Page 19 of Bleed (Two Wheeled Psychos #4)

Things seem brighter and clearer as I ride through downtown Charlotte. It’s like a black cloud that has shrouded me over the past five years has finally lifted and allowed me to see the sun again. The wind feels fresher on my skin, and the air just smells better.

There’s a different cloud now though, and as I ride to the restaurant to put my appearance in, the feelings of hatred and betrayal I feel towards the family I’ve given my all to make me feel ill.

Step one of our plan begins today, and I need to make it believable, which worries me because Dani could get hurt or worse yet, killed.

We need Valentino to think that I’m keeping the contract, that I’m loyal to the family, and that I’m doing everything I can to get the Recluse.

In the process I have to find out if “A” really is Allie, like I think it is.

There’s something between the two of them, and I’m going to figure it out.

The restaurant is quiet except for Antonio hard at work prepping for the day’s line at the center island in my kitchen.

Huh, my kitchen?

It’s dark except for the spotlights over the workspace, and he moves quickly and efficiently, ignoring me when I walk in and toss my keys to Luna on the counter by the door.

“Morning.” I say to my sous chef, but still he stays immersed in what he’s doing until I slide up next to him and bump his shoulder with mine.

“Oh shit, bossman, you’re here.” He says, startled and pulling a white earbud from his left ear. “I didn’t hear you come in.”

“It’s all good. How have things been?”

“Not too bad. I think I’ve gotten your whole routine down now.” He says with a big grin, fanning out his hands to show me the array of prepped items that match what’s on the menu he’s written and pinned to the track above us.

“Good, because we need to talk.” I say, watching his face fall. I slap him on the shoulder and smile at him. “Not like that. It’s a good thing. Well, for you.”

Pausing my thoughts for a second, I go to the liquor cabinet by the front counter, pull out a top shelf bottle of whiskey, and grab two glasses bringing them back to the island. I pour each of us three fingers worth and swirl both glasses before handing him his.

“What’s going on?” He asks, confused, taking the drink from me and offering a salute with a tilted rim.

“You’re now the executive chef. Congratulations.” I say, tapping my glass to his with a dainty clinking. “Cheers.”

“What?!”

“There’s an issue, and I need to focus on my ‘other’ job for the unforeseeable future. I need you to step up and keep things in line.”

“So it’s temporary?”

“No. The kitchen is yours. I won’t be coming back.”

“Man, what’s going on? Are you okay?”

“For now.” I sigh and down the whiskey in one big gulp, not even tasting it before I pour myself another.

“You know I’ve got your back, right?” Everything we’ve been through here. I’m loyal to you, my friend.”

“Good, because I need your help.”

“Anything.”

Grabbing two stools from the corner, I bring them to the island and offer him a seat, pouring more whiskey for us both.

His face goes from surprised to angry, to sympathetic as I tell him what’s going on, what I think is happening, and what I have planned.

If there’s anyone I trust here to bring into the plan and help it’s him, and he proves it by giving me a big, back slapping hug when I finish the explanation and down the last of the alcohol in my glass.

“Fuck, Damien. I didn’t know. But I’m with you.”

“Thanks man.”

“Didn’t know what?” Valentino says from the saloon doors leading out to the dining room, clicking on the lights, furrowing his brows at us as we sit and drink on the job.

“That you’re gay.” I say to him, eyeballing him with pure hatred.

“Yeah, totally.” He snorts. “If I’m gay, so are you.” With a disgusted look on his smug face and a shake of his head, he leaves the room, letting the doors swing with a loud flapping noise behind him.

“Close one.” Anotnio says, swallowing thickly.

“Nah, I knew he was there. You couldn’t smell his cologne? That shit could choke out a gorilla.” I laugh, slapping my glass down on the counter. “I wouldn’t let you say anything incriminating in front of that asshole. I need you too much.”

“Thanks.” He says with a roll of his dark, Italian eyes.

“Yep. See you soon. Five o’clock, beginning of dinner rush.”

“Got it.”

With a satisfied smile, I leave the kitchen, walk down the back hall and stop in front of the office doors, listening to see if Valentino is inside. I can hear him on the phone with someone, so I press my ear to the door frame at the cracked opening.

“I love you, you now that…it’ll happen…patience baby...shhh…baby please…fine…”

The one-sided conversation just proves he’s in cahoots with a woman, one he’s been keeping a secret, and I know in the pit of my stomach that it’s the cunt Allie, the one pretending to be Dani’s best friend. She’s the Judas in this whole thing, I’m sure of it.

“Fucking asshole and bitch. You two are made for each other.” I grunt, then swing the door open quickly, making him jump in surprise.

With a maniacal laughter, I bend over, pull down my pants, show the prick my ass, and fart as loudly as I can push one out. It’s huge, loud, and stinks like all get out, and as he covers his face with his hand and curses at me, I pull my jeans back up, look over my shoulder, and flip him off.

“What the fuck asshole?” He yells at me as I strut away, heading to the back fire exit door and the pretty bitch waiting for me in her parking spot..

Calling out over my shoulder I yell back. “Well, since you like buttholes and all. Have a great day.”

Is it childish and disgusting? Yes. Does it make me feel just a little bit better? Absolutely.

Stupid motherfucker.

~~~

“You ready?” I ask Dani as I wheel my bike next to hers in the garage at my apartment.

One of the reasons I fell in love with her in the first place was that I had someone to ride with.

We used to cruise the streets all night long, me on Luna and her on her pink and carbon fiber wrapped Cbr 500.

With her short stature, and it being a smaller bike than mine, it’s still funny watching her get on it and having to tip toe to reach the ground.

But don’t let that fool you, the girl can ride.

“Yeah.” She says, tightening the chin strap on her helmet and pulling her blonde braid out the back of it.

She’s fucking gorgeous on that thing in her black armored leggings and leather riding jacket in pink and black.

The front zipper is open just enough to let some air flow in and to accentuate the perky tits underneath.

I can’t wait to ride behind her, chasing her through the streets, watching that perfect ass hug the small seat.

“Make sure you rev that baby loud enough to get his attention baby.” I remind her as I flick on the ignition switch on Luna and fire her up.

“You just make sure you can keep up with me.” She laughs, reaching out and slapping my helmeted head.

“No problem there.”

“Alright, let’s do this.”