Chapter Thirteen
Mia sneaked a peek at her phone and groaned inwardly. Only thirty minutes has gone by?
“Do you gotta go somewhere?” Noe asked, staring at her.
“I’m trying to get a long workout in today. I’m thinking of competing and the fight’s a month away. I have a lot of work to do.”
“Is that guy gonna be there?”
“Army?” Just saying his name sent an excited flip through her stomach, making her fork clank against her plate.
“Yeah … that asshole.”
“Pretty strong word for someone you don’t know.” She picked up the knife and cut a piece of steak then looked up at him. “He’s not a member, so he won’t be there.” But I wish he was.
“You dating him?”
Mia popped the morsel of food in her mouth and chewed slowly as she thought about the answer. On one hand she wanted to tell him they were dating, but on the other, she didn’t want Vic to get too nosy about Army. It would spell disaster for both of them if Vic ever found out he was a Night Rebel. She swallowed. “No.”
“He acted like it.”
Mia shrugged slightly and looked back down at her plate. “You grabbed my hand when we walked in here. That’s the way men are.”
“But you pulled away from me. I didn’t see you do that with him.”
Shaking her head lightly, she gave a tight laugh. “With all the questions, you’re acting more like you’re my brother instead of his friend.” She picked up the glass and drank; the bubbles from the carbonation tickled her nose.
“I hope you see me as more than just Shark’s friend.”
“Did you finish with your business in town?” She avoided his stare and concentrated on scooping up a hazelnut on the fork.
“Yeah. I’m thinking of heading back tomorrow unless there’s a reason for me to stay.” His gaze pierced through her.
“I won’t be able to hang out. I’m just too busy at work and with training.” She gave a small laugh. “That’s really my life in a nutshell.”
He pressed his lips together to form a straight line and stared at her for several seconds. “Yeah … right.” He ran his finger over the beer bottle, his gaze still fixed on her. “I can stop by the gym and watch you train later tonight.”
I shouldn’t have called Noe back after Army canceled on me. She’d procrastinated in doing it but finally made the call figuring it was easier to just go out with him than to go through Vic’s interrogation as to why she’d canceled. Also, Army telling her not to go was presumptuous, and it pissed her off. However, at that moment, she was afraid Noe was reading too much into their lunch. Earlier that day, two of her clients had rescheduled so she’d called him and suggested meeting up for a late lunch that afternoon rather than on Sunday, and Noe readily agreed.
“I’ll be in a private room with my personal trainer,” she lied, hoping he didn’t know squat about Champion.
“Then what about dinner after?”
“Another time. After a long workout, I’m not good for anyone.” She laughed, trying to make light of the situation even though Noe’s eyes pierced through her and his brows knitted together. “Speaking of training, I have to go. My trainer gets mad if I’m even five minutes late.” Mia opened her wallet and pulled out a twenty. “That should cover my share.”
“I invited you,” Noe growled. “Put your fuckin’ money away.”
Taken aback, Mia shoved the bill back in her wallet. “I didn’t mean to offend you. I just thought we’d go Dutch since we’re just friends, you know?”
Ignoring her, Noe threw down the money on the bill tray and pushed back on the chair; it made angry scraping sounds on the tiled floor. “You coming?” he gritted as he walked away from the table.
Mia quickly slipped out of the chair and followed him to the car. From the corner of her eye, she saw a red sports car across the street and sitting in it was the same man she’d seen in front of the salon the week before. After opening the car door, she turned and looked straight on at the guy. There was no expression on his face, but his hands gripped the steering wheel, and he had a menacing presence. An electric chill ran down her spine as she slid into the seat and closed the door. As Noe drove away, she stared out the passenger mirror, seeing the sports car pulling out and falling behind them. Panic pricked at her skin as her gaze fixed on the vehicle.
“What’re you looking at?” Noe asked.
“I think that red car is following us. No … actually, I know it is.”
Noe glanced in the rearview mirror. “Why do you think that?”
“I’ve seen it many times in the last couple of weeks. I don’t know who he is or why he’d be following me.”
“It’s a flashy car, so I’m not surprised you’ve seen it around. The city’s not that big.”
“Even so, I don’t want whomever it is to know where I live.”
He glanced again in the mirror. “He just turned left.”
Mia looked over her shoulder. The car was gone. “I just think it’s odd that he was in front of the salon last week.”
“Are you sure it was the same person? I couldn’t even tell what he really looked like.”
“Maybe you’re right.” She stared straight ahead, a niggling doubt still in the back of her mind.
Noe put his hand on her thigh and squeezed a bit too much. “Next time you see it, get the plate number and give it to me. I’ll check it out, okay?”
“All right,” she said, shifting her body.
Noe pulled his hand away and pounded it on the steering wheel, cussing under his breath. Mia counted the minutes until they’d arrive at her house.
“We can do breakfast tomorrow morning before I leave.” Noe put the car in Park.
“Sorry, but I have a private customer tomorrow morning. Have a great trip back, and I really hope that your dad feels better.”
“He won’t. He’s got a fuckin’ progressive disease.” His voice was hard like steel.
Mia opened the door. “Then, I hope he’s at least comfortable. I know how hard it must be for you.”
“You really don’t. You don’t know jack shit about loving a parent. Shark tells me you rarely call your mom. That’s not being a good daughter, is it? Raye always complains to Shark about not hearing from you.”
Her body tensed and she turned to look at him, her chin held up high. “First off, my mom has a phone, too, and the only time she’d ever called me since I moved away was a couple of weeks ago to tell me about Finn. Any other rare time I hear from her is when I go home or I call her. That’s the way it’s been for the past six years, so where the fuck do you get off telling me about my mom?”
“Of course, you’re mad and defensive. Telling someone the truth always brings about that kind of reaction.”
With her temper flaring, she rushed out of the car then slammed the door.
“Mia, get the fuck back over here.”
Anger and contempt burned behind her eyelids, red and hot. She stalked up the walkway, not turning around when she heard Noe yell, “You can be a real bitch!” followed by tires screeching as he sped away. How dare he tell me about Mom! And Shark’s an asshole for saying that shit about me. He knows how Mom is with me. Grinding her teeth, she bent her head down and kicked the dried leaves littering the path. “Why the hell don’t they sweep the sidewalks? I pay a hefty HOA,” she fumed under her breath.
She took out her keys then looked up and saw a beautiful bouquet of flowers in a glass vase with a deep purple ribbon and bow around it. Staring at it, her anger intensified. Fuck! Why can’t Jorge catch on that it’s over? This is my day for assholes! She bent down and picked up the vase and tucked her arm around it while she opened the front door. Pumpkin and Snickers came running over, and she went into the living room and placed the flowers on the coffee table then bent down and petted the cats. “I had a shitty time,” she said to them as they nuzzled their faces against her cheeks. “Are you hungry?” She stood up and went into the kitchen.
After she fed them, she changed into one of her favorite fleece nightshirts she wore for lounging around, and sat on the couch staring at the vibrantly colored flowers. Spotting a small white envelope, she debated about reading the crap Jorge had written, but curiosity got the better of her, and she leaned over and snagged the note: Hey, babe. Army. Straightening up, she reread the note again as her anger melted away and the glow of happiness radiated through her. “I can’t fucking believe it!” she cried out loud, startling both her cats.
Her mood, which had been foul just moments before, was bright and jovial, and she thought she would burst from shock and joy and sheer giddiness. Mia stood up and bent over to smell them. “How did you know I love sunflowers?” she murmured under her breath.
The last person she would’ve thought of as romantic was Army, yet the unexpected bouquet proved her wrong. Mia was no stranger to receiving flowers from men, and when she’d dated Jorge, it seemed like he sent them every week, but none of the bouquets or arrangements she’d received meant as much to her as the one right in front of her. Threads of desire wove through her as she stared at the most beautiful flowers she’d ever seen while vivid pornographic images of Army played in her head.
The phone humming on the table invaded her erotic reverie and she reached over and picked it up, hoping it wasn’t Noe going in for round number two. Ronica’s name flashed across the screen, and she pushed the button and held the phone to her ear.
“Hi, Ronica.”
“Mia. You sound … bubbly, and that’s not a word I thought I’d ever use to describe you. Did you finally screw your hottie?”
She giggled. “No, and he’s not my anything, but he did do something totally unexpected and terribly romantic.” She paused for dramatic effect, laughing when Ronica kept asking what it was that he did.
“I swear I’m going to hang up if you don’t tell me right now, Mia.”
“He sent me a huge bouquet of flowers.” Mia stared at them as she spoke, the thrill of his gesture still sparking inside her.
“Red roses?”
“No. He sent a gorgeous assortment of sunflowers, copper daisies, carnations, and some others I don’t know the names of. Simply beautiful. I’ve never been so shocked and happy at the same time.”
“I have to admit I’d never have guessed a guy like him would even think to send flowers. Wow. He really likes you or really wants to screw you.”
“I think it’s both, and I feel the same way.”
“Is there a card?”
“Yes.” Mia grinned again as she reread it.
“What does it say?” Ronica asked.
“Hey, babe … then his name.”
“What the hell? That doesn’t say anything.”
Mia pressed the card against her chest. “You’re wrong—it says everything.”
“Did you call and thank him yet?”
“I was just getting ready to when you phoned.”
“When are you going to see him again? Didn’t you tell me you don’t know when he’ll be back in town?”
“Yeah. I’m not sure when he’s coming back here. I didn’t tell you this, but he’s a Night Rebel.”
Ronica laughed. “He’s a rebel all right. He swaggers, has a cocky demeanor, and has a bunch of tattoos on his arms. I don’t think anyone would think he’s a conformist, but then you aren’t either. That’s why I told you he’d be perfect for you.”
“No, I don’t mean that. He’s a biker in an outlaw motorcycle club—the Night Rebels.”
“I’m not surprised he’s a biker. I bet he has a big Harley to go along with other things that are big on him.” Ronica chuckled.
For a second, Mia pictured Army hovering over her with his big dick pushing in and out of her; she shook her head to scatter the image. “Is your mind one track? And he does have a Harley.” Mia sniggered.
“I knew it. I bet it’ll be exciting to ride on the back of that thing holding onto him. It sounds like something out of a movie. I must admit, bad boys are so fucking sexy.”
“I’ve been on bikes a lot of times. My brother Vic has had Harleys since he was sixteen. Hang on a sec … I’m going to get a Coke.” Mia went into the kitchen and grabbed a can from the six-pack on the granite counter. She’d never told any of her friends that Vic was in an outlaw club, but she needed Ronica’s advice on what to do about the situation with Army. She sank back down on the couch. “I’m back.”
“So your brother likes motorcycles.”
She took a large gulp then suppressed a burp. “He’s in an outlaw club too. He’s the president.”
“Really? That’s a small world. Do you think Army and Vic know each other?”
Her insides tightened. “I’m positive they do, but not in a good way. Their clubs are rivals. My brother would kill me if he knew I even talked to him.”
“Are you serious? That’s dumb.”
“It is to us but not to these guys. I’m not sure what to do here.”
“Are you involved with your brother’s club?”
“Not at all. He started it with Noe when they were around twenty years old, so he’s been in it for eleven years now. He’s the president. I only know that his club hates the Night Rebels and a few other MCs because he’s ranted about them for a lot of those years. A couple of years ago, the Night Rebels destroyed their clubhouse, and Vic was beyond livid. Normally, he wouldn’t tell me something like that, but he was so enraged, he couldn’t help venting to me when I called him to ask about one of my brothers.”
“This is like a TV show. It’s like that one that was popular on TV a while back. I can’t remember the name. Damn … I never thought this stuff happened anymore.” Ronica’s voice had a thread of incredulity running through it.
“It does. I think it’s ridiculous, and I’m not involved in any of it. I don’t really speak to my brother all that often, and I haven’t seen him for a couple of years now.”
“Then what’s the problem with you going out with Army? I mean, that’s your brother’s issue, and frankly, it’s none of his damn business what you do.”
“I feel that way too. I have nothing to do with the Satan’s Pistons. How can—”
“That’s the name of your brother’s club? It’s too wild.” Ronica laughed.
“It is. It’s so not my world.” Mia brought the can of soda to her lips.
“What’s your gut telling you?”
Mia fixed her gaze on the flowers. “To go out with Army. I really like him, and it’s blowing me away because it takes me a long time to fall for a guy.”
“I know. You dated Jorge for five months, and you never fell for him.”
“He was nice, but I like more of a challenge, and I like things darker and rougher when it comes to sex, but I’ve told you all this before.”
“Yeah, but the point I’m making is … if you have feelings this quickly for Army, it must be the right thing, you know … the real deal?” Ronica said.
“Maybe. I’ll admit there’s a real strong connection I’ve never felt with any other man, and I know Army feels it too. The thing I’m wrestling with is whether I should tell him about Vic being in the rival club.”
“Why? Like you said—you aren’t involved with any of that, and you haven’t seen your brother in a long time. It’s not like you’re super close to him or you’re all gung-ho about his club thing. What difference does it make? I mean we’re civilized people, right? We don’t believe in feuds. You’re not the Hatfields and the McCoys. It’s silly, really.”
“I like him a lot,” Mia whispered. “Why would he judge me because of who my brother is, right? I’m my own person. I want to keep seeing him.”
“Then go for it. The only world that should matter is yours—not your brother’s and Army’s club. This is about the two of you—not anyone or anything else. You deserve to have a really great guy. Oh, hang on a minute.” Ronica put her on hold.
Mia read the card again and leaned over and smelled the sweet fragrance of the flowers. I can’t give him up. He’s only been gone two days and he’s been in my head nonstop.
“Mia, I have to go. Stuart’s on the phone, and he’s in a mood. Go with your instincts. We’ll talk later. Bye.”
Mia crushed the can in her hand and went into the kitchen and threw it in the recycle bin. After replenishing Pumpkin and Snickers’ dry food, she went back into the living room and dialed Army’s number. He answered on the first ring.
“Hey, babe. Nice surprise.” His low voice caressed like warm fingers.
“You’re the one full of surprises.”
“What do you mean?” A hint of mischief wove through his question.
“The flowers. They’re beautiful! I’m still reeling and in shock that the big, bad biker sent them.” She laughed.
Army joined her. His rich, low rumble stroked her senses like velvet. Mia loved to hear his voice … laughing … talking … singing … anything. She could lose herself in his voice.
“So a biker can’t send a chick flowers?”
“Is that your MO with women? Dine them, kiss them passionately, then send flowers?”
“Not with women, babe. Only with you.”
A warm feeling spread through her. “That’s good to know. How did you know sunflowers were my favorites?”
“I didn’t, but you seem to bring light wherever you go, and I know you’re crazy about fall from the way your porch and house are decorated.”
Mia blinked rapidly to hold back unexpected tears then inhaled a deep breath; his words had touched her in ways that surprised her. She had never been a sentimental fool when it came to men, but since she’d met this captivating man, her emotions had been bouncing all over the place.
“You’re sweet,” she said softly.
“Get your ass movin’, dude. Church is starting now,” a booming voice said in the background.
“I gotta go.”
“When will I see you?”
“Not sure. We got some club business going. I’ll call you, baby.”
“Okay then—” The phone went dead, and she wondered if the club business was about the Satan’s Pistons.
She put her phone down and scooped her cats up in each arm, nuzzling their faces. “I’m screwed big time here,” she told them. “I like Army too much to walk away.” Remembering how Pumpkin played up to him when he’d been to her house, she kissed her on the side of the face. “You liked him too, didn’t you? He’s irresistible. Look what he gave me.” She gazed at the flowers making a mental note to put the vase on a plate surrounded by orange and lemon peels to keep the cats from nibbling on the petals—both her cats loathed the citrus scent.
After playing with them, Mia changed into her training clothes and headed out of the house, looking one last time at the bouquet before she closed the door.