Chapter 2—Harlow
Diamond led me past the large room where the brothers held church, towards his office. Sitting in the large space, he grabbed both my hands. “Princess, I’m so sorry you had to deal with that shithole.”
“I’m good, Diamond. I’m out now.” Ma told me the brothers were chomping at the bit not having any control over my fate. They hired the best lawyers, and we fought, but in the end the evil bitch won. At the time, I didn’t know it was Babs. That bitch did a bang-up job with all the evidence against me. I could feel the tension in my body starting to rise just thinking about her. This wasn’t the time for a blow up.
As he squeezed my hand, I tried to get a grasp on my anger. “First, I wanted to thank you for handling that shit for us. I know we asked quite a bit.”
Looking him right in the eye, all anger left my face. “I’d do anything for this club. You know that. Those bitches deserved what they got.” He smiled, not acknowledging it again. I knew this was his way. The things they’ve had to do were secret, and I couldn’t help the bit of pride I felt that I was privileged to my part. The fact I was let in just a sliver was enough to fuel me to do what needed to be done, which I did. Taking out those bitches that wronged the club was an honor.
“For right now, you’ll have a brother with you at all times.” I looked at him confused, wondering what was going on. I’ve been taking care of myself for years before I got locked up and never needed anyone’s help, not even the brothers.
Fire ran through my body, sending it on a course of explosion, but I controlled it and took a deep, heaving breath. I spoke as calmly as I could. “With all due respect, I don’t need a babysitter. I can take care of myself.”
Diamond’s happy nature disappeared, and I knew I had overstepped my bounds. Shit. His face turned tight, and every muscle in it pulsated. His eyes turned menacing, and no longer belonged to the warm, fun-loving guy that just hugged me a few minutes ago causing a sliver of fear to creep through my body. “This is not up for discussion, young lady. You will have a brother at all times.”
I dropped my head in shame. Disappointing Diamond sent an ache throughout my body that I could spend an eternity not feeling again. “Sorry, Diamond.”
He leaned back in his chair lacing his fingers together and placing them behind his head, reclining. “I hear you had a little run-in with some mechanics.”
Of course, he would know already. Nothing gets past this man. “Yes, Sir.”
“You know you can’t go beating up the workers.” His eyes were serious, but his warmth returned and emanated from his words.
“I’m know. I’m sorry.”
“Damn right you are. You will apologize.” Diamond and Pops were the only two that could rein me in. I was not scared of them. Well, I guess I kinda was, but for a good reason. I respected them with every fiber of my being. I trusted them and knew they had my back always.
“We have a party planned tonight for you.” A smile graced my face at this knowledge. I just knew they wouldn’t let my homecoming pass without something. I was almost disappointed when I arrived, and the welcome wagon wasn’t in full force. But I didn’t let it show.
Diamond leaned in close, stilling my hands of their rhythmic movements that I didn’t even know they were making. “We’d do anything for you. You know that, right?”
“I know.”
“You need to keep your eyes and ears open all the time.” I wondered who the hell he was warning me about, but knew I wouldn’t get any answers even though I had to ask.
“Are you gonna tell me who I’m looking out for?”
He eyed me, his expression impassive. “Everyone. Now get out of here and see your Ma.” He nodded towards the door. I knew my dismissal and took it. As I reached the door, Diamond wasn’t done. “Also, you apologize to Cruz.”
My body stood frozen; it was as if all the blood left instantly. The hand that clutched the handle on the door gripped it so tightly I thought for sure it would bust off in my hand. Not looking back, I asked, “This my punishment?”
He laughed but didn’t say a word. I knew the answer. One thing I had a hell of a hard time doing was showing weakness to the brothers. As a woman, I was already considered weak. I’ve spent my entire life trying to prove that wrong. From fighting to shooting to riding… I did everything I could come up with to make the brothers see me as strong. This was going to be a bitch.
The bar was illuminated, like always. The Prospect behind it and Cruz were the only two men in the room, but what caught my eye was the long brown-haired vixen, with small scraps of fabric barely covering her essentials, standing next to Cruz. She was definitely a club momma. They all seemed to look the same, no clothes and an eagerness about them that screamed slut. I’ve seen a lot of them throughout my time here. Did I like it? No. But they were part of it, and I ignored them. They were free p-ssy for the guys, all of the guys, something I refused ever to be.
The woman’s hand began snaking up and down Cruz’s bulging arm as she pushed her body up against his side, her fake tits rubbing on him relentlessly. Normally, my eyes would roll at the situation, and I’d turn and walk away, but this time, I felt rooted in my spot. The men took club mommas all the time using them for their holes and nothing more. But with this woman touching Cruz, I couldn’t help the desire to go over to her and beat the f*cking shit out of her.
I knew I wouldn’t. He was not mine, and I didn’t want him to be. Right? Shaking off my thoughts, I approached the bar. Blowing out a breath, I knew I had to tackle this damn apology first, but I didn’t want to do it with her hanging all over him. I really needed to get on Sting and clear my head, which would definitely be my next order of business.
Pushing my shoulders back, strengthening my spine with all I could muster, the Prospect’s eyes widened as I approached. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know you were Princess.” Cruz must have filled him in on a bit of my history. What I didn’t know was why, considering Cruz didn’t know shit about me.
I smiled softly. “No problem. Nice to meet ya.”
“Howd it go?” Cruz asked, cutting in while taking a pull from his beer. The sound of his throat swallowing filled my ears and my eyes wanted desperately to watch his Adams apple move, but I tore them away.
“Fine. Can I talk to you for a minute?” I asked siding up on the stool next to him.
“You can talk to me anytime you want, Baby.” His voice melted me like butter, and I wanted to kick my ass for it. I needed to keep my head on straight around this man but feared it wouldn’t be an easy task. He turned to the woman at his side, “Get lost.”
Her high-pitched whine had me rolling my eyes in disgust. “But, Cruz. I’m horny.” Seriously? Why these women did this shit, I’d never know. It’s one thing that Casey and I vowed together never to be. We would never start sleeping with the brothers and turn into this woman standing by Cruz.
“I am, too.” His eyes found mine as the words flowed from this mouth. The woman grabbed his arm tighter, but my thoughts drifted to the intense kiss that he gave me just a while ago, and my face flushed.
“Good. Let’s go back and fix that,” she purred loud enough for everyone to hear, but I was sure it was a show for me.
“We’ll see. I’ve gotta see if someone else will help, first.” His eyes never left mine as the woman huffed. She turned and glared at me. I laughed right at her. I couldn’t stop myself. I knew it was bitchy and catty, but f*ck if she wanted to put herself out there like that, this was the shit that happens.
“Take a hike,” he told the Prospect as he scurried off into the club. “What’s so f*cking funny?” he asked, turning his body to me in the stool.
“You.” Shaking my head, I reached for the beer the Prospect left for me before his hasty retreat.
“Me? You’re the cock tease.” His voice had a bit of humor to it but was also laced with his frustration.
I smiled ‘cause I knew I was. I was surprised he wasn’t pissed as shit and most men would be with my little game out in the shop. Needing to get this over with, I blew out a deep breath. Pulling from every bit of strength I could muster, I started strumming my fingers on the bar and suddenly it felt like the room was a thousand degrees, and I was burning alive. I just needed to get this out. “Look, sorry about earlier.” I looked down at the bar, not wanting to make eye contact.
After a few beats with him not saying a word, I turned to him, looking at a very remarkable man with a strong jaw and rough beard. It made my p-ssy clench, and I squeezed my thighs together trying to relieve some of the pressure. His hand grazed my chin, sending an electrical current through my body. As he pulled my head completely up, we were eye to eye. My breath caught as I stared into the most beautiful blue eyes.
He smirked as if he knew what I was thinking deep inside, making my insides flutter. Then he shocked me. “That was the hottest f*cking thing I’ve ever seen.” My eyes widened. I expected him to give me shit, yell at me… something. Those words were not what I thought would come out. I kept my mouth shut.
He leaned in close, his lips a hairs breath away from mine. His arms wrapped around my waist, and before I could catch my breath, he pulled me close, slamming his lips down on mine for the second time. The taste of beer, smoke, and desire invaded my mouth, sending every part of me into convulsive shivers. My arms wrapped around his neck, and I instinctively pulled him closer to me. It had been way too long, if ever, since I felt this kind of passion from a man, and I was lost in it.
We began tearing at each other’s lips, nipping, sucking and exploring. His tongue pushed its way inside my mouth, and we dueled for power. His hands tightened around my body pulling me tight against him. His rock-hard erection pressed against my body, making my p-ssy ache. I wanted it… needed it.
I started rubbing myself against him like a cat in heat, trying to get the smallest amount of friction. I badly needed to come, and since my brain had decided to take a vacation, I was relishing in the feel of him.
“Sis!” G.T.’s voice boomed from across the room. I jumped quickly trying to get out of Cruz’s arms. Feeling like a teenager getting caught doing something was not a feeling I liked. “What the f*ck is going on here?” my brother barked.
“Nothing,” I said, wiping my lips with the back of my hand, actually feeling a bit embarrassed. Of course, he’s caught me in compromising positions before, but never with a brother. I really didn’t like this gutting feeling at all.
“The hell it’s nothing.” Cruz wrapped his arms around my waist pulling me to his body tightly. I could feel his bulge resting in the crack of my ass, making my legs quiver, wanting him that much more. Shutting my eyes, I hoped my brain kicked in soon.
“Cruz, back the f*ck off. She hasn’t had a dick in over two years. She doesn’t f*ck brothers. Ever. She’s not a club momma.” G.T. crossed his arms over his broad chest standing as my protector, even though I didn’t need one; it was still a sweet gesture.
Cruz’s body stiffened at his words. I didn’t know if he thought maybe I’d turn into a whore for him, or if he knew I was different. I hoped the latter. He didn’t say anything, but “things change,” his voice booming in my ear.
“This shit doesn’t change. Stay the f*ck away from her.” G.T. began to move closer to us, just then my brain decided to join the party.
Grabbing Cruz’s arms, I pulled them from my body, stepping away. “If you boys are done with your pissing contest, I’m going to see Ma.”
“Princess, don’t. You need to get your head on straight,” G.T. barked.
Placing my hands on my brother’s chest, I grabbed his shirt with both hands pulling him to me focusing on his eyes. “My head has been f*cked up since that bitch set me up. I already have a Pops; I don’t need another. I don’t say a f*cking word about all the mommas going in and out of your room. Don’t you dare start with me.”
G.T. placed his hands on my shoulders and began rubbing them up and down. “I’m sorry you went through all that. You know I have your back.” He turned to look at Cruz. “In everything.”
“I’m good, Bro. I just need to ride. I’ll be back later.” Letting go of G.T.’s shirt, I smoothed it straight, moving my hands up and down.
“Princess!” Diamond’s voice reverberated from the office.
Turning to the sound, “Yes,” I answered politely.
“Cruz rides with you,” he ordered, not skipping a beat.
“I’ll ride with her,” G.T. stated firmly.
“No. Cruz goes. End of discussion.” With those words, the issue was dropped, and I knew it would be Cruz next to me.
“I’m fine. No worries. Cruz will protect me from all the bad people out there,” I said, rolling my eyes.
“You watch out for her,” G.T. said while seeming to have a silent, private conversation with Cruz over my shoulder.
Pulling myself together, I knew I needed to get on Sting. “I’ll meet you out front,” I called back to Cruz as my pulse picked up at the thought of riding my man.
Feeling the wind in my hair and the vibration between my thighs was the ultimate high. It was better than any drug or even sex. This was the only time that I felt truly free. Even when I left those prison gates, I didn’t fully feel it. This… I feel it. Having Cruz right beside me was an extra bonus, one I wasn’t expecting. Astride his bike, he stayed in sync with me, or maybe it was me staying in sync with him. I really didn’t know, but it was beautiful.
I pulled up to Ma’s house, loving my first home. I loved the small, yellow, one-story, ranch style home. I’d grown up here, and it held so many wonderful memories for me. All along the front of the large white wraparound porch were all different kinds of flowers, which Ma loved. She’s told me repeatedly what they were, but hell if I could remember. All I knew was they were pink, purple, yellow and white, and she took exceptional care of them. Me? I killed anything green I touched. Give me a motor or a carburetor, though, and I could rebuild it like a champ.
Ma must have heard Sting’s rumble because she ran out of the house with a broad smile across her beautiful face. As she embraced me, I felt whole.