Chapter 16

Darcy

Truck gave me a list of dos and don’ts for tonight’s visit to the compound of the Satan’s Devils MC. Mostly involving stuff I already know and practice, such as never leave your drink unattended, watch it being poured, and never drink from a bottle which has already been opened. He warned me of things that I might see, his research being based on a television series he’d watched. But even as he was giving me dire warnings of the violence and drugs he thought I’d be subject to, there was a glimmer in his eyes as though he was vicariously living through me, eliciting a promise that I’d report back to him everything I see, or do, when I’m back on shift tomorrow.

But he’s only met Peg once, and that was just briefly. He didn’t see the man who stayed that first night to make sure I was safe from Pete, and who’d held me so carefully all this morning, enabling me to have a peaceful sleep even after my ordeal. The person who had installed and paid for the top-notch security system that quite possibly saved my life. The man who deep down something tells me I can trust. Although giving over room in my home to Pete might suggest I have poor taste in men, I always harboured suspicions, and hadn’t wanted him as a house guest long term. But Peg. He’s completely different, and I want to give this a chance to see where it goes.

Excited and curious about what I can expect, I dress, change, and then look for different clothes. Truck’s recollection of what he’d seen on TV being no help at all to figuring out what I should wear. In the end I settle for tight jeans and a cropped T. With the time I spend working out, and the job that I do, my stomach is flat, and I can afford to show it off. As I lean in close to the mirror, I realise It’s a shame I can’t do much to hide the bruises, hardly a good look to make an impression on Peg’s friends. But I can’t help that. I look down at what I’m wearing again.

Is it the right thing? Just as I’m wondering about changing again, there’s a ring at the door.

Peg’s leaning against the door jamb as I open it, his eyes unashamedly looking me over from my head to my toes, his eyes alighting on my high heels. They still do little more than bring me up to the level of his eyes, but the way his mouth shapes itself into a smile lets me know I have his approval.

He’s tossing his keys from hand to hand. Looking out of the door, I see he’s brought a truck tonight. “You ready?” His hand reaches out and gently grasps my chin, examining the bruise I tried to conceal.

“I am. If you’re sure you want your friends to see me like this.” His scrutiny makes me feel self-conscious.

“Flash,” he admonishes. “My brothers won’t give a damn. They all know that bastard hurt you.” He steps closer. “To me you’re still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen.”

It’s too much, I grin. “Biased, much?”

“Yeah. I’m biased. So, what?” He smirks.

Feeling more confident, I turn and take my purse from the table, and then pick up my car keys. Seeing his eyes widen, I explain, “Peg, I’m sorry, I’ll have to follow you.” His eyes crease partly in confusion, partly in dismay. I hurry to tell him the rest. “My friend, she’s on fire watch. Maybe nothing at all, but there was a small fire burning earlier, and it’s just possible I might get a call. Need to be mobile.”

His brow creases. “Yeah, saw some smoke myself. Understand your problem, but I could bring you back if needed.”

I’m far too independent. “I’d rather have my own transport if you don’t mind.”

“Escape route?”

I laugh and put my hand on his. “Don’t think I need one of those. And if you think this is a pre-arranged signal to get me out if I’m overwhelmed, it really isn’t.” Seeing him, smelling the perfume, some kind of aftershave that he uses, makes me think nothing except an out of control burn could separate me from him tonight. “I want this, Peg. I want to see how you live.”

His smile widens, and his fingers tighten around mine. “Come on then. You’ve got a rough idea where you’re going, but follow me, okay?”

I drive carefully, keeping him well in sight, but use the time to contact my friend using the handsfree.

“Hi, Nicole. It’s Darcy. Just checking if you’ve got any update?”

“Well, I’m close enough that I can keep an eye on it, but if anything, it’s burning itself out. Don’t think we need to worry about this one.”

I breathe a sigh of relief. “That’s great news. I can go out with my conscience clear.”

“You’re going out? Where? With who?”

I can hear the surprise in her voice, and I smile as I tell her. “I may have found a new boyfriend.”

A second of silence, then, “Go you! Hey, I’m standing here kicking ash and breathing in smoke. You have a good one for me, you hear? I’ll use the force of my will to make sure you don’t have any interruptions. And in return, I’ll want the juicy rundown when you come back to earth.”

“And when you’re back in civilisation. Take care, Nicole.”

“Always do, babe. Always do.”

I end the call, feeling happier. I really didn’t want to get called out of Peg’s bed and I have absolutely no thoughts except that’s where I’ll end up tonight. This morning gave me a taste, and I want to explore more. I shift in my seat, suddenly finding it hard to get comfortable as I remember his piercings on his cock and exactly what he can do with them.

Lost in my salacious thoughts, I almost miss Peg indicating and taking a small turnoff. Quickly bringing myself back to the present, I notice it’s so innocuous I’m not surprised I never even noticed it before when I was searching for their clubhouse. The road’s a bit rutted, so I take notice of where Peg’s steering, and follow in his tracks. It’s not too far, possibly a mile, then after a few twists and turns, we’re coming up to a gate. Peg uses his horn, and soon the gate is sliding open. He pulls up in front of a garage with huge, closed rolling doors, and indicates I should draw alongside.

“We’ll walk from here to the clubhouse.” He’s opened my door and is holding out his hand. Taking my keys out of the ignition, I pick up my purse. After getting out and locking the door, I slide my keys into my pocket.

Linking my arm through his, he leads me up an incline, and I realise the whole compound is nestled in the foothills at the very bottom of the Coronado Forest. I pause for a second and look up ahead, pleased to notice Nicole must have been right. If it was a big fire, I’d see signs of it burning from here.

With my professional hat on, I ask, “What’s the setup, here?”

“You know this was an old vacation resort?” At my nod, he continues, “Clubhouse is where the reception areas were, and the kitchen and dining room. Offices are used by some of the brothers, and we’ve built on crash rooms out the back.” He pauses, then hastily moves on. “We’ve got a gym and a swimming pool.”

“Sounds great.” I’m genuinely surprised at the facilities they have.

He points to a track that continues past what must be the clubhouse, if the number of bikes parked outside is anything to go by. “We’ve rebuilt a lot of the suites as our accommodation. There’s blocs going up this track and one running parallel. Two suites to a bloc. And at the top of the compound are three houses, and two more the brothers are building.”

“Doing the work yourselves?”

“We run a construction company.”

That explains why they’ve been able to get so much done here. I pause and look around. It’s a beautiful spot. Although only lit by stars and a half moon, I place it opposite the Tucson Mountains. I remember the co-ordinates of the fire, and while way above, must have been visible from here. “You got a fire break between the houses and the forest?”

“Certainly have. A hundred-foot wide. A lesson we learned when the original resort went up.”

I bite my lip. I’ve seen fires leap four lane highways when driven by wind. Hopefully that will be enough and, even better, that fire doesn’t come close enough to put it to the test.

“Seen everything you want?” Turning back to Peg, I notice his eyes are twinkling in the light spilling out of the clubroom we’ve now reached.

I nod and take my first step into the world of bikers.

At first sight, it’s about what I expected. Men wearing the same leather vests as Peg crowd the room, some sitting around tables, lounging on couches, or standing at the bar, and a few scantily clad women, which makes me think the rumours are true, and bikers keep women on tap, but there are also other women who don’t look anything like whores. A couple of toddlers running around, and a young child, who looks about four or five, chasing them. A heavily pregnant woman is leaning against who I presume is her man. I hadn’t anticipated that.

What I certainly didn’t expect when I stepped through the door alongside Peg was for all conversation to stop and eyes turn toward me. A stranger in their midst?

“Here, give ‘er some fuckin’ room to breathe,” Peg snarls as he pushes men left and right, clearing space for us to get to the bar. His hand holding tight to mine, he pulls me in his wake until we reach his intended destination. As the silence continues, he indicates a stool for me to sit on, then turns, and I catch a sight of the glare he throws at the mass of bikers we’ve just walked through, then he swings back around and puts his arm around my shoulder. “Don’t pay them no mind, Flash. They’re just a bunch of nosy assholes. What do you want to drink?”

I eye the mass of bottles behind the bar, considering I’ve probably little option. “Beer will be fine.” I’ll just have one drink and make it last in case I get called into work. Then I realise what he’s said. “Flash?”

He grins. “I like it. Suits you.” He raps on the counter. “Jill!” he calls, and a scowling woman, one who’s dressed in a tiny skirt that would better fit a child, and a short top, under which she’s clearly braless, comes across. “Two beers.”

I half expect her to snarl get them yourself, but with a huff she turns and grabs a couple of bottles and slams them down on the bar. As Peg hands one to me, I pick it up, but just hold it in my hands, conscious I still appear to be the object of everyone’s attention.

Peg leans in and says conspiratorially, “New development getting the club women to tend bar.” He nods toward Jill, who’s leaning back against the shelves, glowering around the room. “She’s only just heard about it and, as you can see, doesn’t like it that much.”

I nod, not really understanding, and more concerned about the looks being thrown my way.

Way to make me feel welcome. Shifting awkwardly, I’m about to ask Peg if his friends are usually this curious about newcomers, when a man comes up alongside us, slapping Peg on the back before turning to me, his eyes roving over me. I survey him in a similar way. He looks to be about forty, he’s tall, his hair is dark with signs of grey at the temples, and has a short beard with silver flecks in it. What’s most noticeable is his piercing steel-grey eyes. As I meet them, I blink, and though I try not to, I look down, unable to meet his stare, and catch sight of the flash which tells me he’s the president. I swallow, unsure whether this is an official examination or not.

“So, you’re Darcy.” As I dip my head and raise it, I see him move his attention to Peg. “Can see what caught your eye, Brother.”

Is that a compliment or not?

Peg just grunts but throws me a wink. He takes a swallow of his beer, then at last says, “Flash, meet Drummer. Drummer’s the prez.”

At last I find my voice. “Nice to meet you, Drummer. Or should I call you Mr President?” I soften my question with a smile.

He chuckles. “Drummer, or Drum, will do fine.” Then he queries Peg. “Flash?”

Peg shrugs and tightens his arm around me. “Flashfire. It’s her firefighter name.”

“Hey, Sam! Come meet Flash.” As Drummer calls out, a pretty woman walks up, holding tight to the hand of a toddler. “This is my ol’ lady.” He leans toward me as he speaks. “And this little monster here is Eli, our son.”

As I smile at the woman, I look down at the child, and need to hide my grin as I see there’s no doubting his parentage when cautious grey eyes stare up into mine. “I’m Darcy.” I hold out my hand to Sam.

Her eyes fill with warmth, and she waves her hand toward the men and women behind her. “It’s good to meet you, Darcy. And don’t mind them. They’re just curious to see the first woman Peg’s ever brought to the compound. You must be one special person.”

“She is.”

Peg places a kiss to the top of my head, just as a new voice beside me says, “Awh.”

Sam chuckles. “This is Sophie, she’s the VP’s woman.” She leans in and says in a stage whisper, “She’s from England, but we forgive her for that. If you need a translation of anything she says, just ask me.”

Sophie gives her a light-hearted slap on her wrist. “Shut your bloody gob, Sam. Darcy, it’s nice to meet you.”

“And I’m Wraith. The said VP.” Another strikingly good-looking man raises his chin, and I lift mine back in recognition. I remember him being there last night.

Introductions follow quickly. I meet Heart and his enormously pregnant wife, Marcia, Carmen and Bullet, Viper and Sandy, and Slick and Ella. Then Peg takes me around the room, introducing me to all the men, his brothers, he calls them. Names become a blur, but far from being suspicious, they’re all friendly enough. Gradually it dawns that it wasn’t me who was the object of their curiosity, but Peg. Has he really never brought a woman here before?

“When you get tired of this asshole, come find me,” the one I’ve been told is called Rock tells me in an exaggerated whisper.

Peg snarls and grabs him by his vest. “Keep your hands to yourself. She’s mine.”

His possessiveness makes me swallow and realise that my panties are damp. Just what is it about this man that turns me on so easily?

At last we get to a table, and Peg sits me down. “Wait here.”

I watch as he returns to the bar and leans over, his height making it look easy as he folds himself in half, and I feast my eyes on his amazing ass. He stops the music and puts something else on. As it starts playing I recognise Bruce Springsteen. There’s a collective groan, and Peg’s mouth twitches as he returns to me.

“Always got time for some of The Boss,” I say as Peg takes a seat.

He stares at me then shakes his head. “Fuck, Woman, I knew you were perfect for me.”

Another man comes over and drags out a chair, turning it around and straddling it, leaning his elbows on the back. “We’ve got no chance if you two share the same musical taste.”

“Can’t help it if we both like the good stuff.” Peg offers no apology.

It seems no one argues with him when he puts on his choice of music, but that’s okay with me. I sit back and examine him in his natural environment. While outwardly he appears relaxed, he’s still slightly on edge, his eyes scanning the room as if looking for trouble. Filing that thought away, I turn to the man who’s just joined us. “Sorry, you are?” I try to peer at the name on his vest.

“I’m Dollar. I’m treasurer and look after the club’s money.”

“Yeah, well go away and count some,” Peg grumbles.

Dollar grins and raises his hands. “Okay, okay, keep your hair on, Peg. Just came over to be friendly.”

“Well you’ve outstayed your welcome.” Peg’s mock bad humour is softened by another wink at me.

Dollar gets up and leaves, and I’m suddenly curious. “What do you actually do for the club, Peg?”

“As you know, I’m an officer, the sergeant-at-arms. It means I watch out for the club, try to make sure nothing’s going sneak up and catch us out. I’m responsible for the club’s safety, and keep order between the brothers.”

I can see how he could do that. His height, for one thing. He must be one of the tallest men here. His explanation clarifies why my safety is so important to him. The urge to protect others must be ingrained in him. “How long have you been in that role?”

He thinks for a moment. “Must be getting on for ten years.”

“What’s the story behind all the names, Peg?” None of the men seem to use the name they were born with.

He grins. “Best you ask Sophie that. She’ll take great delight in tellin’ you.” My smile fades, and I frown, realising the answer as I ask the question, but wanting to confirm it. “Why are you called Peg?”

He slaps his injured leg. “Peg Leg, in full, darlin’.”

I don’t know why I hadn’t realised it before. My brow creases, and I’m annoyed on his behalf. “That’s cruel.”

“Just saying it as it is.” Well, if it doesn’t bother him I won’t let it bother me, but I don’t like using it. “What’s your real name?”

He sighs and places his hand over mine, which looks tiny in comparison. “I’m Peg, it’s who I am. I don’t mind the handle in the least. My leg ain’t gonna grow back, and I’m long past wishing it would. But if you must know, my name’s Ronald Rinter. I used to be called Ronnie, or Rint before I left for the Army.”

As I look into his face, I realise what he’s saying. He is Peg, and while I’d rather avoid a moniker with such connotations, I’ll keep using it if that’s what he wants.

I spot one of the men who helped disassemble my bed and point to him. “Why’s he not got a Satan’s Devils patch on the back of his vest?”

A laugh bursts from Peg. “First off, it’s not called a vest, it’s a cut. And Fergus is a prospect. Prospects must earn the brothers’ trust before they become members. They do the shit jobs for a year or more until they’re ready to get their patch.”

I translate that into my language. “They’re on probation?”

“Yeah. That.”

Though I had my suspicions from the time I walked in, I cast a glance sideways at the women who are barely dressed. The one reluctantly playing bartender isn’t the only one. “There’s other women here, Peg.” I’m inquisitive, as I wasn’t introduced to them. “Who are they?”

He looks serious, and takes another sip of his beer, then says cautiously, “They’re sweet butts, club women. Whores, if you like.” His eyes meet mine for a second as if trying to see what I think of his revelation. “We give them room and board in exchange for their services.”

Well, he couldn’t put it clearer than that. As I glance around, I see Rock going towards the group and beckoning to one with his finger. She smirks at the girl she’d been talking to, and eagerly gets off her seat. Uncaring she’s got an audience, she blatantly places a hand over Rock’s cock. He covers her fingers with his and gives a wide grin. But as she licks her lips suggestively, it certainly doesn’t look like she’s being forced in any way.

I frown. Peg mistakes it, his finger coming up under my chin, forcing me to look at him. “They’re here by choice, darlin’.”

I admit that isn’t what’s worrying me. “Do you go…”

“Not for a long time, sweetheart.” He answers before I can complete my enquiry. “Been looking for something else, got bored with just fucking. Been waiting for someone who I wanted in my bed, and for more than just sex.” He pauses and gives me an intense look full of meaning. “Been waiting for you.”

It’s so similar to the way I feel about him, it seems too good to be true. I push for more information. “Have there been many women? Women like me?”

Another earnest look. “None like you. Ain’t had a woman in my life for a very long time. And when I did, it didn’t end well.”

My eyebrows rise, and he answers my unspoken question, leaning toward me and speaking quietly as though he doesn’t want to be overheard. “You and me? Well, I think we’ve got something special. So full disclosure, okay?” He pauses and starts to play with his beard. “Fifteen years ago, when I was on leave, a bitch told me she was pregnant, so I married her. I was soon off on another tour.” He takes a moment, his face growing dark as he recalls it. “I made sure she had money, had my earnin’s paid into a joint bank account. She was my wife, my ol’ lady, and I thought it was forever. I knew I could have done better, should have waited for someone else, but I’d stepped up to do what I thought I should, and having committed, wasn’t gonna leave her. Had the piercings done to make her happy. And I’ll tell you this, fuck did they hurt.” A twisted smile fleetingly comes to his face and disappears just as quickly. “When I came back she told me she’d miscarried. I did my best to make her happy, was as good a husband as I could be. Then I was off on another tour. When I came back injured, she dropped the pretence. Said she couldn’t be with me, that my missing leg was disgusting. Made it all about her, as if I’d done it on purpose.”

He gazes off into the distance, and his mouth twists. “When I left the hospital, she’d cleared out our bank account. And that’s when I found she’d never been faithful. There never had been any baby, miscarried or not, and she’d been fuckin’ everyone she could behind my back.” He glances up and looks at his brothers, then his eyes return to mine. “Just wanted to snag herself a biker, and so set a trap. I fell right into it.”

My hand’s been under his, and I now lay mine on top and squeeze gently. “I’m so sorry, Peg.”

He slowly nods. “Put me off bitches.”

That I can understand. “Who is she, and where can I find her to kill her?” I ask in a conversational tone.

His head had been lowered, he now snaps it back up. A surprised chuckle comes out. “Fuckin’ perfect, babe. Fuckin’ perfect.” Leaning forward, his hand curls around the back of my head and he pulls me to him across the table, his mouth descending and ravishing mine. A kiss of possession.

“For fuck’s sake, get a fuckin’ room.”

I don’t know who shouted it, but Peg clearly thinks it’s a brilliant suggestion, as suddenly he stands, throwing me over his shoulder in a fireman’s lift, slaps my ass, and I’m still laughing as he carries me out of the clubhouse, giggling as I hear Bruce Springsteen’s Thunder Road swiftly cut off mid verse.