Significance, Satan's Attitude MC (10 page)

“Me, of course,” she answered right away, her heart lightening. “She wanted to replace me?
Like I’m replaceable.
You’ll never leave me, will you Rebel?” She looked deeply into his eyes.

“‘Til death do us part, baby. I’d have to be dead. I love you, Violet. We’re soul mates.” He was dead serious.

She sighed contentedly. “One thing, Rebel. I don’t think we should tell the girls everything all at once. We should ease them into having a brother and, as for Bebe, you know I love her like my own.”

Rebel felt her hand on his thigh. Maybe she was right. It might be too much for their daughters to take in. It would be a lot of heavy shit tossed on them all at once. He nodded in agreement slowly.

“Another thing, Rebel. I don’t want Brandon to know about Monica ever. So you make sure everyone knows I’m his mother now and I want that made legal. I want to adopt him. We’ll need to go shopping and buy a crib and all kinds of stuff. I want to get him right away.” Violet was excitedly throwing herself into being a new mother.

Rebel lit another cigarette. He knew she wasn’t done; she never was.

“You don’t cheat anymore on me, I don’t cheat on you, and honestly, Reb, I might shoot you if I catch you. We clear on that?”

He burst out laughing as he looked at his wife glaring at him. She looked so cute all pissy and serious. “Sure Vi, whatever you say.”

She didn’t stop chattering the rest of the way home.

When they got to their town of Mallory, Maryland, Violet was nearly bouncing in the seat she was so excited to see the baby. She wanted to go straight to Goose and Cathy’s house. Rebel gave in and hoped she’d raise this child better than she had the others.

Cathy answered the door with Brandon in her arms. “I didn’t expect to see you both!” She was shocked at seeing Violet.

“I bet you didn’t, Cat, but I forgive you for not telling me about Brandon. Now hand my son over to me.” Violet stared at Cathy, who looked at Rebel. He nodded and she handed the baby over.

Violet stared down at the infant and smiled. Rebel was right; this could be her son. She moved to the couch and carefully sat down, supporting Brandon’s head as she admired the boy.

“Goose in the garage? I need to talk to him.”

“Yeah, he is, Rebel. A warning call would have been nice.” Cathy was shaken up.

“Sorry about that, but Violet wanted to see the baby right away. Goose told you I’ll be taking him?” Rebel felt bad as he saw tears in Cathy’s eyes. “It’s gonna be fine. I’m gonna get Maude over to live in. She can help Violet with Brandon.” He patted her back awkwardly before walking to the garage.

Violet was rocking Brandon and Cathy stood there wondering what the hell Rebel was thinking. Everyone knew Violet was not motherly, but at least Maude was, and she hoped the baby would be happy with Rebel and Violet. He wouldn’t want for anything, and Violet clearly adored Chrissy.
Maybe this is for the best,
she decided. Monica had not cared about Brandon at all. He was a pawn to her, and look where that got her. Some might believe that trailer had blown up accidently, but Cathy didn’t. Goose had told her to shut the fuck up and forget she had seen Violet that night. She pulled her sweater closer as she felt Violet’s eyes on her.

* * *

G
oose was working on his Harley as Rebel walked down the few steps into the garage.

“I can’t believe you’re gonna take him, Reb.”

Rebel stared at Goose. “He’s my son. I want him and I’m gonna ask Maude to move in to help Violet. You think I’d put my son in any danger? Don’t go there if you’re gonna say shit about my wife, Goosey.”

Goose wiped his hands on a rag. “Cathy and I love him, too. We’ve been there for him since birth. It’s gonna hurt, y’know?”

“You’ll be the Godparents. You and Cathy can have more kids. Violet can’t. You think I’d be sneaking over here to see my son? What would happen when you and Cat had more kids?”

Goose tossed the rag on the work bench. “Yeah, well, maybe it’s for the best. Cathy’s pregnant. We’re not telling anyone just yet.” He opened the old fridge and handed Rebel a beer. They clinked bottles as Rebel congratulated him.

E
lena had two horses saddled up and Whiskey was eying them uneasily. He wanted to show Elena he was able to fit into her world and hoped to hell he didn’t make a fool of himself. He patted both of them and tried to look like he knew what he was doing, but Elena knew he’d never been on a horse.

“So, you watch me get on, then do the same thing, and Spirit will be fine. I picked him because he is used to the kids and he’s a sweetheart.” Elena tried to make it seem simple. “Oh, and don’t let a horse ever know you’re scared or nervous. You ready?”

Whiskey wasn’t. “Show me again, and maybe hold the horse steady while I get on.” He looked around, hoping that Bound for Hell biker or his witchy ol’ lady weren’t watching and laughing at him.

Elena mounted Cherokee easily and hopped back down. “Did you see how I swung my leg over the saddle? I’ll hold Spirit and you hop on him like I did. Hold the reins a bit loosely. He won’t move until I get on my horse.”

She held Spirit and Whiskey did exactly as she had showed him. He felt comfortable in the saddle and the horse didn’t move, just as Elena had said. All of a sudden, he heard it grunt and he turned around to see the tail lift, and then the damn horse took a shit. Elena laughed at the expression on his face.

“That’s normal. Horses shit all the time. I’m going to let go and get on mine.”

She got on Cherokee and gave him a nudge with her boots. Both horses moved and Whiskey found it wasn’t so bad being on one. After all, he rode a steel horse. They moved across the yard and onto some trails in the woods. He admired Elena and how in control she was of the horses. Maybe Spirit was used to kids, but Whiskey had a sneaky feeling this horse had more pep to him than Elena was letting on.

She led them to the sandy beach on the bay. Whiskey had no idea the farm was this big or even on the water. It was a sunny day and perfect for a fall ride.

“Are you ready to head back? I don’t want your ass to be sore and I don’t think you want to be galloping just yet.” She yelled out and Spirit backed up a bit, making Whiskey think he’d spent enough time on a horse for today.

“Yeah, let’s head back. I think it’s better if I take this riding-horses thing slowly.” He enjoyed it, but he was ready to head back to the house.

Elena was impressed that he had even taken a trail ride with her. She was starting to really enjoy her time with Whiskey. She thought about the long cold winter ahead and wished he was going to be by her side. Soon enough, they were back at the barn and Elena warned him to wait before dismounting. She easily got off Cherokee and he waited as she held Spirit’s reins for Whiskey to hop off the horse.

She saw Pete and motioned for him to come over and take the horses for them. She figured Whiskey was hungry and had made egg salad and minced olive sandwiches for them.

Both washed up and sat down to eat. Rhiannon was napping and Amy was on the phone with JJ. It was nice to sit and enjoy the good food without interruptions. She had a pitcher of sweet tea made for them and watched Whiskey’s face as he tried it. He smiled his approval.

“I talked to Rebel last night and you made quite the impression on Violet Rose and Rebel too.” He sipped the sweet tea in appreciation.

Elena blushed a bit. “I liked them. I’ve been around bikers for most of my life, though. I don’t usually like most of the hardcore ol’ ladies, but Violet is okay, as long as she likes me.”

“They’d like you to come down for a weekend. So would I, Elena.”

“Whiskey, I’d like that too, but I’ve got to finish up the show season here. After that, I’m free. I’d just need to make sure all my dancers are booked. This agency is more work than I imagined, but I’m making good money at it. I was thinking of training Amy in case I need someone to take over. I know she’s young, but I’m sure she’d like the extra money.”  She frowned a little. “Before, I would have asked Joy, but she’s acting too bitchy and I don’t want her to know what I’m making either. She’d find a way to spend the money.”

“You two aren’t as good of friends since I started to come around, are you?” Whiskey stroked her hand, running his fingers over her smooth skin.

“It’s not you, trust me. It’s this shit with Thrash. I don’t understand why she thinks she knows what is best for me. If I were Jersey, I’d be wondering why she is so up Thrash’s ass.”

Elena picked up the empty plates and carried them to the sink. She grabbed a tin off a shelf and sat down to roll a joint.

“Elena, you never told me that Nailz hit you in the face. I wanna know about that kind of shit.” He looked evenly at her.

“I got in his face when he was drunk. I didn’t even know you at the time, Whiskey.” She got up to go to her glider on the porch and he followed. She lit the joint and passed it to him.

“Thorn, Hunter’s son, used to be in Bound for Hell, but he went over to Nefarious that night. He married Nailz’ daughter, Tearney. Hunter was behind it all. Anyway, Hunter added a codicil to his will that both Nailz and I had to sign for Thorn to get money out of the bank accounts. I know how to run the Lodge, but Nailz and his wife Jo, they were giving Thorn shit. I jumped in. Nailz didn’t mean to hit me.” She took a hit off the joint. “I’m sure he feels like shit over it. I’ve known him as long as I knew Hunter. Let it go, please. I have.” She touched his leg. “How did you hear about it?”

Whiskey had a very serious expression on his face. “I’m a national vice president in my club, darlin’. I hear a lot of shit. I’m not liking a man of Nailz’ size hitting you, though. Or any man, for that matter. I heard he lost his colors that night for some other shit.” He waited to see if Elena would tell him anything he didn’t already know.

“I heard he did, but it wasn’t because of me. He got into a fight with a few members. I stay as far out of Bound for Hell business as I can. I’m close to Kima, Veiko’s ol’ lady, but I knew her long before he did. I’m fine now since he took himself off the will. I don’t carry a grudge against Nailz at all.” She looked at him and saw the hard expression on his face. “I promise, if anything comes up that you need to know about, I’ll tell you. Give me your phone number in case you’re in Maryland.”

Whiskey stood up and opened the door. “I’ll be giving you more than just my number. You’ll have a list of numbers, including Violet’s. She can always reach Rebel or me. Just don’t let anyone else get the numbers.” He took a pen and paper off of her desk and started a list of names and numbers. “Rebel called the motel and left a message,” he said when he finished, “and I’ve got to get back sooner than I planned. I’m sorry about that. I thought I’d have more time here, but I’ll be back up really soon.” Whiskey hated to leave her. He saw her face grow sad. “I’ll be back as soon as I can, Elena. I should have left earlier but I wanted that horseback ride with you. I’ve got to get going now and get my boys together. No time to even see Deidra. I’ll call you as soon as I can. I’ve got a feeling we’re going to be on the phone a lot.”

“I knew you had to go back. I’ll be fine until you return. Like I said, I’ve got a show to finish and the dancers…” She didn’t mean to let the few tears slip from her eyes, but they did. She tried to blink them back, but he’d seen them.

Whiskey pulled her to him and she buried her face into his shoulder. He whispered into her hair softly, “I’m coming back to you. Wild horses couldn’t keep me away from you darlin’.”

The kiss he gave her was mind-blowingly fantastic. Her lips were bruised in such a good way as she stood and watched him leave. It was going to suck until he came back.

She turned to go into the house and, by chance, looked over toward Joy’s house. Thrash and Joy were watching her from the porch. She thought about giving them both the finger, but didn’t bother.

Neither were worth wasting her time.

Instead, she went inside to go over the books and see how she was going to pay for everything this month. Joy was going through money like water on the track horses, and so far they weren’t winning enough to make it worth it. She knew they would eventually, but she didn’t want to use any of the money Hunter had left her to pay for those bills. She sighed, thinking of the talk she would have to have with Joy. It was going to be very unpleasant.

An idea came to her: she’d put up Moon Glow for sale. Joy had huge hopes for him and owned a small share in the horse. Moon Glow wasn’t really for sale, but it might light a fire under Joy’s lazy ass. She looked at the book she used to keep track of the dancer’s schedules. She ran her finger down Joy’s name and realized she hadn’t been dancing at all. Although she didn’t take a percentage from Joy, she did book her gigs.
What the fuck?
she thought.
All of her time’s spent at the track now?
She ran her hands through her hair as she thought about money. Joy was taking advantage and, while she knew Jersey would help if she asked him to, she didn’t feel it was fair.

She puckered her lips, thinking about how Joy hadn’t wanted Jersey being involved with Bound for Hell last summer. Now, she was a gung-ho ol’ lady intent on trying to pull her into a club she hated. And that wasn’t sitting well with her.

She walked over to the phone and called up Joy. She didn’t expect Jersey to answer since his truck hadn’t been there when she saw Joy and Thrash. The mean streak she usually kept hidden came out.

“Hey, Jerz. I didn’t hear your truck come by. I saw Joy and Thrash on the porch before. I’d have walked over since I’ve got to talk to Joy, but they looked like they were talking seriously and I don’t want to talk to Thrash anyway.” There. Maybe Jersey would give Joy some shit now. “I’ve got to talk to Joy about a subject that is going to upset her, so I’ll fill you in. I’ve got a lot of bills, so I’ve decided to sell Moon Glow. I’m sorry. You’ll have to deal with her temper, but I see no other way. Put her on the phone please.” She waited a moment before Joy answered.

The first thing Joy said was, “Did your new boyfriend go home yet?”

Elena felt her face get hot. “I didn’t call to talk to you about Whiskey and you’re really beginning to piss me off, Joy. I called to tell you that buyers will be coming out to see Moon Glow. I put him up for sale and called some interested parties.” She smiled as she heard the gasp Joy let out. “I can’t afford everything that needs to be done here and keep all these horses, Joy. I’ve told Pete and Harry to keep him down in the barn by my house. They’ll be feeding and grooming him, so you don’t need to bother doing it. As a matter of fact, it would be easier if you didn’t even go near Moon Glow. I’ve made up my mind. Moon Glow is being sold.”

She hung up the phone and noticed Whiskey had left a bottle behind. She poured herself a few fingers and sipped it as she thought of the hell that must be going on in the other house. It was past time to fight back. Joy was one dumb bitch to have started this fight over Whiskey. Elena was usually not a mean person, but she could be when pushed hard enough. Joy might think she was tough, but Elena had been raised on an Indian reservation. She had grown up tough and fought every single day of her life until she had left with Hunter. Life was harsh and unforgiving where she came from; she doubted Joy had any clue about living as she had. She didn’t talk about those days, but she never forgot them either.

She got out her personal phonebook of horse buyers and made some calls, sipping the fine whiskey as she bullshitted buyers into coming to see Moon Glow.

Amy was heating up leftovers for them by the time she was done and they ate as Elena explained to her about Moon Glow not being moved and buyers coming to see him. “I was thinking, Amy, if you want to make extra money, maybe you’d like to learn how to run the agency. I need the help and it would be a good job for you.”

Amy’s face lit up. “I’d love to learn! I’m happy doing what I do here, but learning something new and making more money? Hell yeah!”

As soon as Rhiannon was bathed and in her crib, Elena began to explain how the agency worked and which dancers were booked into the better clubs. It was almost midnight before they were done.

Elena was really missing Whiskey as she washed her face and went into her bedroom. On her pillow was Whiskey’s t-shirt. She knew he’d left it for her to sleep in, and she got undressed and pulled it over her head. As she put her head on the pillow, the phone rang on the night table.

She answered it and heard the voice she’d been longing to hear.

“Just wanted to tell you goodnight, darlin’. I didn’t wake you, did I?”

Whiskey’s southern drawl turned Elena on so much, her hand slipped down between her legs and she stroked herself.