mouths shut. The last time a club whore got out of hand, Incubus ended her. Not my call, wasn’t even around, and from what I heard it wasn’t pretty but it needed to be done. Problem with Honey is, she’s pretty much my primary club fuck. Thought we had an understanding, but obviously I was wrong. Little did I know this bitch’s only concern is about herself and her status in my club. In her mind, me being the president would elevate her above the other women. Not happening, even though I was thinking with my dick, thank God Incubus always has my back and has been keeping an eye on Honey. One night he followed her and saw she was playing two sides, me and one of the mob guys. That thought turns my stomach, not because we were sharing her but… fuck, the Mob. And the dude she’s fucking is ugly as shit and so low on the pole of power, she’d have lockjaw blowing all the guys above him to try and gain any power for herself. Thoughin the Mob they have no respect and do not value women at all. We at least try to protect them and, I got to say, we generally treat them all pretty good. So when my brother sat me down inchapel,explaining what was going on, I knew she had to either be sent away or be put to ground. I can’t do it. Not sure why. I have no feelings for her, but over the last couple of years—as we try to even out our club’s businesses—I’ve grown somewhat of a conscience. Yeah, one-percent president of the Indiana chapter of Kings of Anarchy is having a difficult time ending a two-timing bitch. Well, thank Christ, my brothers don’t have the same issue. We brought Sparkle in to manage that part of the club. Not one of the brothers wanted to have to deal with the club girls, even when told they would have perks. Got to say my brothers are some smart bastards. And I sure the fuck don’t want to babysit a bunch of she wolves going at each other every chance they get.
Feeling hands on me without thinking, I push Honey off of me just as I hear a gasp behind me. No fucking way, why the hell isn’t she in her room?Just fuckin’ great,I think to myself as Julie runs right past me, going up to Honey, asking her if she’s okay. I see the calculating look in the club girl’s eyes, and I know this is about to get interesting. When Honey pushes Julie back, I swear to Christ it sounds like she hisses, telling Julie to mind her own fucking business, which doesn’t include me. Honey then goes on to spew that even though I might fuck her, I’d never commit ’cause I always go running back to her. Watching Honey, it looks like she believes her own lies. Julie turns to look at me for a second, giving me big eyes, which has me grinning like a fool, even with a migraine starting. When she turns back to Honey, I can’t believe my eyes when that little shit pulls back and swings, hitting Honey in the face. The scream that erupts from our club girl’s mouth is so piercing I feel my ears starting to ring. The pain behind my eyes kicks in and I almostgo to my knees before I lean up against the wall. Hearing boots hitting the concrete floor, I lean over, putting my head as low as possible, ’cause feel like I’m about to puke. Turning my head toward where the women are, I could have busted out laughing as Honey has a hand to her face—covered in blood—while Julie is leaning across from me, arms crossed over her tits, pushing them up even more. God, what is wrong with me? I’m about to pass out from this pain in my noggin’ and still manage to notice how perky her tits are. I’m a lost cause for sure.
“What the ever-lovin fuck is going on? Honey, what the fuck? I told you to pack your shit and get gone because you’re out. What part of that don’t you understand, you stupid-ass bitch?”
Hearing the slight accent Sparkle tries to hide, though she can’t when she’s pissed, I follow the interaction right in front of me.
“Sparkle, this cunt punched me in the nose; it might be broken. I didn’t do a thing to her either. Who is she anyway? I thought no one was allowed back here unless a brother brings them back.”
Sparkle’s eyes bounce to me and I know what she wants. Fuck, why does this shit keep happening? Before I can say a word, I hear a gnarly voice speak up.
“Not that it’s any of your business, whore, but I told Lil’ Shit to meet me back here. And I’m confused, why do any of us have to explain shit to you, woman? You serve us, not the other way around and, just sayin’, you’re not the best at that either.”
Watching my vice president, Psycho, going toe to toe with Honey, it dawns on me Julie has been awfully quiet. Looking at her is when I see her little ass swaying toward Psycho, wrapping her arms around his middle. I almost swallow my tongue as shock appears briefly on my VP’s face before he pulls her close, putting a kiss on her head. Julie actually purrs, then looksdown at Honey, a smirk on her face while her eyes sparkle with mischief.
“Sorry, Honey, didn’t know I needed to check in with ya. And, yeah, I was down here for Cobalt because my man and I were gonna ask Blue Eyes to party with us again. Between you and me, being in the middle of these two men—damn—it’s any woman’s best dream, if ya know what I mean. Now that we got this straightened out, come on, stud, let’s get into Blue Eyes’s room ’cause that ass plug is starting to burn.”
