Chapter Nine
“Hello, ladies,” Russ said, climbing out of his car. Sheila, Holly’s mother, climbed out the other side. Mary smiled at Holly’s parents. Russ and Sheila hugged her close before they embraced their daughter. Mary walked back into the kitchen to pick up the first foil-wrapped chicken pasta. She and Holly had been cooking and baking up a storm.
“It has been too long since we’ve had a bonfire. This will be my first one in a couple of years,” Sheila said.
Glancing over at the older couple, Mary’s heart went out to Sheila. Russ stared at his wife with guilt clear in his eyes. Several years back Sheila had been attacked by the enemy of the club, losing her child in the process. From what Holly told her, Russ had then cheated on her, and their relationship had been strained for a while. Sheila pulled away from the club and from Russ, being his old lady in name only, nothing else. It was a sad situation that didn’t help the couple’s relationship.
“It’s going to be fun,” Holly said.
Holly had told her tonight was the night they were going to announce her pregnancy to the club. It was going to be a big night for all of them.
Mary packaged up the meatloaf as everyone started to pack everything away. Russ stood beside her, helping her.
“So, are you going to be at the clubhouse tonight?” he asked.
“Yeah, Pike wants me to go.” Her hands started to shake as she packaged up the meat. This was the last thing she wanted.
“Are you okay?”
Glancing over at Russ, Mary let out a sigh. Holly and Sheila were organizing the back of the truck to take the food.
“I don’t know.”
“You’ve not had the best start in life, I know that. It’s been pretty shit with your folks. Mary, I consider you one of my girls. You’ve been Holly’s friend for as long as I can remember. Shit, I recall you both running around the clubhouse causing pranks. I gave you both a little too much leeway in the club.” Russ gripped the back of his neck. “As far as I’m concerned, you’re my daughter, and because of that, you can come to me about anything.”
Tears filled her eyes. It was one of the nicest things ever said to her.
“Thank you.” She wrapped her arms around Russ, hugging him close.
“Tell me what’s bothering you?” he asked.
“I’m—I’m not used to really telling anyone about my feelings or how upset I am about shit.” She sucked in her breath, wishing for some easy way to say the words.
“Pike is an asshole. He’s played more than any brother in the club. The bastard is a machine in bed and out of it.” Russ cupped her cheek. “But he’s also a good man. I know what he’s done to take care of you. Not many men would do that unless you were fucking him. I’m not talking about now, I’m talking about before. He took care of you, made sure you had a job, and he didn’t need to do either. I’m not going to tell you to give in too quickly.”
“I’ve loved him for a long time,” she said, admitting the truth. “He hurt me, and I’m scared that I’m going to get hurt again, and I don’t want to.”
Russ tutted. “Honey, life is pain. Love, hate, it’s all going to get you hurt. Sheila, she’s my old lady, the woman I love more than anything. It didn’t stop me from hurting her. I paid for my sins and it has taken me a long time to earn her forgiveness, but I’ve got it. Pike, he fucked up. Do you think he’s going to fuck up again, or do you think he’s finally gotten the message?”
“I don’t know.” She stared down at her locked fingers, unable to find any truth in her life anymore.
“Pike wants you at the bonfire. You’re living in his house, and I’d say from the kitchen, Pike’s been there when you didn’t even fucking realize he was. Give him a chance, Mary. The man, he may surprise you.”
Smiling, she nodded. “Okay.”
“When you’re with him, though, it doesn’t mean you have to stop making him earn it. Men love a challenge.”
She chuckled, following him out with the last of the food.
“Are you two driving up with us?” Russ asked.
“Yeah. I’m just going to grab my coat.”
Mary walked back inside and grabbed her jacket. Glancing around the room, she let out a sigh. Maybe it was time to give a little for Pike. She didn’t know what to think. He’d given her a job for Mac, and then there was the kitchen.
“Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I will be. I think.”
“The club, it’s not all bad.” Holly placed her arm over Mary’s shoulders. “I mean, yeah, it’s scary when they go on runs and stuff. Duke, he’s a good man, and he makes sure the men are good.”
“It’s not the club that scares me, Hols.”
“What is it?”
Shaking her head, Mary put her jacket on. It was late February and still cold outside.
“I’ve loved Pike a long time. Yeah, it was a stupid girl crush, but it became more.” Placing a hand on her stomach, Mary pressed her lips together unsure what to say next.
“Just say it, Mary. You’ll feel better.”
“I’m scared to love him. He hurt me, and I didn’t think I’d ever get over it. I’m changing who I am, and he’s asking me to be this person I always wanted to be.” She stopped to press a hand over her heart. “Damn, I’m scared.”
“When you’re in love with someone, it’s scary. It’s not going to change no matter how much you want it to.” Holly pulled her in for a hug. “Do you remember after the shit with Raoul? We both agreed we’d not get stuck down by men or become part of the club either as a whore or an old lady.”
Mary laughed. They’d spent the whole summer by the lake when they weren’t working. Not many people would touch them as Holly was club royalty.
“Pike was always there at the lake keeping everyone back, Mary. He’s the one who found our apartment and paid the bulk of our rent.”
“What?”
“On our incomes, we couldn’t afford that place. It was perfect, two bathrooms, a large kitchen. Yeah, it was small and modest, but it was a dream. We couldn’t afford it. Duke told me. Pike has been taking care of you a long time, honey.” Holly cupped her face. “I think you’ve got a bad case of denial with Pike. Sometimes you’ve got to take a chance.”
“Take a chance?”
“Come on, Mary. Ever since you’ve been living here I’ve seen a difference in you. You’re happy, you’re always smiling, and you’re fun. This is who you were supposed to be. Give it a shot, for yourself.”
“And if I get my heart broken?”
“We’ll camp out at my place, which also happens to be Duke’s place. I’m consoling my heartbroken friend so he’s not getting any.” Holly raised her hand in the air. “Duke’s the head of the club. Duke’s not getting laid by his woman because of her friend, one of his men broke her friend’s heart, Pike’s gets his ass thoroughly kicked, hell yeah.” Holly raised her hands in the air, crying out in joy. “I’ll be there for you like I’ve always been. We’re best friends, and I love you.”
Holding onto Holly, Mary hugged her tighter than ever before. In her whole world the one person she’d always been able to trust was Holly.
Take a chance. Live a little.
****
Pike sat at his place at the table. The doors were closed, giving the club privacy. Music could be heard in the background as the bonfire started up. Russ sat at the opposite end of the table.
“We’ve got another run in three weeks. We’re going straight to Vegas, doing the drop with Ned Walker. He’s then dealing with the shit from there.”
“What’s going on with The Skulls?” Russ asked. “We don’t want to be stepping on anyone’s toes.”
“We’ve got no beef with The Skulls. I told you, they’re backing out, and anything that happens from Vegas onwards is not our concern. We’re not even passing close to Fort Wills or Piston County. I want the club to stay clear of all that mess. You got personal preferences, tell me now and I’ll vote your asses out of the club.” Duke looked at each man waiting for them to speak up.
“Fuck, no. Chaos Bleeds and The Skulls are going to get themselves killed one of these days. I like my life, and I’m going to keep on living it,” Daisy said.
All the men joined in agreement. The other two MCs were bad news. They’d had a lot of casualties over the past few years. A lot of heat and a lot of shit that moving coke and guns didn’t need. Pike respected both Devil and Tiny for staying out of shit. It’s what a good president of a club did.
“We’re not all going on this run,” Duke said, leaning forward. “I need several men to stay back to keep an eye on the club and the women.”
Pike held his hand up. “I’ll stay behind. Daisy can wear the VP patch for the trip.”
“You got a reason for that, brother?” Duke asked.
“Mind’s not in the game. I’d be useless. I got to get shit settled here before I even ride with the club.”
“Mary?” Russ asked.
“Yeah. I’m going to be making her my old lady. You got a problem with that?” Pike directed his question at the whole table.
“Does she know, yet?”
“No, but she will.”
“You claiming her tonight?” Duke asked. “It’ll give her better protection.”
“I’ll need several of the club brothers close to witness it.”
“You need a minimum of seven to do this,” Duke said.
“I don’t want to see,” Russ said, shaking his head. “It’s nothing personal. I know women can be stubborn. Mary, she’s like a daughter to me.”
“When it’s done, I’ll tell her, Russ. I’m not going to hurt her again.”
“You better not or I’m going to hurt you.”
Pike nodded.
“I’ll be there. I witness it, I see it, the ruling stands that Mary is an old lady, protected by the club. I’ll talk to Holly. Let her know not to say anything.”
“You’re putting a lot of pressure on the friendship,” Russ said.
“I’m doing what’s best for the woman I love and the club. She’ll understand.” Duke rubbed his hands. “The next order of business.” Pike watched as Duke looked at Raoul.
“Fuck, man, you’re going to do this now?”
“The next order of business. I’m going to apologize to you, Raoul.”
“Wait, what?”
“I was going to request to vote you out. Instead, I’m apologizing. The shit that happened with you and Holly, it should have stayed in the past. Instead, I brought it to the front and shouldn’t have. For that, it’s my fault, and I apologize. I will not be voting you out.”
Duke reached over to shake Raoul’s hand.
Pike covered his smirk behind his hand as did all the brothers. Raoul looked totally shocked and blown away by Duke’s apology.
“Okay, moving on. Final piece of news. Holly’s announcing that she’s pregnant tonight to the whole of the club. This is why I need at least one of you to stay behind to keep an eye on her. I’d do it myself, but I can’t. Keep an eye on her, make sure she takes her meds, and we’ll be fine.”
Duke slammed the gavel down bringing a close to the business.
“I’m going to be a granddaddy?” Russ asked.
“Yes, act surprised when Holly tells you.” Duke got to his feet, taking congratulations from the men. Pike shook his hand before heading out of the clubhouse. Several of the club whores were waiting for the men to leave church. Baby rushed toward him.
“How about I show you how awesome I can be?” she asked. “I’ll suck your cock and have you begging for more?”
Mary chose that moment to walk out of the kitchen with Holly beside her.
Baby wore a mini skirt that showed the whole of her ass along with the tiny g-string she wore.
“I’m taken, Baby.” He pushed her off him handing her toward Daisy. Pike stepped toward Mary, aware of the gazes of everyone in the room. Without waiting for her permission, he sank his fingers into her hair, tugging her close. Slamming his lips on hers, he held her tightly to him, rubbing his cock against her stomach. She gripped his arms, not pushing him away. Breaking from the kiss he stared into her eyes. “No one but you.”
She nodded. “I take it your meeting has finished?”
“Yeah, the food ready?” he asked.
“Yes.”
“I’m going to make my announcement.” Holly smiled at the two of them, heading toward Duke.
“Let’s get out of here.” Pike urged her through the door toward the kitchen.
“You don’t want to stick around to hear?”
“I know she’s pregnant. I want you all to myself until the party really gets in full swing.” He grabbed both of their jackets, putting hers on her before taking her outside to the cold.
“Holly told me what happens in church stays in church?” Mary said.
He closed the door as cheers started to erupt. “It does. I’ll tell you whatever you need to know. Club business is not your business.”
“It’s okay. I, erm, I don’t want to know anything illegal or that can get me into trouble.” She turned to smile at him. He watched her tuck some hair behind her ear. Pike gripped her arm. “What?”
Pike locked their fingers together, holding her hand. “I want to hold you.”
“Are you being a romantic?” she asked. Her cheeks were a lovely shade of red.
“I’m trying to be.”
There was something different about her. She wasn’t ignoring him or pulling away. In fact, she reminded him of the Mary she used to be before he hurt her.
“It makes a change. You trying to be romantic.”
“I’ve not had a lot of practice at it. The club whores don’t exactly make you work for it.”
The smile died on her lips.
“No, I guess not.”
“I’m not going to screw with them.”
“I remember you said that you’d not been with anyone else since me.”
“I’ve not. I’m not lying to you.” They walked out the back of the clubhouse toward the open fields. He loved the back of the clubhouse. It was like a paradise when so much bad shit happened in the club. They’d made a lot of decisions to live or die in that one room. Duke was a good president, one of the best. “I’m not going to lie to you, Mary. I’ve had a lot of pussy, a lot more than even Duke’s ever had. None of them, they’re not you.” He stopped to press her up against the nearest tree.
“I believe you.” She gave him a smile.
“You’re not going to argue with me over this?” he asked, touching her cheek.
“I’m going to give us a chance.” Her gaze went to his chest. “I’m scared to trust you.”
“That’s all my fault. I was the one who put those doubts inside that head.”
“Why did you do it, Pike? Why couldn’t you leave me alone or not call? Why did you have to break my heart and say those mean things?” Tears were streaming out of her eyes. Seeing her crying hurt him more than anything he’d ever realized.
“I was scared.” He stopped to clear his throat. A lump formed in his throat, and he gritted his teeth as he wanted to cry along with her. “You’ve always been my weakness, Mary. You don’t know how much of a weakness you’ve been.” He tilted her head back to stare into her eyes. “Being near you, inside you, it was better than I imagined. I didn’t know what happened to me. All I saw was me hurting you. I thought I couldn’t give you what you deserved, love, commitment, being faithful. After I did what I did, I realized what a big fucking mistake I made. I tried to come and see you, to make amends. You were always busy working. I was a coward, Mary.”
He touched her cheek, stroking over her pale flesh. There were times he couldn’t believe she was in his arms.
“Seeing you hurt with your leg, I’d never been so damned scared in the whole of my life. I had to do something. I’ll always be there for you, Mary. I’m begging you for your forgiveness for what I did.”
“You’re begging?”
He dropped to his knees in front of her, pressing his face against her stomach. “You’ve won, baby. Do you know what it was like to wake up every morning but you not be there? You wouldn’t let me kiss you, and every chance you got, you denied we were together. You’ve cut me out of your life in all the ways that mattered.” He snorted. “You wouldn’t even look at me anymore. Your eyes would always look over my shoulder or find something else to look at. I’ve never been so desperate.”
“I forgive you,” she said. She wiped at her tears, stroking her fingers through his hair. “I forgive you, but don’t hurt me again.” Picking her up in his arms, Mary wrapped her legs around his waist.
“I won’t. I promise.”
Claiming her lips, Pike only had one thing left to do, take her in front of his brothers.