Bullet (BLP Motorcycle Clubs #1)

1. Crystal

June 2020: Decatur, IL

The heat was on one today. My entire body was covered in perspiration as my legs guided my bike in the direction of Doc Brown's convenience store. His place was stocked with all the quick essentials until I made it to the superstore. At the moment, though, all I could do was focus on the cold drink my parched throat desired and the double-layered sandwich that would satisfy the grumbling noises my stomach made. My tires wiggled a bit on the dirt road, but I quickly redirected my bike using the handlebars. As I rode to the store, my thoughts were instantly filled with russet brown eyes, a root beer complexion, and a tapered fade that temporarily replaced the woes of my sweaty skin and whiny stomach. I'd sacrifice sustenance to feel his hands roam my body like no other man had. Those strong hands knew how to manipulate my body like a diffuser for a black woman's curls. It was a magical act that neither Ripley nor I could believe.

However, such actions were not permitted to take place any more. Our families made sure of that. The long-age feud between the Views and Clips dated back several generations. I was twenty-five and still not well informed on why we were enemies in the first place. What my family did tell me was that it was all the Clips' fault. My family was wealthy, and it's due to the weapons we made of all kinds. We supplied weapons to different companies, the government, and international businesses. The Clips were just as wealthy as us. They created weapons and ammunition for just about every weapon created by the government, small companies, and international as well. Our great-grandfathers hit a lick that created generational wealth for our families, but that's probably the reason we hate each other so much. Well, our families because I actually liked the Clips. I love my Bulley, but unfortunately, we could never be together. It was a terrible way to live.

I reached outside of Doc Brown's and leaned my bike against his store wall when my eyes briefly traveled over the big shiny motorcycle that rested on its kickstand. The motorcycle's front displayed a shiny, engraved emblem for the Decatur Rebels, which I found interesting. Motorcycle clubs were popular in this town. Even the men in my family had a crew. They were the Decatur Devils and a pain in my ass. The Views' reputation preceded itself. No one wanted beef with a family filled with men who made their own weapons except the Clips. They were bosses as well, so naturally, they didn't fear us or anybody else.

The moment I entered the store, the bell dinged above, and I was immediately met with a blast of air conditioning and the fragrant sandwiches I loved so much. Doc Brown's was your typical convenience store. There were aisles of your favorite essentials with numbers above in blue and yellow font on a square-shaped banner. This store had been around for generations and stood the test of time during every weather crisis our town had experienced.

His grandson, Steffan, was the third generation to run and operate the local favorite. It was also neutral territory, so no bullshit of any kind was permitted. Violating the laws in place, depending on how severe, could lead to permanent banishment or, worse, death. We and the Clips both had several relatives banished because they violated the laws. It was a treaty that the townspeople of Decatur, IL, took very seriously. When people fucked around, they certainly found out. Steffan didn't favor Doc Brown as much as his dad, Daniel, did, but he surely inherited Doc Brown's booming voice.

"Ms. Views! The youngest of the Views bunch. How are you, sweetheart? Are you here to pick up your granddaddy's lunch?" Steffan questioned from his seat behind the counter.

The old man slowly sipped his glass of sweet tea while one of his favorite Western films played in the background.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Steffan. I'm feeling pretty good. How are you? It's scorching out there, so I'm here to pick up my usual and Pop Pop's special as well," I replied.

I walked over to the glass case that housed my favorite deli delight. Doc Brown's store made the best grilled chicken breast sandwiches with parmesan cheese, sundried tomatoes, basil, and pickled jalapenos. While Old Man Steffan talked about the arthritis in his joints and how he used to beat my father in high school football, I grabbed a sheet of wax paper and fished my sandwich from the display case. Once it was secure in the foiled baggie, I took my time and collected my favorite brand of lemon cookies and salt and vinegar chips. I left Steffan to talk to himself since he pretty much did that, anyway.

I exited the cookie aisle and stopped right outside the cooler, where a fine-ass man drank his bottled water with the glass door propped against his broad shoulder. When he felt my presence, he lowered his drink and then ogled me. The tall, dark, and muscular stranger walked away from the cooler, and the door slammed multiple times until it finally closed.

"You're beautiful. What are you up to?" he probed in a voice that appeared much older than his youthful face.

"My mama told me not to talk to strangers."

He chuckled. "Okay. Well, can I at least have a bite of your sandwich?"

"My mama told me that if you feed a stray, it'll follow you home." I smirked, trying not to give in.

A smile as beautiful as the sunrise over the Grand Canyon, or from the first sip of coffee, or the birth of a child adorned his handsome face. He was too fine for his own good.

"Do you always listen to your mama?" he asked with a charming smile.

"Most of the time. She's hardly ever wrong."

He eased closer to me until he invaded my personal space, and the coolness from his breath tickled my skin. "Well, yo' mama ain't here right now. How about you let me buy you lunch? We can take my motorcycle down to the river, and once there, you can tell me all about the things your mama said not to do. How does that sound?" he queried, licking his full bottom lip.

I chewed on my lower lip and stared into his russet-colored eyes. For some reason, it seemed as if he could be trusted, so I allowed him to pay for my items, including Pop Pop's lunch. In no time, we flew down the dirt road on his motorcycle. The summer heat blew through my curls as I gripped his waist tightly with a smile on my face. I was taking a big risk right now, but oh well, you only live once. Minutes later, we arrived at the river and sat on the warm grass. He fed me, and I fed him. Once we were done eating and drinking, I sat between his toned thighs and watched the river flow downstream.

"Why can't it be like this forever?" he quizzed, kissing up and down my neck.

I closed my eyes and basked in the feel of his thick, full lips and beard that tickled the side of my cheek. "Bulley, baby, it will never be that way for us. Our families won't allow it. I would love to wake up to you every day, but we both have a duty to our families."

He exhaled and turned me to face him. I straddled his lap and gazed into his eyes. "Crystal, you sound just like our families. We can run away and start over. I love you more than my family. Just tell me you want to be with me, and you love me, and I'll handle the rest," he voiced. From his tone, it sounded as if he was pleading with me.

My hand gently caressed his cheek as I threw caution to the wind. I'd never find a love like him ever again. I couldn't let Bulley go. He'd owned my heart since we were seventeen years old. He was the first and only man to ever touch my body. If another nigga tried, he'd kill him. I loved that man, and I'd risk it all for him every day that ended in y.

"I love you, Bulley, and I want to be with you. Yes, I'll follow you."

He grinned, pecking my lips. "Good girl."

Our mouths merged as we swiftly undressed as he guided me onto my back. Bulley gripped my throat and slowly fed my pussy, his long and thick dick.

"Oh shit, baby. Right there," I panted in a desperate tone. I fucked him back, just as he taught me. His dick moved in and out of me as he stared into my eyes.

"What's my name?" he asked, tapping my spot.

"Bulley, baby," I answered with a heavy breath.

"Why is it Bulley?"

I swallowed hard, enjoying the feel of his deep strokes. "'Cause only you beat this pussy up."

"Good girl. Whose pussy is this?"

"It's Bulley's pussy." I bit into my lip while he dug me out like a burial plot.

"That's right. This is Bulley's pussy, and don't you forget it," he recited with a groan.

He sped up his strokes as he slurped on my big titties. I was petite in size, but I'd always had big titties. His mouth and dick worked as a duo to bring me one of the best orgasms I'd ever experienced. I couldn't hold back any longer. My orgasm hit me full force, inciting his orgasm to follow right behind me.

"Fuck, Crystal. I love you and this pussy, girl." Bulley's mouth latched onto mine again, and we sloppily kissed until our bodies slowed down.

We laid in a comfortable silence until we used the napkins from our food to clean ourselves, then fully dressed.

When we were done, I turned and faced him. "I'm down. I love you so much, Bulley."

"And I love you too, angel."

I beamed every time he confessed his love for me. No other man would ever love me the way he did. "When do we leave?"

He smiled, his whole face grinning as well. "We leave tonight. Just pack a small bag and meet me in the woods at our spot. I'll be there waiting. Don't worry about anything else. I got us." He kissed my lips, taking more of my soul with him.

I believed every word he said. If he wanted me packed, then he best believe I'd do just that. Our mouths met again when the screeching sounds of tires rolled up on us. The three SUVs that halted in front of us made my stomach drop to my ass. Company had arrived, and it wasn't good news.

My dad, my brothers, and my male cousins swiftly hopped out and mugged both of us. Bulley quickly stood and moved me behind him, with his favorite Ruger already in his hand. It was a custom-made weapon I had made for his twenty-first birthday. Most of us had grown up hunting in Decatur, but nobody was a better shot than my Bulley.

The way he threw his wrist and always hit his target still amazed me to this day. However, I didn't want him to shoot my family. I couldn't be with a man that hurt anybody I loved dearly. My hand rubbed down his forearm, and he looked down at me. I shook my head no, and he gave me a soft nod before his brown eyes pierced each of them. My cousins removed their guns and cocked them. Now, why did they do that? I ran to the center when Bulley slung his wrist, and two bullets whizzed past my curls and landed in the front tires of the first SUV. He lived by one rule. If you draw your weapon, you're supposed to use it, but if you cocked a gun in his direction, then it was up from there. My cousin's eyes widened, and my brothers aimed their guns at him.

"If I wanted to hit any one of you bitches, I would've. I never miss. Y'all know I'm surgical with this bitch. Now what the fuck do y'all want!" Bulley spat.

"Crystal, get your ass over here now!" my dad shouted. "Why the fuck are you here with this nigga? You know he's no good for you. He's trash!" my daddy yelled.

"Keep it up, old man, and I'ma put a few slugs in yo' high yellow ass!" Bulley shot back.

"And you'll be dead right along with him," my eldest brother, Black, threatened.

"Is that what you want, little sister, to see the man you love riddled with bullets?" my second oldest brother, Marshawn, questioned with a sinister smirk on his face.

"I think she does. Let's grant her wish," my youngest brother, Tyrese, egged on.

My head snapped up, and I frantically shook my head. "No! That's not what I want. Please, just chill. I'll come with y'all. Just please don't shoot. I'm begging y'all," I cried and wiped my tears away.

Bulley walked up and turned me to face him. "Crystal, you don't have to do this. Don't give in. If we keep giving in, then our families will continue to run our lives. They're telling us who to love now. What's next, telling us when and where we can go? I'm tired of living like that."

"Me too, but if I don't go, they'll kill you, and a war will start. I can't have that. I'd rather love you from a distance than never be able to love you again. That's not a bet I'm willing to take. I love you, Bulley. Goodbye."

"Crystal, please. I'm begging you. Don't go, angel."

"There's no other choice." I pulled my hand out of his and walked over to my family.

My dad grabbed onto my arm and quickly ushered me inside his SUV. I watched as Bulley inhaled and exhaled like a raging bull. He stared my brothers and cousins down until they climbed into the two good SUVs, then pulled away. Before I could brace myself, my dad hauled off and slapped the shit out of me. My head whipped to the side, and I rubbed the stinging area. My brothers looked away because although they hated that I loved Bulley, they didn't condone anyone hitting me. However, none of them had the heart to stand up to our daddy.

I spat on the floor before looking at him. "You thought that would break me? I'm tougher than that. That little tap is nothing compared to the pain my heart is now." I looked out the window as he went on his usual rant.

"Argh!" he roared. I flinched a bit, but I composed myself. "I knew having a daughter would be the bane of my existence. The day the doctor said it was a girl, I knew my life would change for the worse. Crystal, that boy is trash. He's no good for you. Now, since you won't listen to me, you've left me no choice but to bring in Pop Pop!" he shouted.

I hunched my shoulders and continued to look out the window. Fuck him and his sexist outlook. There was nothing they could say to make me see things their way. I loved Bulley. It was as simple as that.

Minutes later, we pulled up to the compound, and security opened the gates for us. My cousin Court parked in front of the door, and I was snatched from the SUV and dragged up to my Pop Pop's office, where he and Mama waited for me.

When I entered, Mama stood in her white blouse and wide-leg pants. She and I could be twins with our big curly fros and peanut butter complexion. I ran to her, and she held me tightly until she peered down into my eyes. Her sympathetic eyes turned furious when she looked at my cheek. "Who struck you?"

"Daddy," I tattled, then sniffled.

Her eyes grew wide. "Everybody out now except you, Melvin."

My brothers and cousins did as she directed.

As soon as the door closed, she upped her gun from her waistband and aimed it at Daddy. "You put your hands on my, sweet girl? You're a fuckin' man. I dare you. Put your hands on her again. Do it!" she yelled. "I'll smoke yo' ass right now. Whatever the fuck went down, I would've handled it. You ain't never laid a hand on me, yet you thought I'd be cool with you hitting our only girl. Try me again, nigga."

Daddy raised his hands in a surrender motion. "I'm sorry, Kora. It will never happen again."

"I know good and well it won't. You can find your raggedy ass on the couch tonight," Mama declared.

"Baby, please," Daddy pleaded.

"Baby, my ass. You should've thought about that before you struck her."

"I'm sorry, baby girl. I truly am. My emotions got the best of me. I'm just tired of seeing you with that thug ass nigga."

Pop Pop cleared his throat. He was the leader and head of our family, and we all followed his directions.

"Melvin, you were wrong for hitting my little Crystal ball. You lucky I don't get up from this seat and hurt you, boy, but you are wrong as well, Crystal. We've warned you since you were seventeen about that boy. You don't listen, so you've left me no choice. Crystal ball, you have two choices. You marry William Cane's youngest son, William Cane Jr., before the summer end, or you'll be exiled from this family. I'll send you to Mama's family in Arizona until I feel like you've learned your lesson."

Mama gasped. "Pop, you can't be serious?"

"Does it look like I'm joking? Crystal is messing up our business. We have a reputation to uphold, and there will never be a union between us and the Clips. I'd die before I allow you to be with that nothing-ass nigga. Now, what's going to be?" Pop Pop questioned.

Mama swiftly turned me to face her. "Listen, you have been the shining light in my eyes ever since I brought you into this world. I can't live in this life without you. I'm so sorry that these are your choices. I hate it for you, but Crystal, I need you to understand that we have certain laws in place. Loving Bullet is forbidden, baby. It just is. You have to follow the rules of our family. William Cane Jr. is handsome, kind, and well-off, and you can have a good life with him. Please tell your Pop Pop what he wants to hear so we can put all this behind us. Okay?" Mama voiced, eyes brimming with tears.

I hated to do this. I hated to leave her because she was my favorite person in the world, and she'd always protected me, but Bulley was right. If we continued to give in to our families, then we'd be doing it for the rest of our lives.

I hugged Mama tightly. She would always be my saving grace and my heart, but this one time, I had to be selfish and choose me. When we separated, I looked into her eyes, and she silently cried because she knew it was a goodbye hug. I turned to Pop Pop, and his steely gray eyes zeroed in on me.

"I'd rather live by myself for the rest of my life before I ever marry someone I don't love or settle for a good life when I know I can have an amazing life with the man I'm in love with. Everyone here is in an arranged marriage, but that ends with me. Call Grandma Tula and Poppy." I turned away from Pop Pop and walked over to my dad. "You got your wish, Daddy. I'm no longer the bane of your existence. Now you no longer have to chase after a daughter you never wanted in the first place." I exited Pop Pop's office with my mama crashing out in there.

Everyone got their wish except me. Bulley and I would never be together, but at least he was alive, and I could love him from a distance. I entered my room and closed the door behind me. Before I could get comfortable, I ran into my bathroom and vomited in the toilet. I held onto that porcelain god until I had nothing else to heave up. I pulled my knees to my chest and cried because life as I knew it was over.