Chapter 4
Ella
Four months ago
In the seven days between meeting Slick that evening and him returning to pick me up, I must have rethought my impulsive decision a hundred or more times, not at all certain I’m cut out for a career in espionage. Entering enemy territory and infiltrating the club of the Satan’s Devils’ rivals? That’s just not me. But it’s difficult to back out as Slick keeps in touch by regularly calling, his wry humour and deep velvety voice resonating through me, helping me keep my resolve. When he emphasises how grateful he and his club will be, I can do nothing but lie and assure him I haven’t reconsidered. Then when I put down the phone I have more second thoughts. But as time passes, it becomes too late to back out.
All too soon, Slick’s plan gathers a momentum all of its own. Before I’m anywhere near ready, I find myself packing a bag, giving a mumbled excuse to Tilly to explain my absence for a few days, and opening the door to Slick. The first thing I notice as he leads me out to an SUV is he’s not wearing his black leather vest with the colourful patch on the back.
It strikes me as significant. I’ve never seen any of the club’s members without one before. Pointing at him I ask, “Where’s your vest?”
He laughs, his rumbling chuckles having the predictable result. “It’s called a cut darlin’, and I’m drivin’ a cage today. The club would fine me if I disrespected our colours and wore my cut while I’m drivin’.”
“A cage?” My eyes narrow, it sounds like he is talking a different language.
“A car.” He sighs. “Come on, it’s a two-hour drive to Phoenix, we can talk on the way. Seems like you’re needin’ a bit of biker education before you go into the Rock Demons’ club.”
Buckling up the seat belt, I settle in to enjoy the journey. Listening to his deep tones washing over me is no hardship at all. Trying to remember everything he’s telling me is a little more difficult. “Okay, so there’s a president, officers, and non-ranking members. And prospects who do the drudge. Got it, I think.”
My ignorance has been showing, but he’s been patient with his answers. There so much to learn. Their way of life seems so very different, the strict hierarchy and rules alien to me. But by the time we get to our destination I feel about ready to take a text.
While I’m nervous about the end game, I’m also excited about what seems like a mini vacation. I’m going to have a couple of days in an apartment I don’t have to share with anyone else, and where the furniture is clean, if not new. I wave away Slick’s apology for the sorry excuse for a car they’re providing. As I’ve never owned one, having any vehicle to myself even if it’s only a heap, and just for a short time, it feels like I have true independence at last. In Tucson, I borrow Tilly’s if she’s not using it when I need to go out. Which means I rarely have the opportunity to drive.
Slick drops me off, hands over the necessary keys that I’ll need, then quickly leaves. As I watch his tail lights disappear I feel a moment of loneliness, and concern returns as to what I’m doing. Treat it as an enjoyable break. Following my own good advice, I decide to make the most of it and, going inside, get unpacked and settled in. Noticing the cupboards are empty, I venture out into what he’d assured me is a relatively safe neighbourhood and, with the money he gave me, I buy food. Returning home, I cook a half-decent meal for myself. And wash up my own plates and pans immediately afterwards.
For those first few days I’m happy. Slick stays away, not wanting to risk being seen visiting, but checks in by phone. As far as I know he’s holed up in a nearby motel.
The time on my own passes quickly. Too quickly. Come Friday evening I’m a bundle of nerves as I doll myself up, slapping on more makeup than I usually wear. I open the bags of new clothes that I’d bought and put on the sluttiest things I can find. A short skirt that’s almost indecent, and a tight top without a bra. When I lean over to look in the mirror while applying bright red lipstick, my boobs spill out of the top. Just the right look I’ve been trying to achieve, but one I’m not entirely comfortable with.
I pause, blusher in hand, gazing at my reflection. I’m going to get laid tonight. By a biker. But with surprise as I realise whatever Jill said, the tantalising picture she’d drawn has become tarnished. I don’t want any old biker cock, the idea of allowing strangers to pore over me no longer appealing. The reason for my change of heart is simple—the only biker I want is Slick. Fuck! What am I doing? I won’t be able to go through with this. I must tell him…
I can’t. If I back out now I won’t get to have him. I’d be letting down both him and his club, which will hardly endear me to him. And if I go through with it, any attraction he has toward me might disappear—I’ll have slept with his enemy after all. It’s a wicked conundrum. I’m damned if I do or if I don’t.
In the end it’s the thought of letting Slick down and how disappointed he’ll be that provides the incentive. His club is depending on me to carry this through, and it must be important for them to stoop to asking a virtual stranger to help. Slick’s got confidence I can carry this off. And how hard can it be? There might be a way to plant the cameras without having to get close to any of the men. And if not, there must be someone there who would tempt me. They’re bikers after all. Maybe there’ll be someone just like Slick? After all, he’s the only biker I’ve spoken too. And in Jill’s view, they’ve all got something to offer. But despite my pep talk, my lady parts remain dry, my nipples drawn tight against my breasts. I don’t want to do this.
I’ve left myself no choice. The Satan’s Devils have housed me, temporarily given me a car, a taste of freedom such as I’ve rarely enjoyed. They’ve given me money for food and for clothes, a short space of time where I’m not afraid to open my wallet. If I don’t go ahead with this I’ll anger both Slick and his club. I shudder, realising I wouldn’t want to know what would happen to me if I pulled out. I know too much about their business.
I ring Slick just before leaving, needing to hear his voice, while a large part of me hopes he’ll offer me a reprieve. “I’m going in now.” I hold my breath, waiting for him to give me the chance to abort.
But he’s fixed on the plan. “Be safe, Ella. Don’t take any fuckin’ chances. And remember, let me know as soon as you’re out. We’re relyin’ on you, darlin’. I know you can do this.”
His voice and his confidence bolsters me, but the mission’s an obvious go, and my brief newfound courage wears off almost as soon as I put down my phone.
With shaking hands on the steering wheel, and my foot slipping the clutch as I fumble with unfamiliar gear changes, I managed to get to the club and eventually find a place to park. My hands tremble as I lock the car, leaving it in a side street with a pang of regret. If my assignment’s successful I’ll not be driving it again. Slick will be driving me home. That’s the thought that encourages me most. Just a few more hours, then when the cameras are planted I’ll be on my way back to Tucson. With Slick. Just the evening to get through, surely there can’t be too much problem with that?
My stomach churns with nerves as I approach the building ahead, a tumbledown warehouse which has seen better days. It’s a biker club. And all I’ve got to do is go in and flirt. They’ll do the rest. Then I’ll hide the tiny devices currently hidden in my fuck-me-heels and get away fast. That doesn’t sound like much work.
Walking up I slow, apprehensively eying the number of Harleys parked up. Then with a deep breath to fortify myself I step forward. Exuding a confidence I don’t feel, I come up to the entrance, tagging behind another scantily clad female entering ahead of me.
“Hey, you. You’re new.”
An arm whips out to block my way. I stop and tilt my head to one side, giving the man a flirtatious smile. I lick my lips with my tongue. I can’t fail at the first hurdle.
My actions have the desired effect. He laughs and steps aside, waving me past. And as easy as that I walk in through the gates of hell.
Early the next morning I dislodge the heavy arm holding me captive, carefully trying not to disturb the sleeping body snoring by my side. I’m grabbing my clothes when, to my dismay, the man wakes up and stirs, his eyes watching me suspiciously.
“Where ya goin’?”
It hurts to breathe, but I try to keep it together as I answer, “I’ve got to ring my mom. She likes me to check in.”
Fuck knows they must be used to this, using women so cruelly. He doesn’t say anything, just allows me to move, then turns over and almost immediately the rasping snores start ringing out again. Moving silently and painfully, checking no one else is stirring, I go behind the bar and plant the miniscule cameras I’ve removed from my shoes.
Then I ring Slick, praying he’ll answer the phone.
Another biker appears, he’s standing with his arms folded, mistrustfully listening to my call.
“Mom, I… Oh, my. Are you alright? I’ll come now.”
Turning to the onlooker, I shrug. “My mom’s real poorly, she’s had a fall. I’ve got to go to her.”
Shaking his head as though he couldn’t give a damn, he turns away. Holding my shoes in one hand, I tiptoe around sleeping bodies, making my way outside, pausing to gulp as much sweet-smelling air into my lungs as I can. It’s not much, I’m too sore to take deep breaths.
I tentatively nod at the prospect manning the gate, relieved when he slides it open allowing me to pass. I see the black SUV waiting just a little way down the road.
Expecting shouts to come after me any moment, I force myself to walk calmly, hiding my pain both inside and out, concentrating on putting one foot in front of the other. I stagger slightly as I come to the door. It’s opened from the inside, and awkwardly I ease myself in.
My words tumble out of me, my tone full of hate. “Just tell me, Slick, whatever you’re doing. You’re going to rain Satan’s wrath on those fuckers back there.”
He gives me a sharp look as he wastes no time moving off. “What the fuck did they do to you, Ella?”
I can’t tell him. “Let’s just say they were rough.”
Thumping the steering wheel, he jerks his foot on the throttle making the car lurch forward. I let out a groan.
“You’re hurt.” It’s a statement, not a question, he can see that I am. “Ella, I’m so fuckin’ sorry.” His voice is full of regret.
“It’s done, Slick. I did what you asked me to do.” I sound emotionless.
“I didn’t want them to harm you.” Glancing sideways, I see he’s gripping the steering wheel so hard his knuckles are white. Then he tells me through gritted teeth, “You’re gonna be alright, Ella.”
It’s a platitude, a weak promise that he’ll be unable to follow through. I don’t think I’ll ever be alright again.
“Just take me home, Slick.”
“No can do, darlin’. You’re comin’ back to the compound until we finish our business with the Demons.” He takes his hand off the steering wheel and squeezes mine. I flinch, rubbing my fingers as though to wipe away his touch. Slick growls as he notices and slams his hand back on the wheel. “Fuck!” he swears loudly, but I know he’s not cursing at me.
Another few miles pass. “Ella, we owe you one fuck of a lot.” His eyes flick toward me before returning to the road. He doesn’t miss the way my mouth is pursed, my arms folded protectively over my middle. “Don’t worry, darlin’, we’ll get Doc to the club. He’s a medic and will look after you.” He mutters something inaudible under his breath.
For the remainder of the journey we drive on in silence, me lost in my pain, him in simmering anger. When we arrive at the compound I start to shiver as the gates slide shut behind us, locking me in. The last place I want to be is in another biker club. I’d much prefer to take my chances at home.
Slick parks the car and, coming around to the passenger side, offers a hand to help me out. I’m biting my lip, my eyes wide open and looking around, then anchoring back on him as though he’s my rock.
His brow creases as he senses my uneasiness. “Look, darlin’, I know you’d rather go back to your place. But it’s possible they clocked you plantin’ the cameras, and we want to keep you safe. We owe you,” he repeats, then gestures to my ribs. “Stay until you feel better. Least we can fuckin’ do for ya. I promise we’ll keep you safe.”
I’m scared of being here, but his suggestion the Phoenix club might find the cameras I planted and come after me is just as terrifying, if not worse. Now I know just how much Jill had misled me, at this point I’ll be happy if I never see another biker for the rest of my life. My teeth start chattering even though warmth of the sun is permeating the car.
“Come on. Let’s get you looked at. Doc should be here soon.” Slick tries to encourage me, his voice is gentle but his jaw is set.
“Slick, I…” I can’t, I’m screaming inside. I don’t want to take a step into his club.
“Come,” he urges again, indicating the building we’ve parked alongside, drawing my attention to it for the first time. Even from my quick glance it’s obvious the Satan’s Devils clubhouse is a million miles away from the one I went to last night. Bizarrely, the front façade resembles a foyer and reception of a hotel. Apart from the row of Harleys parked outside, it doesn’t look much like a home for bikers.
The striking difference is what gives me the courage to get out of the car. Slick puts his hand to my back to encourage me inside. I pull away, preferring to move of my own volition. Once through the doors he leads me over and seats me on the couch. My shoulders are hunched over, protecting my ribs, and my right arm is hugging my stomach. My cheek throbs from where I was hit.
“Hey, VP, come ‘ere a sec.” Slick’s voice washes over me. As I hear footsteps approach he continues, “Wraith, this is Ella.”
A stranger hunkers down in front of me, lifting his hands as if to push back my hair to get a better look at my face. I flinch before he can touch me, and then feel Slick putting his arm around me possessively, and I shudder at his touch. He lets me go immediately.
“Sorry, darlin’,” the man called Wraith says to me, then looks up at Slick. “She get caught?”
With a shake of his head, Slick tells him, “No. She did what she went there to do. Cameras should be transmittin’ now well enough. This,” he waves his hand down to emphasis the state that I’m in, “this is just how they treat their women.”
Their VP swears softly, then asks, “Doc look at her?”
“I’ve called him, he’s on his way in. Reckon you’ve got a broken rib, don’t ya, babe?”
I nod and Wraith growls, “Fuckin’ bastards.” Turning back to Slick, he asks, “Told Drum yet?”
“Haven’t had a chance, I was just goin’ in to see him.”
Suddenly the clubroom doors swing open, and in walks a familiar face. As soon as she sees me Jill runs over, her eyes widening in horror as she takes in the state I’m in. When she demands to know what happened, I make something up on the spot.
“I was mugged.”
“Oh, Ella!” She goes to hug me, but mindful of my ribs I back away.
“You take care of her,” Slick tells her. “I’m off to see Drum. Doc will be here in a bit. Get her set up in my room, got it?”
His room? No! But before I can protest he’s disappeared down a corridor. One by one bikers follow him, and I suspect they’ve got some kind of meeting. Probably to discuss the devices I’d planted. I should be proud of myself for having completed my task, but I’m not. Success had come with far too high a cost.
Jill leaves instructions with a biker manning the bar to have Doc follow us, and then helps me walk to a bloc further up the compound.
“Where did it happen, Ella? Did you have much taken?”
I wouldn’t be in this state had I not listened to her, and I’m mindful I need to keep quiet on all that had happened. I shudder, remembering Slick’s threat if I disclose anything that he told me—if he’d wanted her to know, he wouldn’t have sent her away that night. I ignore her inquisition as we walk past interlinked units and, to take my mind off the pain, and hers off my predicament, I ask about my surroundings.
“What is this place?”
“It’s an old vacation resort,” Jill informs me. “A fire destroyed it, the club bought it up cheap and rebuilt. Each of these units has two suites. Up the top there’s some houses as well, where I live with the girls.” She pauses for a moment. “Not sure why Slick wanted you in his room and not with us.”
As I glance at her face, she seems to be frowning. “I’d rather be with you,” I gasp out. The last thing I want to do is stay with a biker who might expect to make good on his promise to reward me for the job I’d done. But then again, I don’t want to stay with the sweet butts and give the wrong impression.
When the slight incline makes me winded and I have to stop, her expression turns to one of concern. “Look, Slick’s is the next unit. He shares it with Wraith. Or did, before Wraith got an ol’ lady. He’s got it all to himself now. Not far to go.”
Staggering on the last few steps, I follow her in through an entrance. She opens one of the two doors and I get a first look inside. Slick’s huge room looks clean and tidy. It’s dominated by a large bed, and there’s a desk, a wardrobe, and a couple of comfortable looking chairs by a window. Outside there’s a balcony looking over the desert. While not in the state to appreciate it, I can tell it’s a glorious view in a beautiful spot. You can see for miles. Right over to a range of mountains in the distance.
“Chair or bed?” she asks as I pause before entering.
“Chair,” I respond, not knowing how long Slick will be and not wanting to look like I’m issuing an invitation if he finds me lying flat out. “I won’t be staying here. I’ll be off home later after I’ve been fixed up.” I can’t stay. Being in the compound’s bad enough. Slick’s room is even worse. And any notion of being a sweet butt has been knocked on its head. Despite Slick’s warnings, my fear of him and his Satan’s Devils brothers outweighs the unlikely possibility that the Rock Demons could find out who I am or where I live.
A rap at the door and a man enters. He’s not wearing a cut, although he’s dressed as a biker. He’s carrying a bag in his hands.
“This is Doc.” Jill confirms my suspicions.
With a nod to her, wasting no time, he comes over. Gentle hands touch my face, becoming insistent when I try to back away.
“Easy, sweetheart. Just let me see what I’m dealin’ with here.” He holds my chin in one hand, probing my cheek with his other. “Nasty bruise here, darlin’, but yer cheek bone’s intact. Now where else are ya hurting?”
“I think I’ve broken a rib.”
“Can I see?”
Jill’s face seems full of encouragement, clearly seeing there’s nothing wrong with his request. As he is acting so professionally, I slowly lift my t-shirt, exposing the darkening area on my ribs. He looks into my eyes, his head tilted in question. Preparing myself with as deep a breath as I can, I let his hands probe lightly, unable to suppress a squawk of pain.
“Hmm, I think you’ve definitely broken a couple, and that must be painful. I’ll give ya some painkillers.”
“Gonna strap them up?” Jill asks.
He shakes his head. “Strappin’ can do more damage than good,” he tells us. “They’ll heal on their own if you just take it easy. If you cough or sneeze, try and lean forward to keep the pressure off, okay?”
Jill’s looking concerned. “I thought they had to be taped or something.” She frowns as though she doesn’t think he’s doing his job properly.
With another dismissive shake he says, “Tape them up and you could force a jagged end into the lungs. I know it looks like I’m doing nothin’ for ya, but here time will be your best healer. And being careful. Do ya work?”
“In a bar.”
“You’ll need to take time off and rest.”
“She will, Doc.” My eyes widen as I hadn’t heard Slick entering. My heart begins to beat faster as he enters the room, but it’s not with desire. It’s with terror. What will he expect from me? Back at my house I’d all but begged him to fuck me. Now that’s the last thing I want. I shudder.
“Are you hurtin’ anywhere else?” Doc’s watching me carefully, and I hide the lie as I deny any other injury. Then he rummages in his bag and pulls out a box. “Painkillers. Take two now and two in four hours. Call me back if you need me.” His face creases with sympathy. “I know it hurts, darlin’, so you get some rest. Okay?”
Slick slaps him on the back. “Thanks Doc. Dollar will sort your bill out as normal.”
As the medic leaves, Jill hovers as though she’s not sure whether she should stay or not. Slick doesn’t keep her waiting long before saying, “I’ll take it from here, Jill.”
I don’t want her to go, don’t want to be left alone with him. But having learned only too well what happens when you speak back to a biker, I’m too scared to contradict him and ask her to stay. My eyes follow her as she departs, lingering for a second on the closing door.
And then return to Slick, who’s watching me carefully as though trying to interpret the expression on my face.
After a moment he opens a mini-fridge and extracts a bottle of water. “Here.” He offers it to me along with two of the painkillers. I take them, but don’t swallow them. I’m sore and tired, and I suspect they’ll be strong and probably put me to sleep. And I’m in a strange man’s room. A biker’s room.
He raises his head and closes his eyes, and then comes and kneels in front of me, his hands going either side of my chair. “You had a rough night, darlin’. And the last thing you want is another man fuckin’ touchin’ you. I ain’t stupid, I can see that.” Slowly he shakes his head. “Truth is, I didn’t have it much easier. I didn’t sleep worryin’ like fuck about you.” His fingers stretch out and gently brush against the bruise on my face. “You don’t know how hard it was imaginin’ what could be happenin’ to yer. I wanted to rush in there and drag ya back out.”
He was worried about me? Oh, how I wish he had come and rescued me. He thought he had it bad? He should have tried being me. My lips purse and I glare. Quickly I try to hide my expression.
His piercing blue eyes give me such a scrutiny I think he must see down to my soul. “There’s somethin’ you’re not tellin’ me.”
Trying to deny it, I shrug then wince. “I told you, they were rough.” And that’s all I’m going to admit. The sooner I can forget what happened, the better. Forget? I’ll never forget.
“I’ve spoken to Drum, that’s our prez. He and the brothers appreciate all that you’ve done. And it wasn’t for nothin’. Everythin’s workin’. Because of what you’ve done, the Rock Demons will get what they fuckin’ deserve. And that’s the last I can tell you about that.” Standing, he holds out his hand. “I’m fuckin’ dead, woman. I just need to sleep. And I need to have you beside me to know that you’re safe.” He points to a closed door. “That there’s a bathroom, go shower or just change. I’ll give you one of my shirts to wear and then we’re going to bed.”
I recoil, and he notices. Both hands go up and smooth over the dome of his head, “Fuck, I’m not a bastard, Ella. You’re hurt and sore and fuck knows what else. I’m not takin’ advantage of you. I truly just want to sleep.”
Scanning his features, there’s nothing to suggest he’s not being honest. He looks so tired, almost broken, that it makes me believe him. And boy, do I want a shower to wash all the filth away. Hoping I’m not doing the wrong thing, I give in. Unable to ignore the pain any longer, I at last swallow the tablets, then pull my sore body up, pause briefly waiting for the dizziness to go, then, moving crouched over, go into the bathroom. I have the water far too hot and stay under it far too long. My skin looking pruned and covered with his shirt—which reaches down to my thighs—I return to find he’s lying on one side of the king-size bed, fully clothed and leaving more than sufficient space for me.
The painkillers and the long hours I’ve been awake, combined with stress, makes the bed look inviting. Trembling, I lie down beside him. Although he’s not touching me, I can feel the warmth of his skin radiating toward me and, despite my trepidation, strangely it’s a source of comfort not to be alone. I close my eyes. Quickly flicking them open again to check he hasn’t moved. Little snuffling noises show he’s already sleeping. Reassured, I give in, unable to stay awake any longer.
I wake to sun blazing through the windows and the sound of voices murmuring.
“What took you so long?” Slick growls, and then speaking over the excuse. “Now get out of here, Prospect.” At odds with his angry tone, he chuckles as the door closes. Seeing I’m awake, he walks across with two steaming mugs. Even from here I can smell they must contain coffee. “Got to keep ‘em on their toes,” he explains. At my look of confusion he continues, “Prospects do shit for us to earn their patch. Keep forgettin’ you don’t know our world yet, darlin’.”
And I never want to. I try to sit up, my ribs seem to have seized during the night.
Putting down the mugs he comes over, his hand reaching out, then stopping in mid-air. “Gonna put my arm around ya, help you up.”
The alternative is to lie here as boneless as a jellyfish, so accepting his assistance, I nod. His touch is so gentle, giving just enough support that I can get my butt under me. He places a pillow behind my back and puts a coffee within reach alongside the painkillers.
“I’m not staying here, Slick.” My voice sounds weak, even I don’t recognise it as mine.
But he’s not having it. “We’ve been over that, darlin’. You’re stayin’ until we can guarantee there’s no blowback from last night. Couple of weeks should do it. And you need lookin’ after. Until you’re on yer way to healin’.”
If I stay I’m terrified of what they might want me to do. I put him straight right away. “I’m not going to be a sweet butt, Slick.” Last night with the Rock Demons proved I wasn’t cut out to be a whore.
His eyes open wide. “Fuck, Ella. I know that.” He pauses, brushing his hand over the smooth dome of his head. “I’ve told the brothers that too.” Pulling up a chair to the side of the bed, he sinks onto it, and puts his head in his hands. After a couple of seconds he looks up. “Thing is, El, we have two types of women here. Ol’ ladies and sweet butts. Don’t have nothin’ in between. If you’re in the club you’re in one of those categories.”
“Then I obviously can’t stay.”
He gives a half-smile. “Yeah you can.”
“Slick…”
“Listen to me. Ella, I’ve claimed ya.”
I straighten up fast, ignoring pain lashing through my ribs. “You what?”
“Thing is, Ella, I reckon there could be somethin’ between us.” He points at himself and then at me, “I liked ya from the first time I met ya. Already know I don’t want any of the other fuckers near ya. So I claimed ya as my property so they’ll keep their hands off.”
I start pushing myself up, wanting to get away. My head swims but I fight through the pain.
“Where the hell are ya goin’?” Slick stands, his hands coming out to steady me. Trying to evade him, I fall back down on the bed, trying to smother the yelp of pain.
“I’ve got to get out of here, Slick. I can’t… I’m not ready.”
His eyes narrow. “Hey, hey. I’m not going to push ya. You think I’ll take advantage when you’re in this fuckin’ state?” His hands slide over his shaved head. “Don’t reckon you’ve told me quite everything, but I can tell you’re scared. No need to be afraid of me, darlin’. We take this slow, take as long as ya want. Can’t deny my cock wants in ya, but I’m prepared to wait. Let your ribs heal. I didn’t touch ya last night, did I? I ain’t gonna force ya. Fuck!” He seems disappointed that I even thought that he would.
I move my head from side to side. He didn’t, and I trusted him not to. But what’s he telling me? “What do you mean you’ve claimed me? If I’m not a sweet butt…” I go back over what he’s said. “That would make me an old lady.”
“Damn right it does. You’re my ol’ lady. But we’ll go at your pace, El. I’m in no rush. But I want you here, in my room. Okay?”
That seems to mean he’s given me his protection. What he doesn’t understand is the thought of any man touching me makes my skin crawl. Even him.
My lips purse. “If I stay, Slick, I can’t give you anything.”
“Understand how you’re feelin’, darlin’. I promise, no pressure. We’ll go at your pace.” I try to interpret the look in his eyes. Does he mean it?
This conversation is far from finished, and I’m still miles away from being convinced. What if my pace is never? But it’s brought to an end as we’re interrupted by the sound of giggling and female voices outside the door. Flicking my eyes to him in surprise, I see the corners of his mouth turn up. “Wondered how long they’d be able to stay away.”
“Sweet butts?” I ask him, seeing if I can recognise Jill’s voice.
He laughs. “No. You’re an ol’ lady now and won’t be mixin’ with the likes of them.” Getting off the chair, he opens the door and speaks to the unknown women outside. “Come in and meet Ella, reckon she’d like some company.” He ushers them in. “El, this is Sophie, she’s our VP’s woman, this ‘ere is Sandy who’s Viper’s… Fuck, are all of ya here?” He moves over to give them room. “Come on in. Crystal, she’s with Heart, and Carmen who’s with Bullet.” He stands back as they pile in, and wipes his hand across his head, turning to me with a wink. “Fuck this, I’m out of here. Reckon I’d lose my man card if I stay.”
And that’s how I meet the rest of the old ladies, of which I’m now apparently one of their number. They’re welcoming and friendly, sympathetic, but don’t allow me to wallow in my pain. From those very first introductions they take me under their wing, teaching me all I need to know about the club. At first taking turns to keep me company then, as I heal and no longer have a reason to hide in Slick’s room, they force me down to the clubhouse. I always stay close to one of them, and avoiding the main room I keep to the kitchen, out of the way of most of the men. The women are good company, and one’s normally cooking. Unused to doing nothing, I start to do what I can to help.
After the few times I tried to escape before the men came in for their food, the women make me stay back and start introducing me to the other members. Although I’m treated with respect, deep down I remain suspicious and unwilling to trust any of them. As soon as they appear I try to find an excuse to make myself scarce. There’s a deep-seated fear inside me I can’t shake, however pleasant these men are to me when the old ladies are around, I remain suspicious what would happen if I was around them without female protection. I’ve seen exactly what bikers are like.
And that’s not how Jill sold them to me. Almost daily I wish I’d never bumped into her or listened to her tall tales. As my wounds heal I blame myself and am angry with her. How easily she’d misled me. But I’ve no chance to vent my feelings, she stays out of my way, in fact going so far as to walk off in the other direction rather than meet me face to face. Is she aware it was her overblown stories that got me hurt? Whatever it is, since that morning she’d taken me to Slick’s room she seems to have lost any sympathy she showed for me then. She sticks with the rest of the sweet butts, and when I appear she turns away with a sneer.
Slick makes good on his promise not to rush me into a more intimate relationship. But as the days pass, I notice his hungry eyes watching me more and more. It won’t be long until he pushes me for something I’m unwilling, unable to give.
One morning, two weeks after I arrived at the compound, I’m in the kitchen at the clubhouse turning some bacon and Slick’s arm snakes around me. Unable to help myself, I flinch.
“Fuck, El, I’m sorry. Your ribs must still be tender.” Then he lowers his lips to my ear. “If you’re on top I won’t hurt you.” He licks the outside of my ear and I shudder. I pull away without responding, feeling his eyes burning into my back.
He moves closer again, when he speaks I realise he’s misunderstood my reaction. “El, the brothers and I are going out.” I’ve heard the gossip of the old ladies more used to club life, and have picked up the men have been planning. It comes as no surprise, and not a little relief that they’re going out on a run. “When I get back, reckon we could see what we can do without hurtin’ ya.”
“When will you be back?” How long have I got? Proud my voice doesn’t sound as shaky as I feel, knowing my time is now up. I’m leaving today. Before he tries to pressure me. Before he gets impatient and uses force.
“As soon as I can. And then we’ll have us some fun, eh, El?” He seems pumped up and excited.
About what’s happening today, or what he hopes for later?
I nod insincerely.
Taking my expected place alongside the other old ladies, I watch as one by one the bikes pull out. Muted conversations show the women are feeling nervous, but selfishly I don’t join in. Instead I start making my plans. When the roar of engines fade, the compound seems deserted. Only the prospects—Marsh and Spider—and Adam and Mouse have been left behind. Although most of the men have gone, the women carry on as usual, only the worried looks they’re exchanging showing something’s different about today. Following Carmen and Sandy into the kitchen where they start preparing a casserole, I continue plotting how soon I can leave. I need to summon a taxi…
Lost in my reverie, I jump as the door to the kitchen bursts open. Men wearing masks and carrying guns rush in. We’re quickly surrounded, gloved hands going over our mouths. It all happens so quickly. Like the others, I struggle, pain blasting through my ribs. They’re strong men and soon overpower us, injecting something into our veins.
The brothers have returned by the time I’ve come round, horrified to learn while the other women and I have been unconscious, Adam’s killed, Mouse is injured, and Sophie has only just escaped with her life thanks to Spider’s sharp shooting.
After Doc gives us all the okay, Slick fusses over me. Nothing I can say will make him leave me alone—until I manage to get rid of him on some pretext, coming up with the idea of sending him up to his room to find my painkillers. The ones I’ve actually got in my pocket. Although the effect of being drugged is still making me woozy, I pluck up the courage go to find their president.
Drummer looks tired and drawn, having lost one of his men. It seems like he’s got the weight of the world on his shoulders. I feel selfish at intruding, and start to lose my nerve. But he sees me hovering by the door and gives me a weak smile.
“Ella. I’m sorry for what went down this mornin’. We had no fuckin’ idea…”
I stop him right there. “It’s okay, Drummer. I’m fine. Doc said there’ll be no lasting effects, and I know you couldn’t have expected it. But…” As I break off and bite my lip he waves to encourage me.
Taking a deep breath I tell him, “I want to go home.”
He stares at me for a moment, his eyes open in surprise. “Well, there’s nothing stopping you now. If you want to, you can. Any threat from the Rock Demons been removed.” As I wonder what exactly they did to know that, he continues, “You know Slick won’t like it?”
I nod, understanding that only too well. But if I don’t leave he’ll only expect more, and I’ve nothing to give. “I can’t stay here Drum, I have to leave.”
Another intense scrutiny, followed by a frown. “Look, I know what went down today must have been upsettin’. It’s not usual, you know?”
I just return his intense stare and hide my shaking hands by my side. “Ella, don’t wanna keep you here if you don’t want to stay. But talk to Slick first.”
That’s the last thing I want to do. “I can’t, Drum. Just help me to leave, please? The club owes me, doesn’t it?” And this is how I want them to repay me. Letting me just make a clean break and leave, with no messy arguments.
He doesn’t look happy, but he nods slowly, realising I’m calling in that favour they promised to pay back. He sighs. “If you’re certain, I’ll get Marsh to drive you. Boys and I will be in a meetin’,” he adds, giving me that window of opportunity I need.
And that’s how I escape without saying a word.