Whiskey walked into Church for the first time not wanting to be there.  He wanted to be back in bed with Addison.  Shit, what they had done was more sex.  They made love, and it changed him.  He knew he had wanted her before, shit, even craved her, but now he wanted everything.  The jacket, the tattoo, the ring, and the paper.  He wanted to own every single part of Addison Sinclair. 

“What up, asshole,” Brass was the first one in his face. “You look like you’re not happy to be sharing this quality time with your Brothers, what could possibly be up with that. Hmm? Could it have anything to do with that quality pussy you found yourself in this morning?” 

“Shut it, asshole.”

“Dude, I’m just saying maybe you should send Doc to your room to check Addy out. Damn, I was sure we were having an earthquake right here in Defiance, even jumped out of bed and ran for the doorway to save myself. After all that screaming and shaking, I thought the world was ending. Once I woke up and figured out what was going on, I still stood in the damn doorway cuz I thought you two were going to break through.  Damn, now do you see what I mean about quality, nothing like that shit,” Brass said slapping him on the back.  Whiskey couldn’t help it, he laughed along with the other guys sitting at the table.

“Damn, dude, Addy’s a screamer, I heard her myself,” Tuck said shaking his head, “just proves you can’t judge a book by its cover, an angel on the arm and a demon between the sheets, Congratulations, Bro.”  Whiskey didn’t need to look at any of his Brothers sitting around the table, all of them were snickering and trying to hold back their laughter. Damn.

“Yeah, laugh it up boys, at least I know how to please my girl, you're just jealous.”

“I don’t know about that, man, I timed that shit start to finish, maybe five minutes and I’m being generous. Starting to think Link’s teeny weeny syndrome isn’t the only thing that is going to bring the Frost name down. Stamina, Bro, that’s the key, they even have pills for that shit now,” Talon joked. 

“Okay, assholes, simmer down,” Tuck said slamming the gavel against the table. “I realize Whiskey’s sex life will be the topic of conversation for, shit, God only knows how long, but we have more important things to discuss.

“Crank has confirmed that the Satan Vultures are responsible for the attack on him and Cathy, as well as Addy. They weren’t wearing their cuts during any of the attacks, but some of the guys had loose lips, thinking Crank wouldn’t make it through his stay with them.  Those assholes have been on our radar for a while now, so we know their MO; snatch, keep, and distribution.  They are strictly muscle, someone else is always pulling the strings. Addy heard them mention a boss, so did Crank.

“We need to figure out who that boss is, and why they have decided to start a war with us.  Going after Addy and the farm was one thing, but the shit they did to Cathy and Cranks puts this on a whole different level.  Last night, two Vultures tried to finish the job by getting into Cathy’s hospital room.  Crank was able to stop them, but he sustained some more damage he didn’t need. I posted Creed and Crash on the door until further notice. 

“Here are the questions we need answered, like yesterday. Are these fuckers coming after the RBMC specifically, and if so, why? We fucked-up one of their transfers, took down their guys, but even that doesn’t warrant this kind of retaliation.  Two—Why did they want the farm so badly, and how do they have detailed maps of the caves?  Shit, I’ve lived here most of my life and didn’t know about those caves.  Three—What was up with that wire Addy was wearing when she came here, it wasn’t even transmitting?  We have enough security in and around the Clubhouse that it would have picked up on that before she even hit the door.”

“Oh, hell no, you don’t think Addy is involved with those fuckers,” Whiskey growled, slapping his hand down on the table.

“Shut the fuck up, Whisk, no one thinks Addy is involved with the Vultures. It doesn’t make sense, they had to know she would ask us for help instead of doing their bidding.  Why go to such elaborate means to make sure she ended up here?” Link admonished.

Made sense, Whiskey thought, and it was true Addison had a good head on her shoulders and even scared, she would work out the best way to help everyone involved.  Their past wouldn’t have even played into it.

“I’ve done some digging, and I’m not coming up with a whole lot, so I gave Peyton a call.  Her and Wyatt were able to track down an order on the dark web.  It’s pretty vague, but the gist of it is, someone seems to want our attention diverted elsewhere for a while,” Talon explained.

“My sources are confirming that. A couple of junkies and some gang bangers have been paid bank to keep our focus on the Club and the Club alone.  Of course, I changed their minds about going through with whatever they had planned,” Tank boasted, cracking his split knuckles.

Whiskey might not like Tank, but the Dude was a badass, and one mean motherfucker.  It was almost like he’d lost the switch that tells a person the difference between right and wrong somewhere along the way.  No, that wasn’t exactly true, he knew what was right, but chose to do wrong.  Several of the Brothers have had the pleasure of dragging him out of one of his spins.  Not a fun time, but his aggression and ability to get the answers the Club needed was why the guy was next in line for the Enforcer’s position if Crank ever decided to step down.

“I checked out our new FBI handler, and I’m not liking what I’m seeing, the guy is status hungry.  He wants to make a name for himself, and he doesn’t care how that happens.  Washington sent him this way because he has already screwed up two major cases.  Funny thing is, he also became a pretty rich man when those cases were flushed down the toilet,” Jinx added.

“How didn’t D.C. catch on to that?” Tuck asked.

“Dude covered his tracks pretty good, but when you know where to look, that stuff is sitting right out there for you to find. I happen to know where to look. He puts the cash under his foster brother's name in the Caymans; said brother died at the age of four, different last name, no familial link. Tracked the money, and low and behold, Agent Ramies ugly mug showed up on bank surveillance.” 

“Fuck me, so we have an Outlaw Club coming after our people, junkies, and gang bangers ready to cause havoc, and a rogue FBI agent out to make a buck and name for himself.” Tuck concluded.

“Sounds about right,” Link said. “Now, all we have to do is figure out who in Defiance is pulling the strings, or,” he said laughing, “holding the purse strings.  Either one would make our jobs easier.” 

“Don’t think we will have it easy for a while, Brothers. Last night four new cases came in, all high level and above board.  Each coming from a different alphabet agency.  We can’t watch our home front if we accept the missions and let me tell you, everyone in this room would want to take these missions.  All little girls under the age of eight. 

A bunch of ‘fuck me’ and other swear words followed Tucks announcement. 

“I contacted the Lexington Chapter, and they are going to take two of the cases off our hands.  I also put in a call to Declan Quinn at NAC to see if his group would be willing to take the other two.  It’s right up their alley, problem is he hasn’t returned my call, and both cases are time sensitive.” 

“I could put a call into Jackson. He heads up my brother’s crews for NAC.  He might be willing to help or at least give us a name of someone that will,” Link offered.

“Yeah, do that and let me know what he has to say.  If they decline, then we will have to send a couple of you out.” 

Damn, if Tuck was farming out missions, things were even worse than Whiskey thought.  What was happening right now was bad, but nothing they couldn’t handle themselves, even with Brothers out on missions. The Vultures were a bunch of sadistic thugs, but manageable.  A well-planned attack could take them out in one night, and the RBMC was known for being Ruthless.

“Here’s the deal, we need more information. The Vultures are holed up somewhere close; we need to find that location, take it out, and grab someone who can answer some of these questions.  Agent Ramies is a thorn in our sides, right now. I have already shot him down a few times, and he is getting pissed. Wants to think he runs things when that’s not the way we work.  He’s going to be a problem. We work on the right side of the law, but you all know we do that without a safety net. I wouldn’t put it past this fucker to try to prove how vulnerable he thinks we are; we will just have to show him the ropes.” 

“Agreed,” Link concurred, “but I believe we need to consider catching one the of higher ups in the Vultures and press him for information. We need to know the cause of all this, and who is at the top. Our local law enforcement contacts have been quiet lately, a little too quiet if you ask me.  That could mean added problems. If our reputation and cash in their pockets isn’t enough to keep the information flowing, then we need to figure out who gave them a better deal.”

“Shit, this just keeps on getting worse. Okay, for now, Addy stays on lockdown. I don’t want her to step foot out of this Club without a team of Brothers. They got to her once, and I don’t doubt they will try again.  We will keep a presence at the hospital until Cathy and Crank are ready to move, but I want the rest of you guys out there turning over rocks.  Once we figure this shit out, we can find a solution.

“Link, I think we need to have a party, invite Val and as many of her friends out as possible. Get them talking; with the amount of money being thrown around, it has to be someone she knows.  We can even make it special for them. I’ll have all the Puppets stand down tonight, no other hanger-ons, just Val’s group.  All of you fuckers not on duty are required to attend.  Do and say what you have to and make it spill.  Whisk you might want to keep Addy locked up.” 

“Understood.”  Shit, Whiskey wanted nothing else but to lock Addison up, but that was with him naked for hours upon hours.  She wasn’t going to like him hanging out with Val’s group of vipers while she hung out in his room, alone. He knew she still didn’t trust him, entirely.  Lusted after him, maybe, even cared, but doing this might break what they just started building. 

“Let’s wrap, for now; we will be having Church daily until this is all figured out.  I want daily reports from all members. Start preparing for a lockdown boys because with the way things are going now, we are headed that way. I don’t see any fast or easy solutions.”  Tuck pounded the gavel and announced meeting adjourned. 

Whiskey walked out of Church and went in search of Addison.  He needed to see her, wanted to touch her, and spend as much time with her as he could before he had to leave to take care of business. He spotted her walking out of the kitchen holding a massive platter, her head down, but like a moth to a flame, as soon as she felt his eyes on her, Addison looked up.  Damn, she was beautiful, she was also sporting some pretty red cheeks. What made her blush that bright? Whiskey walked up, took the platter and placed it on the table.

“Hey, babe, missed you.” And then did what he really wanted and kissed her.  Addison pulled away after only a few seconds causing him to growl.  He wanted more, he was starved for her. 

“Did you just growl at me?” Addison whispered in his ear.

“Damn straight. We stop when I want to stop and not a second sooner.” 

“Okay, mister caveman,” Addison laughed. “Ah, Whiskey can I ask you a question?”

“Sure, babe, can’t guarantee I will be able to answer, but ask away.”  Addison looked puzzled by his response, but they could talk about that later. He couldn’t and wouldn’t respond to questions involving the Club; as an Old Lady, she needed to know that and live by those rules.  Whiskey watched, almost in awe, as he cheeks got even brighter red. 

“Was I really loud this morning?” she whispered in his ear

Whiskey chuckled, damn it felt good. Addison looked so embarrassed, but it must have been better than he thought if she couldn’t even remember the noise she was making; he thought it was out of this world.  But, before he could say anything, Brass the fucker, ruined it.

“Oh no, Addy girl, you were quiet as a church mouse, no one heard a thing.  Did you know that Defiance has earthquakes?”  Addy just looked at him perplexed. “Me neither. This morning, I could have sworn I felt the ground move and then some chick was screaming, Oh God, Oh God.  I had to Google that shit just to be prepared in case it happened again.” Addy surprised him again and further proved she was meant for him and this life. 

“I don’t know, Brass, I heard we would be experiencing quakes off the rector scale just about every night for the foreseeable future. You might want to catch up on your survival skills,” Addison winked and kissed him on the cheek.  She might have been embarrassed, but she could play with the best of them. 

“Will do, Addy girl, think I might order some of those big pads you put on the walls, helps prevents cracks, and damn, looky here, even says it dampens noise. What do you think, a good investment?” 

“I don’t know, brassy boy, your room was awfully quiet last night and that damn earthquake seemed to be isolated to one area,” Addy said rubbing up on a grinning Whiskey. “Heard you were standing in the doorway all by your lonesome; maybe, if you’re lucky, you can find a quality earthquake of your own one day.  After all, it’s all about the quality. Don’t you agree?”

“That it is, Addy girl, that it is.” All the guys laughed and sat down to eat breakfast.  Addison fit right in with them, and Whiskey couldn’t have been happier.  After everyone had eaten, Addison went to get up and go into the kitchen to clean up, but Whiskey stopped her.

“Hey, babe, let the other girls do that shit, we need to talk.” Damn, Addy thought, no woman wanted to hear those words coming out of her man’s mouth.  “Oh no, babe, no looking like that. Come on, now, I can guarantee it's not what your sharp little mind is thinking.” 

Once they got into his room, Whiskey directed her to the messed-up bed.

“Sit down for a second, babe, and please get that look off your face.” Sitting down next to her, he pulled Addison into his side, hugging her close. “Babe, I got to go out on another run, I’ll be gone most of the day. We found out who attacked you, Cathy, and Crank, now we need to figure out where they’re hiding out.” Addy went to ask a question, but Whiskey stopped her.

“No, babe, you can’t ask any questions.  I’m sorry, and I’m also sure that will burn your tight little ass, but when it comes to Club business, that shit is off limits, even to you.” 

“But…”

“No, seriously, babe, I wouldn’t tell you, and I don’t want to ever have to lie to you, okay?”

Addy didn’t know how she felt about that, secrets were poison to a relationship, and she was just starting to trust Aiden again. Could she keep her mouth shut and not ask questions that pertained to the Club?  Cinny and Tuck had given her the run down, well kind of. It wasn’t her place to ask, and really, as long as it didn’t affect her directly, was it her business?

Addison chewed on her lip, thinking hard. He could tell that she was debating what she could and couldn’t do, but for him this was nonnegotiable.  She needed to understand and accept it.  She also needed to trust him and the Club enough to keep her safe. Coming to a decision, Addy nodded; she might not fully trust Aiden with her heart just yet, but she trusted him and the rest of the guys to keep her safe.

“Okay, I can accept that, but Aiden, you and I both know secrets have a way of coming out, please just make sure they aren’t secrets that can ruin what we have just started to build.”

“You have my word, babe, but that brings me to something else. Link is setting up a party tonight. Val and a bunch of her girls will be here, and I want you to stay in my room.” 

“As in you and I are staying in your room together?”  Addy smiled.

“No, babe, as in you are staying in my room by yourself or with Cinny and Reagan. This will be a private party.”

Addy got up from the bed and started pacing, she was pissed. What the hell, Aiden was going to a “private” party with Val and her bitch friends. 

“Exactly, what kind of party is this Aiden?”

“You know what kind of party it is Addison. Val might be a bitch from hell, but she has her ear to the ground in Defiance, we need to figure out what is going on and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.  If you or any of the other girls are there, she might clam up and not speak as freely.”

“Seriously?” Addy said putting her hands on her hips. “You expect me, your Old Lady for all of twenty-four hours, to sit in this room while you are downstairs doing God knows what with a bunch of horny bitches?” Whiskey laughed pissing her off even more.

“No, babe. What I expect you to do is trust that I won’t ruin what we have going here, but also do my job for the Club.”

“So, you’re all like paid escorts for the Club, and Tucks, what, your pimp?” Pissed Whiskey off, stood up and grabbed her shoulders, getting right in her face.

“No, Addison, my job is to get information, and I will do that with my pant zipped and my hands to myself. I’ve never once lied to you, and I won’t start now. I told you the rules, you follow my lead where the Club is concerned.  You act like a real Old Lady and learn your fucking place. In return, you get me fully. I don’t fuck around,” he growled, “get me?” Addy was losing some of her steam, but old habits die hard.

“Oh, I get you don’t you worry, you want me to sit back and do as you say, and not question anything that is going on. Right, just like ten years ago.”

“Oh, come on, Addison, this is nothing like that, babe. I promise you my mouth, hands, and dick are all yours.  Shit, my whole fucking body including my heart, all you have to do is take it.  I won’t be down there screwing those skanky broads.  Fuck, I don’t even want to go, but that doesn’t mean I can skip out on my duty to the Club, either; you need to trust me.”

Wow, he was giving her everything she wanted, all he was asking for was her trust in him; could she?  Hadn’t she already been doing it?  Aiden had never been a liar, of that she was sure. He was always upfront, and she had no doubt if he wanted to cheat, he would say it, not hide the fact.  It wasn’t who he was; she still didn’t like it, but damn she would accept it. He was still holding her shoulders, looking her in the eye. Addy brought up her hands and placed them on his cheeks, bringing him closer giving him a small kiss.

“Okay, Aiden, I will trust you, I don’t like it, but I will accept it and do what you want.”

“Thanks, babe, now I got to go, or we’ll have another person pounding on that door.  Are you going to be okay today, do you need me to pick up anything while I’m out?”

“I’ll be all right, but could you pick me up some clothes?  I had a suitcase already packed when I was planning on heading out to Lexington, it’s at the farm.  If you or one of the guys could just grab that, it has everything I need in it.” 

“Will do, babe, and Addison, I know you don’t believe it yet, but I love you, always have and always will. You might not be ready to say those words back, but I’m willing to wait. Please just trust me long enough to prove it to you.” Kissing her again, he said goodbye and left.

Those walls Addy had built were crumbling to dust. He said he would give her his heart, all she had to do was take it. There were still a few stubborn pieces hanging on, but damn, he was right, she would say those words back, and it would be soon.

A few weeks went by, nothing happened, and Addy was going stir crazy.  Her nights were great, she and Whiskey were getting closer, making love and talking. He never missed an opportunity to tell her how he felt or touch her. Addy wanted to say those three little words back, shit, she felt them, but they wouldn’t come out of her mouth.