My Brothers gathered in the large meeting room that was used for Church. There weren’t enough seats for everyone with me and my boys there, so we all chose to stand. Some elected to lean against walls or against the massive wooden table that had our club insignia etched in it. Others were wound too tightly to relax, me included, and stood stoically waiting for Optimus to call the meeting to order.
“Someone attacked one of our girls today,” he said softly, but with darkness in his voice. This caused some of the men to stand a little taller. Word must not have filtered through to them yet. Tally stood at my side, but two of my boys Mix and Rifle frowned at me from across the room, questioning me silently as Optimus continued, “As you all know, Kit has taken claim over Harmony. Harmz has been with us for a long time, Chelsea too. I know many of you care for them both. They may be club girls, but they are part of our family.” I saw many nods move around the room. “Today someone attempted to kidnap them and Harmony was shot.”
There was murmuring all around the small space.
“We’ll get the fucker that shot her,” Slider said, pushing off the wall and stepping forward.
I laughed. “He’s right outside the door, have at it.”
“Kit,” Optimus scolded and I rolled my eyes. “Unfortunately she got caught in the crossfire. Caleb fired shots, one hit the offender, the other hit Harmony in the shoulder.”
There were a few chuckles throughout the stoney faces.
I slammed my fist on the wooden table and the room hushed once more. “Someone tried to fucking take her. I want to know who it God-damn was and why?” I demanded.
A throat cleared and Wrench stepped forward. Wrench was reserved. Always the peacemaker, never the aggressor. He was also smart as hell and controlled every aspect of the club that was needed by computer. “I talked to the café the girls were at when that guy smashed Harmony’s phone, also got some partial prints off the broken pieces she bought back. It hadn’t been high on the list of things to do, but if you excuse me now, I’ll go get it all done. Hopefully find some answers.”
“Go,” I snapped, not waiting for Optimus to give his man the order. Like a good boy though, he checked his president first before getting the go ahead to leave.
“I’m taking her back to Troy with me. She needs protection, as does Chelsea. With a club on each of them they’ll be safe.”
No one questioned me, not that I’d put the topic up for debate.
“You watch the women, you watch your old ladies, you watch your family. We aren’t sure how deep this shit runs so we need all our bases covered.”
Every man nodded in agreement and I stormed straight out of there to find my woman and see how she was doing.
The news wasn’t taken so well by Harmony, but in order to keep her safe, I’d pull my control card and given her no choice in the matter. I didn’t want to do it, but danger was lurking and I’d be damned if I let her stubborn streak stop me from protecting her.
I’d called one of my boys and told him to be here early morning with my truck. Harmony was in no state to ride on the back of my bike. He would take my bike back and I would drive with her. Typically I would never allow anyone near my bike but at the moment, the thought of letting her out of my sight made my stomach turn and twist in the most painful ways.
I’d let her down. I’d failed, and it seemed as though my word was now untrustworthy in her eyes. Not that she’d been all gung-ho about all this crap in the first place, but if I wanted her to be my Old Lady, I needed to have every part of her onboard.
She’d thrown attitude at me that I hadn’t seen in a long time. I’d been a club member for years, and before that, I was always the president’s son. I wasn’t to be messed with or talked back to. Harmony had a mouth on her that could rival my own, yet she balanced it well. After our heated conversation in the bedroom, she had managed to come out late that night to get dinner. When I’d talked to her in front of the Brothers, she was sharp but respectful and I admired that. She knew that behind closed doors she could tell me to go suck a big fat cock if she wanted, but when others were present it was time to zip her mouth.
My decision to stay in her room that night was also well disputed.
Harmony expressed emotions very freely. It wasn’t often that I had a hard time reading how she was feeling. I put this down to the fact that she always looked me in the eye. I’d grown to love that about her, even when she was sad or devilishly angry, her eyes never strayed. They were cemented and allowed me to see into her soul. I could read in her eyes what she couldn’t say with her mouth or her body.
I’d gotten up early to welcome my boy, Tie. He pulled my Chevy into the clubhouse lot just as I’d walked outside and lit up a smoke. I tended to smoke when I was stressed, it was a filthy habit, but it did well to calm me especially when alcohol wasn’t an option.
I gripped his hand and we embraced with a couple of thumps on each other’s backs.
“How’s it going, Bro?” he asked with a broad smile. Tie was young, laid back and carefree. Fuck knows how he got that way with the upbringing he’d had. He was homeless and living on the streets at age fourteen before my father took him in. Tie had become like a younger Brother to me, even to the point of calling my parents Mom and Dad. My parents adopted him and put him back in school. My mother even pushed for him to go to college. Kid could have been a doctor or a lawyer with the brains he had in his head.
In the end though he chose the club, the people who’d given him a family when he had none.
I inhaled deeply, trying to smother the agitation I could feel building in my belly. “Not so shit hot, man.”
“Heard a rumor that you’re off the market?” He let out a soft laugh. “How’s that working out for you?”
“She’ll be the death of me.”
“She the ‘stab you in your sleep’ kind?”
“If I were, he’d deserve it,” the soft voice caused me to smile. I turned to find Harmony leaning against the door frame. She wore the same shirt of mine that I’d found her asleep in when I’d finally reached bed in the early hours of this morning. Harmony was tall, so it sat at the perfect length; just below her ass cheeks.
Tie whistled lowly and I shot him a warning glance. “Harmony, this is my Brother, Tie.”
She nodded. “It’s nice to meet you.” Her eyes turned to me. “What time are we leaving?”
I was surprised by the question, she didn’t seem eager to get going and I could hear the small amount of apprehension in her voice.
“As soon as you’re ready, babe.”
She nodded again. “I’ll have a shower and get dressed.”
Just as she turned to leave, I called out to her. “Harm, you can’t shower. The bandage needs to stay dry.”
Her nose wrinkled. “I forgot. I’ll just get dressed then.” She moved quickly inside before I could say anything more.
“Wow, she sounds real happy about leaving,” Tie said sarcastically.
I sighed. “Yeah, fighting it.”
“You sure it’s the right thing to do then?”
I didn’t need to think before the words left my mouth, “Never been surer in my life.”
I hadn’t slept much during the night. Every time I closed my eyes I felt everything all over again. The strange man’s arms around my body, the gravely road tearing at my skin, the bullet burning through my flesh like a hot knife through butter. I desperately wanted a shower. I needed to wash it all away. But once again Kit was right, I couldn’t get my bandage wet.
Stupid Caleb. I’d get him back for shooting me.
My arm was in a sling, restricting my movement in hopes that I didn’t pull my stitches out. This made it difficult to do anything. I barely got my jeans on before I realized I couldn’t button them. I’d gone in search of Chelsea to help me out, but she wasn’t in her room. A couple of the guys had looked at me like I was crazy when I’d asked them to place their hands next to my crotch.
Thank you, Kit.
I caught a glimmer out of the corner of my eye, the light of the morning bouncing off the strings of my guitar. I stared at it longingly, hoping it wouldn’t be too long before I could play again. I hadn’t gone a day without at least playing one song since I first picked up a guitar at the age of seven. I suddenly felt like I was missing a limb.
I huffed like a spoiled child and lay back on the floor, staring at the ceiling like it was going to give me all the answers to my problem. My clothes were spread all over the floor, I’d put my trainers on, but couldn’t tie the laces and my jeans were still undone. “I just want a fucking shower,” I cried dramatically.
A chuckle came from the doorway and I looked over to see Leo standing there, filling the whole space with his arms crossed tightly across his chest and a grin the size of freaking China.
“Shut your pie hole, Leo. This is all your fault.”
He laughed again, this time a little louder. “Explain to me how this is my fault, Harmz?”
I pointed at him with my good arm. “If you hadn’t spent so much time training Caleb to fight, and spent a little teaching him how to shoot a gun, then I’d be able to hide my little pudgy tummy behind the button of my jeans. But no, you didn’t teach him that. So now, he has a shitty aim, I have a hole in my shoulder and my belly is hanging out for everyone to see.”
I sounded hysterical, it was fucking ridiculous. This shit had me twisted up every which way from Sunday. Not being able to do things for myself, feeling like an invalid, and now I was about to leave the club. Things were changing faster than my mind could keep up with them.
Leo moved over, standing with his feet either side of my hips, he reached down to grasp both sides of my jeans. “Suck it in, fatty.” I glared at him but sucked in my stomach as he did up the top two buttons.
“How many of you boys do I have to warn about touching things that don’t belong to you?” Kit’s voice growled from the doorway, but his voice couldn’t cover the small hint of amusement there.
I rolled my eyes and Leo continued to smirk down at me. “Sorry Brother, but I was scared if she didn’t get her pants done up she might have a mental breakdown.”
“Sounds about right.”
Leo grasped my good arm and pulled me from the floor. “Just wanted to say bye. Macy is gonna miss you.”
“I’ll miss her too,” I sighed sadly.
Leo embraced Kit. “Safe trip, Brother.”
Then he was gone.
“You ready?” Kit asked, coming to stand in front of me before dropping to his knees and tying my shoe laces. I almost smiled at the gesture, but my stubborn streak kept the impassive look on my face.
“Yeah, I guess.”
He stuffed my things into my bag and zipped it up. “Let’s get going.”
“Can I bring my guitar?”
He turned back to me, his brow creased like he was confused by the question. “Of course.”
I grabbed it from its stand and walked toward the door. Kit wrapped his arm around my waist, halting me and nuzzled his face into my neck. “One day I hope you’ll realize that I’m doing this to keep you safe, not to punish you.” He kissed me gently on the cheek and guided me out of the room with a hand on the small of my back.
Chelsea and Optimus were waiting outside for us. Chelsea hugged me tightly. I winced with pain but didn’t say anything, enjoying the moment I had with my best friend.
“I’ll see you soon,” I whispered in her ear.
“I’ll see you soon,” she repeated sadly.
Chelsea stepped back and Optimus moved into her place, looking down at me with a face I couldn’t quite read. “This is the best way, Harm. When we know you’re safe, we will welcome you back with open arms.” His eyes flicked momentarily over my shoulder. “If that’s what you want.”
“Harmony!” Caleb came racing over from his guard position at the front gates. He pulled up sharp in front of me. “I’m real sorry, Harm.”
I hadn’t seen him since this all happened. Yes, I was upset I’d gotten shot but it wasn’t exactly his fault. He was trying to protect me, and whether I liked to admit it or not, being shot was the only thing that saved my ass from being dragged away into that van.
“It’s okay, Caleb.” I smiled softly and reached out to touch his arm. “I’m still here because of you. This shit will heal and I’ll be back in no time.” I told him, gesturing to my shoulder.
Caleb had a special place in my heart. I felt myself always wanting to watch out for him, even when the other Brothers played their stupid hazing games. We joked and flirted all the time, but to me I think I would always see him as a goofy little brother.
“Come on, Harmony. The boys are itching to get back,” Kit said from behind me. I nodded and walked toward the large Chevy truck that was parked next to Kit’s bike. I sat in the cab, watching as Caleb returned to his post and Optimus ordered Chelsea away. He and Kit had a small pow-wow with a few of the men. There was nodding and stern faces, but it was over quickly and Kit was soon stalking toward me and climbing in the driver’s side of the truck.
He didn’t say anything as we pulled out of the clubhouse lot and onto the main road, bikes surrounding us in a chorus of revving and rumbling.
I was sad. There were no big words to describe how I felt. No heartfelt meaningful shit. I was just sad.
The club here had been my life for the last three or so years. I tried to think of it as a little vacation. But the reality was that Kit had made it crystal clear that he had his mind set on keeping me, and I knew he would make it very hard for me to leave.
My phone rang in my pocket, the ring tone was one of Ashes and Embers’ songs – the band my mom was currently representing.
“Hi Mama,” I answered, trying to sound as cheery as possible. I saw Kit’s eyes flick to me before once again focusing on the road.
I could hear the band playing in the background, figuring they must be in rehearsals. “Hey, beautiful girl. How are you?”
“I’m good, Mom. How are things there?” I tried to take the conversation off me, not really wanting to explain to her the situation that I was currently in. But, of course, this was my mother. Nothing got past her.
She scoffed. “Let’s try that again, this time with the truth.”
“Mama, I can’t talk about it right now.”
“Are you okay? Have you been kidnaped or something? Cough twice if you need me to call the police,” she said frantically.
I let out a small giggle. “Seriously Mom, that’s what you’ve got? Cough twice?”
I heard a sigh of relief. “Sorry, I worry. You know this.”
“I know, Mom. But honestly I’m fine. I’m actually going away for a few days with some friends from the club.” I saw Kit’s hands tighten on the steering wheel of the car.
“Is this friend a boy?” she asked, curiously with maybe a little too much excitement.
“It might be.”
“Is he hot?”
“Mother!”
I saw Kit smirk and it was now that I realized he could hear her side of the conversation also.
“Put it on speaker phone.”
I groaned, she’d done this with a few of the other boys and they’d fallen in love with my mom instantly. She just had a way with men. I clicked the speaker phone button and held the phone out in front of me.
I held my forehead in my palm. “There, you’re on speaker.”
“Hello?”
Kit chuckled. “Hello, ma’am.”
“Why, hello young man. What might your name be?”
“Kit, ma’am.”
“Please don’t ma’am me, my parents gave me a name for a reason. I’m Helen,” she had her stern mom voice on already. “What are your intentions for my lovely daughter, Kit?”
I groaned again, but Kit just laughed as he watched the road. “Just want to keep her safe, Helen.”
“Why is she not safe?” my mother growled and I could tell it was more directed at me for not sharing that tidbit of information.
“She will be as long as she’s with me.”
“Harmony Hope Jones—”
I glared at Kit. “Mom, it’s okay. I’m fine.”
“I will not hesitate to come down there and bring Storm, Vandal, and the other boys with me to drag you back here if need be.” I flushed, those boys and my mom had a strange love slash hate relationship. Probably because she had the job of keeping them in line and out of trouble, and they could be as troublesome as bad boys come. But what I did know was that they wouldn’t hesitate to come down here and help her drag me back with them – clubhouse full of bikers, be damned.
“Mom, I’m going now. I’m fine, honestly. Kit will look after me. I’ll call you tomorrow.”
I knew I wasn’t going to pacify her, but she let me off. “Fine. Tomorrow, Harmony. I love you.”
“I love you too, Mama.”
I hung up and continued to palm my forehead. “Thanks for that,” I muttered.
“Who are Storm and Vandal?” Kit managed to grit out.
“I told you. My mom is the publicist for a famous band. Storm and Vandal are band members.”
“You have something going on with them?”
I pointed him with narrowed eyes. “And if I did?”
“Harmony…” he growled deeply.
“Will you just drive? I can’t be fucked with this right now to be quite honest,” I said, sighing in exasperation.
“We’ll be talking,” he said quietly.
I rolled my eyes. “I’m sure we will.”