Devils Cut

Chapter 6

Corvus King

The sun was high in the sky, making the bar sweltering hot. It didn’t matter how many aircon’s were running, Arizona was hot. The front bar had become my sanctuary. A place where I could forget my responsibilities and drown myself in conversation, booze, and the growing intrigue of Tempest.

It had been four days since I hired Tempest, and I found myself spending less time in my office and more time at the bar with her. She was a puzzle waiting to be solved, and every encounter only fuelled my desire for more.

”Hey, Corvus,” one of the guys called out. ”You gonna join us for a drink?”

”Sure thing,” I replied, using any excuse I could find to remain in the dimly lit space. My office seemed to shrink by the day, an oppressive cage I sought to escape from whenever possible.

”Another round, Tempest,” I said, sliding onto a stool beside Hammer. Her smile sent shivers down my spine – a mix of innocence and danger that I couldn”t resist.

”Coming right up,” she replied, her eyes meeting mine for a fleeting moment before she busied herself with pouring our drinks.

I leaned closer to my brothers, raising my glass in a toast, while inside my mind churned with thoughts of the woman behind the counter. What was it about her that drew me in? Was it her fierce independence, or the darkness I sensed lurking beneath the surface?

”Corvus, you”ve been out here a lot lately, man,” one of the bikers observed, clapping me on the back. ”Not that we”re complaining, but don”t you have work to do?”

“I am working,” I muttered, taking another swig of my drink. The truth was, I couldn”t bear the thought of returning to my office and being alone with my thoughts. Out here, surrounded by my brothers and Tempest, I could pretend that everything was as it should be.

”Hey, Corvus,” another biker chimed in, ”you ever think about moving your office out here? Seems like you”re spending more time at the bar than behind your desk.”

”Maybe,” I replied, my voice heavy with sarcasm. But deep down, a part of me wished it were true. If only I could escape the confines of that tiny room.

The ice clinked against the glass as I spun it in my hand, my eyes drifting over to Tempest. She was behind the bar, serving drinks with that mischievous smile. The one that made every man in the room want her, and me to question whether she”d be more trouble than she was worth.

”Corvus,” Amanda drawled, sliding onto the stool beside me. ”You”re out here an awful lot these days. Something on your mind?”

”Stay out of my business, Amanda,” I snapped, not bothering to look at her. But I knew what she was getting at, and I couldn”t deny it. Tempest had me captivated, like a fly in a trap.

”Fine, have it your way,” Amanda smirked, the corners of her lips curling up like she knew something I didn”t.

As if on cue, my phone buzzed in my pocket. An urgent text from one of the guys needing help with a shipment. Guess it was time to get back to business.

”Later,” I grumbled, pushing myself off the stool. Amanda just laughed, watching me leave with that same infuriating smugness.

As I approached my office, I could see Lisa standing at the door knocking.

“Lisa, what do you want?” I asked as I opened the door, barely hiding my irritation. She sat down in the chair across from my desk, her eyes narrowed and lips pressed into a thin line.

”I want the morning shift, Corvus. The one you gave to the new girl,” she spat, her tone accusatory.

I couldn”t help but laugh at Lisa”s demand. ”No, that”s Tempest”s shift, Lisa. You”ve got the night shift on the back bar.”

”Corvus, I”ve been asking for that shift for months now,” she argued, glaring daggers at me. ”But you gave it to the new girl? I want to be home with my kid.”

”Really?” I raised an eyebrow, unimpressed by her sudden maternal plea. ”Trey”s mom has the kid when you work. And if you”re not here working at night, you”re at the clubhouse whoring around. So why would I give you more time to whore when you need to be making money for your kid?”

The truth stung her like a slap across the face. She sat there, fuming, and I could see the anger boiling beneath her skin. But I didn”t care. I was the boss after all.

”Fine,” she spat, her voice venomous. ”But don”t expect me to just sit back and take this shit.”

”Watch your mouth, Lisa,” I warned her, my tone dark and threatening. I had no patience for her defiance today.

The vein in Lisa”s forehead pulsed, her anger barely contained. ”Fuck you, Corvus,” she spat as she stood up abruptly, knocking the chair back. ”Didn”t realize you now fuck 18-year-old trash!”

”Watch your mouth, Lisa,” I growled, my hands clenching into fists. ”You don”t want me to ban you from the clubhouse, do you?”

”Ha!” she scoffed. ”Trey would never let you.”

”Listen closely, Lisa,” I said, my voice dripping with menace. ”Trey answers to me. You”re not his old lady. I remember him saying he”d never give you his cut. Just ”cause he had a kid with you doesn”t mean you”re his old lady.” I leaned in closer, smirking. ”In fact, fucking every man with a dick at the clubhouse shows just how much you are not his old lady.”

Her face crumpled, and she started to cry, mascara streaking down her cheeks. ”Fuck you,” she whispered hoarsely before turning and storming out of the office, leaving the door wide open behind her.

——————————————————————————-

Throwing my leg over my bike, I started the engine and rode off to the 4th Avenue jail where my pops was staying. The rumble beneath me was a familiar comfort as I sped down the highway, wind slapping my face like an angry lover. It was a necessary trip, one I made once a week without fail. Pops may have been locked up, but he had his ways of keeping tabs on everything that went on with the club.

He”d gotten four years for drug trafficking, and even from behind bars, the sneaky fucker always knew what was happening before I got there. It was a testament to the kind of man he was – loyal, fierce, and one step ahead of everyone else. He could”ve taken a step back from the club when he got busted, but instead, he held on tighter.

As I pulled up to the jail, the grey concrete building loomed over me like a tombstone. It was a stark reminder of the life we led and the risks we took. I parked my bike and headed inside, steeling myself for another visit with the man who taught me everything I knew.

”Hey Corvus,” the guard at the entrance grunted. We”d become familiar during these weekly visits. ”Your old man”s waiting.”

”Thanks,” I muttered, making my way through the sterile hallways. I couldn”t help but wonder how Pops managed to keep his spirits up in this hellhole. Maybe it was the knowledge that he still had control over his world outside these walls. Or maybe it was just stubborn pride.

I approached the check-in counter, the guard eyeing me with a mix of curiosity and suspicion. He”d seen me enough times by now to recognise me, but that didn”t mean he trusted me.

”Here for my pops,” I said, sliding my cut, gun, and wallet across the counter as required. The guard took them without a word, placing them in a secure locker.

”Off you go,” he grumbled, gesturing with his chin. I nodded my thanks and strode down the cold corridor, my boots clicking on the linoleum floor.

The visiting area was just as bleak as the rest of this hellhole—white walls, fluorescent lighting, and rows of glass windows separating prisoners from their families and friends. My pops sat at one of these windows, waiting for me.

”Hey Pops,” I said, picking up the phone on my side of the window as he did the same. His voice rumbled through the line like thunder.

”Corvus, I hear you found yourself an old lady,” he said, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. My brows furrowed, irritation bubbling up inside me.

”Who says that?” I shot back, wondering how the fuck he knew about Tempest. In here, he shouldn”t have had access to that kind of intel. But then again, he always had his ways.

”Doesn”t matter who says it, boy. What matters is if it”s true.” His tone was serious now, probing for information. ”Didn”t realize you like them so young,” His tone shifted to amusement. I shook my head, rolling my eyes at the never-ending teasing I seemed to be subject to lately.

”Brothers are worse than the old ladies at bingo,” I muttered, running a hand through my hair. ”No, Pops, I don”t have an old lady. I”ll let you know when I do.”

”Wouldn”t hurt for you to get one now, you”re the VP for fuck”s sake!” he exclaimed. ”I want grand-babies. Plus, your mom asks me every damn day why she isn”t a grandma yet.” He paused, chuckling at some memory. ”Why didn”t we have more kids? At least they would give me grand-babies.” My pops said in a high voice to mimic my mom.

My jaw tightened as I thought about how to respond. It was no secret that I wasn”t the settling-down type, but Tempest had me questioning things. Not that I”d ever admit that to Pops. The man already had enough ammunition against me.

”Focus on getting out of here, Pops. Then we can talk about grand-babies and all that shit,” I replied, trying to steer the conversation away from my love life or lack thereof.

”Sure, sure,” he said, waving a dismissive hand. ”But remember, Corvus, a good woman by your side can make all the difference in this world.”

I stared at my old man through the scratched-up glass, seeing a faded reflection of myself. He was the president and I, now the vice president. But unlike him, I wasn”t loyal to just one woman.

”Thanks for the advice, Pops,” I muttered, my mind drifting to the relationship he had with Mom. He never cheated on her, not once. And she”d been by his side through thick and thin. Was I capable of that? Tempest stirred something in me sure, but was it enough?

”Enough about that,” Pops said, snapping me back to reality. ”How”s work?”

”Busy, but good,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. ”The bar”s doing well, thinking about expanding. Buy another place.” It was all code, of course. The gun shipments were paying off, and we were looking to broaden our reach.

”Really?” His eyes narrowed, reading between the lines. ”Well, keep focusing on what we got for now. Make sure everything”s running smooth.”

”Got it, Pops,” I nodded, knowing he didn”t want us to dive into new territory just yet. We needed to make sure our current operation was solid before we took on more responsibility.

”Good,” he grunted, satisfied with my answer. ”Don”t bite off more than you can chew.”

The rest of our conversation was filled with club matters and updates on our brothers. All the while, thoughts of Tempest and what Pops had said nagged at me. Did I really need someone steady in my life? Her age was keeping me at arm’s length though.

”Remember, Corvus, loyalty above all else.” He leaned closer to the glass, his eyes intense. ”That”s what keeps this family together.”

”Always, Pops.” My heart thudded in my chest as I echoed his sentiment. Loyalty - it was the backbone of our club, the glue that held us together through the chaos of our lives.

”Take care of yourself, son.” Pops” voice softened, a rare moment of vulnerability shining through. ”And don”t forget what I said about finding an old lady. You need someone who”ll have your back, through thick and thin.”

”Got it, Pops.” As much as it pained me to admit it, he was right. Tempest had been on my mind ever since our encounter, and maybe she was the one who could finally break through these walls I”d built around myself.

———————————————————————————

I got back to the bar around 3 pm, and it was already packed. Friday always brought the boys out early, eager to blow off steam and forget the week”s troubles. The familiar roar of engines, the smell of leather and gasoline, and the laughter rising above the cacophony of voices reminded me that I belonged here.

They always started at the bar, then moved to the clubhouse later on – today seemed no different. As I approached, I noticed the only bike park left was my own, right at the front door. A small, satisfied grin tugged at my lips.

”Corvus!” a voice shouted over the din, drawing my attention as I stepped inside. ”You”re just in time!”

”Yeah,” I muttered, scanning the crowd. ”Looks like it.”

The atmosphere inside was electric, fuelled by liquor, camaraderie, and anticipation for the night ahead. But beneath the surface, there was always an underlying tension that could spark into violence at any moment. We were a family, but we were also a powder keg.

The deafening sound of a local rock band filled the room. Brothers shouted above the music, their laughter wild and unrestrained. This was our world, our kingdom, and I felt at home amidst the chaos.

”Killer,” I yelled over the noise, ”how”s it been?”

”Started filling up about thirty minutes ago,” he replied, raising his voice to be heard. ”Getting a bit rough in here now.”

I nodded, taking in the scene before me. The small stage was alive with energy as the band belted out cover songs of old hits. It was a familiar sight, one that never failed to stir something deep within me.

Turning my attention to the front bar, I saw Amanda and Tempest working hard, pouring drinks and smiling. Their movements were fluid, almost synchronised, as they navigated the chaos with ease.

”Need any help?” I asked Amanda, sliding behind the bar.

”Grab the end of the bar, boss,” she replied, her eyes never leaving the customer she was serving.

As I walked past Tempest, my hand twitched with the urge to slap her ass. If she”d been one of the club whores, I would”ve had no hesitation. They knew their place, and that place was to service me and my brothers. But Tempest was different - an outsider who”d stumbled into our world and managed to carve out a place for herself. The line in the sand had been drawn, but damn if the urge to cross it didn”t gnaw at me like a caged beast.

It wasn”t out of the ordinary for me to help Amanda out from time to time; we”d been doing this together for years. But today felt different, with Tempest there, so full of life and innocence. It made the darkness inside me feel all the more potent.

”Whiskey, Corvus!” A brother yelled over the noise of the crowd. I obliged, pouring him a generous shot, and then moved on to the next order. The work was familiar, almost soothing, but my mind raced with thoughts of Tempest and the danger she faced just by being here.

”Fuck, man, can you believe this shit?” Amanda shouted, gesturing to the swelling crowd. ”It”s getting crazier every week.”

”More money, more problems,” I quipped.

I eyed Billy as he stumbled toward the bar, weaving through the crowd like a ship adrift at sea. The fucker had always been loud and messy, but tonight, it seemed worse. I could feel the trouble brewing, thick and heavy in the air.

”Hey, gorgeous!” He slurred, leering at Tempest.

”What can I get you?” she shot back, her frown loaded with disdain.

”Whiskey,” he grunted, his eyes never leaving her.

Tempest poured him a glass, her hands steady despite the disgust that clouded her face. As she pushed it across the bar, Billy made his move - grabbing her wrist and pulling her close. My blood boiled.

”Let me go, please,” Tempest pleaded, her voice wavering. But instead of releasing her, Billy leaned down and licked her hand.

”Fuck”s sake, Billy!” Amanda snapped, smacking him away from Tempest. ”No touching! You…” she pointed to the closest brother, ”take him down the back.”

But I couldn”t let it slide. Not this time. With a snarl, I vaulted over the bar, seized Billy by the neck, and slammed him face-first into the counter.

”Pretty sure the whole club was told hands off the new girl,” I growled, my grip tightening. ”Did you break my rules, cunt?”

Killer strode over, his expression grim, and hoisted Billy up off the floor. I glared at him and spat, ”Show him out.”

The brothers whistled and jeered as Killer dragged Billy away. They quickly returned to their drinks and conversations, as if nothing had happened. Still fuming, I climbed back over the bar and approached Tempest, who looked shaken but unharmed.

”Tempest, you okay?” I asked, careful not to get too close. My usual bravado couldn”t mask the concern in my voice.

She nodded, her eyes meeting mine for just a moment. ”Yes, I”m okay. Thank you.” With a determined look, she turned back to her work, pouring drinks like nothing had happened.

When five o”clock finally rolled around, and Amanda called out to Tempest, ”Home time, girl.”

”Corvus,” I heard her say quietly, ”Would you walk me out?”

”Sure thing,” I said, trying to play it cool despite the flare of protectiveness that surged through me. As we moved through the crowd, I positioned myself as a shield between her and the brothers. But there was no need—the bikers all stepped aside without hesitation, letting us pass unobstructed.

The sun dipped low in the sky, casting long shadows across the parking lot as we made our way to Tempest”s beat-up car. The rusted metal and peeling paint stood out like a sore thumb among the gleaming bikes of my brothers.

”Have a good night,” I told her, trying to keep my voice casual. ”I”ll see you in the morning.”

”Thank you,” she said, giving me a small smile as she climbed into her car. I couldn”t help but notice the clutter of clothes, bags, and other belongings filling the backseat. My gut clenched with concern.

”Are you sleeping in your car?” I asked, unable to keep the worry out of my voice.

She blushed, caught off guard by my question. ”Nope, I”m staying at a local hotel until my house is approved,” she replied, avoiding eye contact as she closed the door, started the engine, and took off, leaving exhaust fumes in her wake.

But I could tell she was lying. Damn it.

Shaking my head, I walked over to my bike and threw a leg over it. The cold metal beneath me grounded me, reminding me of who I was and where I belonged. Glancing back at the bar”s entrance, I saw Killer smirking at me as if he could read my thoughts.

”I”m heading out!” I yelled, revving the engine before peeling away from the bar.