Page 11 of Blood & Honey (Saint’s Outlaws MC: Deadman’s Beach, AL #2)
Chapter Ten
The moment Ashley wrapped those slender fingers around my cock while looking up at me with those innocent ocean eyes, I was nearly done for. I could’ve almost come then. And now she’s thoroughly fucked and sleeping soundly in my bed at the clubhouse.
I’ve walked downstairs for a drink and a smoke when I spot Felicity back at the bar talking to Tequila. Who the fuck let her back in?
“Thought I told you not to come around here no more.”
“Oh, come on, Blood. I thought we had something good going.”
“You were an easy lay. Nothing more.”
Her face pales, and she visibly reacts as if I’ve slapped her. “You can’t be serious. I thought all that earlier was all for show because of your little girlfriend.”
“She’s my wife, and I suggest you get the fuck out of here before making you disappear becomes my number one priority.”
“You’re an asshole.” She spins on her heel and stomps toward the door.
My guys ignore her, but the moment she’s gone, I make damn sure they know that cunt is no longer welcome here. It may seem harsh, but I don’t want Ashley bumping into the whore she walked in on me fucking every time she comes to the clubhouse.
I take up a stool at the bar, and Tequila fetches me a beer without a word. I light up my cigarette and check my phone. I have a text from Guts that says Slasher will be released in a few hours.
Hemlock drops onto the stool to my left. “So, this thing with Ashley is legit?”
“You got a problem with that?”
“Nah, man. I’m happy for you. Think we know better than most that this—life…it can all end at any moment. We’ve gotta find what makes us happy and hold the fuck on.”
“You getting all soft on me?”
“That shit with your old man and Eightball shook us all. Some of the guys are leery of Ashley because she’s Shelby’s sister. Give it some time. Once all the dust settles, they’ll accept her.”
I take a long pull from my beer, the amber liquid doing little to soothe my raw mood thanks to Felicity making a damn scene.
“How much does Ashley know about Shelby?”
“Enough.”
“Women should know what they are signing on for.”
“She has a choice. She knows if she decides to walk away from all of this, I won’t force her to stay.
” I let out a deep sigh of frustration. “I’d never put Ashley in danger.
I’m not using her to get at Shelby. Sure, I’ve considered it.
After everything that bitch did to us.” I shake my head and watch the smoke from my forgotten cigarette curling in a thick cloud.
“I’ll protect her from anything or anyone who poses a threat to her or this club. ”
“Not that it bears saying, but I’m going to remind you anyway. You know we’ve all got your back, and any one of these men would lay down their life for your woman because she’s important to you.”
The men return to their conversations, drinks, and games of pool. As the night wears on, some of the women who hang around show up to lighten their moods. Eventually, Ashley drifts downstairs, joining me at the bar.
I drain my beer and signal Tequila for another when Slasher and Guts walk in followed by Goose and some strippers from Cooters & Hooters.
He slowly limps toward us, wincing in pain, barely making it a few steps before the guys surround him to welcome him back.
A few drinks and some painkillers will have him forgetting all about his attack.
At least temporarily, but it won’t go unanswered.
Whoever is behind it will pay one way or another.
My woman stands in front of me, between my legs, sipping on a drink while swaying to the music humming through the sound system.
Ashley has been to club cookouts, but she’s never been here for a real party before. She appears to be in awe of the scene unfolding around her. Loud music, scantily clad women dancing on poles and rubbing up on the guys. Drinks flow steadily, and the stench of weed permeates the air.
Slasher ambles over to us. “Thought my brain was playing tricks on me earlier, but I see Ashley has lost her mind hooking up with a thug like you,” he teases.
“I never had it to start.” She laughs, and I squeeze her hip, pressing my lips to the back of her neck.
I’m glad this scene isn’t too much for her. She’s enjoying the chaos that continually unfolds. Scanning the room, my gaze lands on Kevlar. He’s perched on a stool near the front door like he expects trouble to burst through the door at any minute.
All of our cell phones go off at once with a distress text from our Road Captain, Graves.
Fuck. I sent him to watch after Candyce and Ash.
I leave Ashley in the care of Tequila, Slasher, and Goose.
The rest of us ride out hard and fast.
The salty air night air whips at my face as the roar of my brother’s motorcycle roars around me.
We don’t know what we are riding into, but that’s a chance we take.
We arrive at Candyce’s street to find it mostly quiet.
Most of her neighbors are in bed at this hour.
Graves’ Softail Harley sits in front of her house.
We park right on the street. As I walk up the walkway, Graves comes from around the left side of the house and meets me on the sidewalk, his expression tight and grim.
“Fuck, Prez. I’m sorry. They’re gone.”
“What do you mean?”
“I was smoking a cigarette and decided to do a perimeter check. When I made it around back, I noticed the backdoor was partially open. I knocked and yelled for Candyce, but she didn’t answer me, so I let myself in. I went room by room and found no sign of anyone.”
“When did you last make contact?”
“I didn’t. She’s been pissed at me for some stupid shit, and I didn’t want to get into another pointless argument with her.
I just parked and sat out here. Thought maybe she’d at least come to the door and tell me to fuck off.
” He shakes his head. “This is my fault. I should have sucked it up and talked to her. Fuckin’ apologized. ”
“They may have already been gone by the time you got here,” Hemlock tells him.
“Fuck. Fuck!” I scream and kick the mailbox post. “This has Shelby written all over it. This is my fault for not putting a bullet in that stupid bitch the second I had a chance.” She was never after Ashley. The texts. The attack on Slasher. All of it was a distraction, and I fucking fell for it.
“Where the fuck is my sister?” Kevlar goes after Graves, shoving him in the chest.
“If I knew I wouldn’t be fucking standing here,” he shouts, shoving him back.
Gotti steps between them. “This won’t bring them back. Besides, this is exactly what whoever is behind this wants. If we’re fighting each other, we can’t go after them.”
“Where would Shelby take them?” Kevlar says, looking as ravaged as I feel.
Tension rolls through my shoulders. My blood is practically ice in my veins.
“That bitch has always been unpredictable.” And a step ahead.
This shit lands on me. I’m the one who let Shelby walk away breathing.
I’m the one who took her son from her. I’m the one who asked Candyce to watch Ash tonight, and I sent Graves here.
I should have expected this shit and been better prepared.
I got wrapped up in Ashley, but she’s not to blame for this either.
This is all me.
“We need to get back to the clubhouse to regroup.”
“Are you going to call Buford in on this?” Poe asks.
“Not yet. Not unless I get desperate.” For the first time since I lost my father, fear is gnawing at my insides. Feeding on every insecurity and doubt I’ve ever had. I don’t fear my mortality. I made my peace with the prospect of my death the day I got my cut.
This fear that’s clawing at me is a different kind of worry. Shelby’s vendetta... her bone to pick’s with me. But it may be Candyce or my little brother who pays the price.
Grinding my teeth, I climb on my bike, and ride like my life depends on it. No, not mine. Ashely’s.
Shelby may try to take her too.