Page 68

CHAPTER

TWELVE

Jingles

Since I’m feeling somewhat protective of Belle, part of me wants to set her up in my room, but I realize that she’s going to need her own space so she can deal with the shit she went through while in captivity, and begin the healing process. Still, Brick puts her in the empty room next to mine, which settles me somewhat.

“Let’s let Ry and Rory get her bathed so Sleeper doesn’t see her like this,” Brick says as we make our way into her room.

“She’s still out, Pres, how’s that gonna work?” I ask, genuinely curious.

“We’ll figure it out, Jingles. Can you bring up the bags that the prospects will be coming back with?” Ryleigh asks. “I sent them out to get her some soft clothing since I wasn’t sure of her condition.”

“Yeah, I’ll grab a quick shower then head down to the common area and wait for them to arrive,” I reply. “Y’all take good care of her, please. I know Sleeper’s about out of his mind with all of this.”

“We will, Jingles, promise,” Rory adds. I look and notice she’s in a one-piece bathing suit, causing my brows to raise. “Oh this?” she asks. “We figured we’d hold her up in the shower, but no sense in all of us being naked.”

Brick smirks, Banshee glowers, and I can’t help it, the expressions on their faces are downright hilarious, and in response, I burst into uncontrollable laughter. The two brothers aren’t sure what to make of their ol’ ladies right now from the look of things. Deciding it’s better for me to excuse myself, I do just that and head into my room, grabbing the saddlebags that Scythe dropped in front of my door.

After I unlock my door and drag my saddlebags in, I lock it back up, then head into my bathroom, where I turn on the water to warm while I strip out of my road worn clothes, and toss everything into the hamper once I’ve emptied my pockets. I have a bad habit of not doing that and one of the club girls, tired of handing me a shit ton of cash and change, put up a little sign in my bathroom that has a spot for unmatched socks as well as the loose change and cash she emptied from my pockets.

“Looks like it’s time to empty the jar again,” I muse after cramming it full. Typically, once it’s full, I take the change and toss it into a huge, empty five-gallon water bottle, while the bills are organized and put into my wallet.

Stepping into the shower, I let out a long, exhaustive sigh as the hot water beats down on my shoulders, relieving my tight muscles and easing the tension that’s been building ever since I got Sleeper’s initial phone call letting me know Belle and Moira had been taken. “Thank God she’s safe and sound,” I whisper as steam builds in my bathroom, billowing throughout the smaller space, and fogging up the room. For long minutes, I simply let the water flow around me, glad to be home, whole and secure.

Finally, I grab my shampoo to wash my hair, and once that’s done and the conditioner is doing its thing, I start washing my body. After scrubbing and rinsing the suds clean, I step out of the shower, wrap a towel around my head, then dry my body while most of the moisture seeps into the towel. As I shave the beard that’s grown ever since Sleeper called, so I’m clean shaven once again, I consider cutting my hair then quickly toss that idea out. It is due for a trim, so I make a mental note to get that appointment with my barber scheduled, then brush out my hair before I return to my room and get dressed.

“May as well empty my saddlebags now since most of the shit in there is dirty,” I mutter, needing something to keep myself distracted and busy. After completing that chore, I take the laundry jar, pull out the bills and toss them on my bed before I pour the change into the container sitting in the corner next to my dresser. “Nice, that’ll probably be enough to upgrade something on my bike.” I’m always looking for amenities that’ll make things easier to store my items while pounding the streets on runs as well as other jobs for the club. Having multiple compartments to stock my inventory makes it easier to bring other ‘necessities’ along for the ride.

Grinning, I sit on the edge of the bed, put my socks and boots on my feet, then arrange my money inside of my wallet, placing them in an orderly fashion and match the amounts so that fives are with fives, ones are with ones, and so on, that way they’re consistent, then I make sure all of the bills are facing the same way so it’s easier to count out when I’m paying for my purchases at the register. Once I’m satisfied everything’s as it should be, I take my cut from the hook by the door and slide it on, then head out to the common room. Might as well have a beer while I wait for the prospects to return with the stuff they went to get for Belle, and check in to see where Sleeper’s at on his trip.

“So, how is it going to work with Ryleigh and Rory decorating?” I ask Brick as we sit on the barstools and enjoy an ice-cold beer. Sleeper’s ETA is about thirty minutes or so out, and I’ve already delivered the clothes to the ladies, so it’s now a matter of waiting.

“They’re going to start putting Halloween shit up next week,” he replies, smirking. “I know we won’t have any trick-or-treaters all the way out here, but they’ve decided we’ll have a huge party anyhow.”

“Sounds like it could be fun, as long as we don’t have to dress up.” Haven’t enjoyed doing that since I was young, and had no adult in the vicinity that was willing to supervise and take me out trick or treating. The holiday lost its appeal after I’d get home, and all of my candy was taken away. All of that hard work, walking miles to get my stash, only to not get a damn treat out of it.

He starts laughing so hard, he’s soon slapping at the table while I fear for his sanity.

“Brother?” I finally ask as he wipes at his eyes. “Are you alright?”

“They want everyone to dress up, but I already told Ryleigh that wasn’t happening and not to expect it,” he manages to choke out.

“Well, we’re bikers, so technically, we would be dressed up I guess.”

“I’m sure one or two of the brothers will decide to play along,” Brick says. “But it’s not mandatory or anything.”

“Then I suspect they’ll do Thanksgiving in November?”

“Most likely a combination of Thanksgiving and Christmas if the boxes that have already been arriving in bulk shipments are any indication. I mean, we’re fucking bikers, why on earth would we give a shit if the clubhouse is decorated?”

“Because your daughter will appreciate it when she’s a little older,” Ryleigh says from behind Brick.

I saw her coming but kept my mouth shut, so now, I’m snickering at the glare his ol’ lady is giving him.

“She’s a baby, Ry,” he says. “She’s going to play with the paper and the boxes, and not much else. She won’t care if there are lights and shit strung all over the place.” Her shoulders drop and I wonder if she’s doing it on purpose when I see him pull her onto his lap and whisper something in her ear. I don’t remind him that one day, she’ll see pictures and will know that we all put in the effort to make it memorable for her.

Looking around, I notice the massive cat tree that’s currently housing our three resident felines: Calvin, Hobbes, and Sassy. “It might look pretty good, Pres,” I state, my gaze covering the room. “Are we going to do a Secret Santa this year?”

Last year, Ryleigh went overboard, buying stuff for everyone, which nearly caused Brick to have a heart attack. He had mentioned doing something different moving forward, so I’m interested to see if they came up with a solution or not.

“Yeah,” he replies. “We’ll put a capped limit on it, of course, and everyone will need to list a few things they want below their name. Not saying that gift cards aren’t allowed, but as my woman was quick to point out, it’s fun and more personal to actually open up a present.”

I shrug because by the time I was a teenager, my father would just hand me a wad of cash and tell me to get what I wanted. Maybe if I had an ol’ lady, I’d feel differently, who knows?

Belle’s face immediately comes to mind; I can see her in my life in such a permanent way, but ultimately, it’s going to be her decision. Hopefully, she’s still here when Christmas comes around, because my mind’s been busy thinking of things that I can get for her, including some gift cards to stores I know women like shopping at for makeup, and that kind of shit. Not that I think she needs that crap glopping up her face; she’s got a natural beauty that I don’t feel needs any kind of enhancing. Still, women like it, so I’ll get her one.

“Never much celebrated the holidays when I was younger,” I reply. “But now that Aubree is here, even though she’s little, I think it would be fun.”

Something else crosses my mind, and I look at Brick and say, “Brother, Rainman needs to adjust my stuff.”

Brick smirks while shaking his head. “Naw, Brother. Seems we realized we needed a Road Captain, and with all the roads you’ve been running while searching for Belle, we took a vote at the last church session and decided you’d be the perfect candidate for that position. Congrats, Jingles. You’ll get the official patch at the next church meeting, which will likely be once everyone gets here so we can decide what our future steps should be and what we need to do to take care of a few loose ends.”

I know he’s being deliberately vague because Ryleigh’s still nestled in his lap, but still, I’m stunned at his announcement. I never anticipated or expected I’d hold an officer position, and it has me feeling out of sorts, in some kind of emotional way due to the fact that my brothers believe I’m capable of taking on the task.

“Appreciate it, Pres. Your confidence in me is staggering, never thought I’d have that,” I reply before promising, “I won’t let y’all down.”

“No one in this club has ever let me down, Brother. You’re a valued brother, one we wholeheartedly believe in. Definitely feel free to reach out to any of the other chapters who have a road captain, so you fully understand the duties that come with that position. We’ve never really had one, so I’m a bit unclear on the specifics.”

“Will do.” I’m still in shock, excited, and ready to take on this role by diving in headfirst.

“Oh! I nearly forgot to tell you, Jingles,” Ryleigh says, interrupting my thoughts. “Belle’s awake and she’s asking for you.”

I quickly stand, and with a chin lift to my president, make my way up the stairs to the room she’ll be staying in, my heart beating a mile a minute.