My Inked Neighbor (Summit Hill Vipers: Mayhem Makers)

Chapter 6 Bullseye

“ B ull?” Storm growls, and I shake my head, refocusing on the discussion in church. “Where the fuck are you? It sure ain’t here.”

Shit. “Sorry, Pres.”

“Well?” he thunders, clearly agitated.

“It’s Xiara.”

“Who the fuck is that?”

“My neighbor.”

Storm blinks. “Your neighbor ?”

“The one he wants to fuck,” Zoo explains.

Smoke smacks him in the back of the head. “Dipshit.”

“I ain’t wrong,” Zoo complains, rubbing his skull.

“You don’t talk about a nice girl like that,” Smoke explains. “She isn’t workin’ a pole or a corner.”

Like it’s okay to talk shit about any woman, regardless of career choice, I say so, and Smoke nods in agreement.

“What about her?” Storm asks, focusing on me instead of Zoo and Smoke.

“She’s gotten spooked around me a couple of times. Full-on panic attack. It happened after she found out I’m part of a biker club.”

“Yeah,” he says slowly, “sometimes we run into that shit. Not every man has honor.”

That’s one of the things Storm is a stickler for. No one fucks around and hurts women. Or children. He’s got zero tolerance for it. We’ve already lost two members in the last year. One hit his girlfriend. The other assaulted a stripper. Neither one still lives in Summit Hill.

“It’s not just that. She wanted to see the back of my cut. Like she had to be sure which club I belong to. And since then, she’s been avoiding me.”

Storm’s brows draw together as he considers my words. “She’s acting like someone threatened or hurt her. Maybe both. I’m guessin’ it’s a rival club to ours. Nothing else makes sense.”

“I agree and put my number in her phone. If something goes down, I want to know. One, for the club. As your enforcer, I’m not lettin’ anything catch us by surprise.”

“And two,” Bear asks, folding his arms across his barrel chest.

“Two, she’s under my protection. This is Mags’s next-door neighbor. She’s a sweetheart, even if a tad stubborn. Whatever is happening, I’m certain it’s not her fault.”

“And she’s got a brother,” Cash adds. “A teenager. High school football player.”

I guess I’m not the only one who noticed these things.

“That’s why she’s playin’ it close to the vest. She’s lookin’ out for her kin,” Smoke explains.

Heads nod around the chapel.

“She’s smart,” Storm observes. “Tough, too. Has to be if she’s caring for a younger sibling.”

“I wonder what happened to her parents,” I murmur, remembering when she nearly cried as I held her. “It’s not the club’s role to look after her, Pres. I’ll be doin’ that on my own time.”

He snorts. “Shut the fuck up, Bull. Like you said, that’s Mags’s neighbor. She’s under the club’s protection, not just yours. Pay your aunt a visit. She called me anyway. Says you’re a little shit and for me to remind you of your place.”

Snickers erupt around the room. For fuck’s sake.

Sometimes my aunt is a huge pain in the ass. Since she’s all the family I have left, I let it slide. That, and I also love her. She’s fucking amazing when she isn’t busting my balls.

“Yeah, I’ll head to the hospital after church.”

“See that you do,” Storm orders.

AUNT MAGS IS AWAKE as I enter her hospital room. She’s propped up with pillows, and I bend down to press a kiss to her cheek.

“Where the hell have you been? Chasing pussy?”

Not in the way she thinks.

“No,” I laugh. “If any of the nurses hear you, that sweet old lady rep you have is gonna be ruined.”

“Pfft.” She waves a hand in dismissal. “Don’t rile me up. I’ve got a bad heart.”

My grin fades. Shit. “You feelin’ alright? Need anything?”

“Don’t act like you care. Had to text Storm to get your ungrateful ass here.”

“Aunt Mags,” I scold. “Stop. That’s not true.”

“What else are you doing? Playing with my kitties? Knitting?”

“I’m watchin’ your house and the neighborhood just like I promised.”

She scoffs. “Why did it take so long for you to come over? It’s been years.”

Yeah, I had to own that. “Because you like to take me out for free food, and I can’t resist.”

No lie. My aunt spoils me often. Since I see her all the time, I don’t go by her house.

She stares at me and then finally nods. “Maybe you’re right. I need to let you starve, so you come to see me.”

Damn. “Come on, Mags.”

Her lips twitch as she hides a smile. “Have you met Xiara and Xaden yet?”

Hmmm. Why ask me about them?

“I have. Well, Xiara. I’ve seen Xaden, but we haven’t spoken.”

“They’ve had it rough.” Mags sighs. “Sit down. You make me anxious when you pace like that.”

I move from the window, glancing at the parking lot before I obey her and sit in the chair closest to her bed. Being an enforcer, I have to stay aware of my surroundings. It’s a hard habit to break, even if I am only visiting Mags. “Yeah, can you tell me more about them?”

“Why?”

“Xiara is in trouble.”

Her eyes widen. “Oh no. Why do you think so?”

I’ve never had trouble confiding in my aunt. She’s my mother’s sister—the only person who loves me unconditionally as my mother once did. After my mother’s murder at the hands of my drunken stepfather, I lost my shit. I took a baseball and beat him with it. Mags is the one who found me. She helped convince the cops I acted in self-defense. The truth? He fucking had it coming.

If I trust anyone in this world, it’s the woman who helped me send an abusive asshole to hell. The best part? She still knits, bakes, and teaches Sunday School without losing any sleep. Mags is a fucking force of nature. She’s my anchor. Without her, I’d be lost.

“Xiara reacted strangely when we met,” I begin and proceed to share all that’s happened with Mags, including my conversation during church. It isn’t a club secret or decision, so there’s no club business I can’t share. “And that’s why I’m wondering what happened,” I conclude after I finish, leaning back in my chair. “The part I need to know about is her parents. Why are Xiara and Xaden alone?”

Mags gives me a sad smile. “Drunk driver hit their car. They died on impact.”

Fuck.

“Xiara had to quit college, get a full-time job, and take care of her younger brother. She’s one of the strongest people I’ve ever met. Not to mention courageous. Despite her grief, she stepped up. I’m not sure she’s ever had a chance to mourn her parents’ death. She’s been in survival mode, caring for Xaden and trying to stay afloat for the last five years.”

Wow. No wonder Xiara puts up walls. With all she’s been through, she probably feels like her only option is to protect herself and Xaden. I get it. Hell, I’d been down that same grief-stricken, dark road.

It’s the day I became a killer. Every time I’ve had to take a life, it’s been because some motherfucker tried to hurt me, my family, or my club. I don’t regret it either. Never will.

“No wonder she’s closed off,” I reply.

“So whatever is happening now, it’s made her feel backed into a corner. I’m betting she’s trying to protect herself and her brother. I can’t think of any other reason for her to push you away. You’re harmless.” She winks, and I smirk. “I got a weird feeling in my gut. Something isn’t right.”

“Me too,” I admit. “They’re under my protection. Storm said the same.”

Mags nods. “That’s good. Keep an eye on Xiara and Xaden. I have a feeling they’re going to need you.”

I push from my chair and stand. “I should get back.”

Mags waves me off. “Go. Love you, nephew. Don’t be a pain in the ass. Come back soon.”

“I will,” I vow and slap a hand over my heart, winking before I leave.

IT’S LATE WHEN I PARK my bike and kick down the stand. I rise off the seat, remove my helmet, and secure it inside the saddlebags. The sun is dropping low on the horizon, and it won’t be long before the rays disappear. It’s gotten chilly, but my leather ensures I stay warm.

I don’t notice I’m not alone until I see movement on the front porch. It’s Heidi. I don’t know why she showed up here, but it’s the last thing I need.

“Hey, Bullseye.”

I skip any greeting. “Why the fuck are you here?”

“Ouch.” She shrugs and smiles, proving nothing about my words hurt her. “I thought you might like some company.”

“That I want to fuck?” I ask, walking up my steps.

“Maybe,” she replies coyly.

“Not with you,” I answer, not bothering to lessen the sting since she thinks she can do whatever the fuck she wants. This is why I don’t fuck the same women too closely together. They get clingy.

If that makes me an asshole, so be it. I didn’t invite her over.

“I can help you release some of that tension you’ve built up,” she purrs.

It’s not a turn-on. I don’t know what I ever saw in her.

Before I can stop her, Heidi has her hands on my belt and cupping my junk, acting like she’s got the goddamn right. “You know you want me. I know exactly how you like it.”

I hear a gasp, and my head snaps up. Xiara is standing in my yard, close enough to see and hear everything. Plus, as I process that information, I realize she’s on her way to speak to me. Finally.

It all goes to shit when her gaze roams over Heidi, the position of her hands, and the pleased expression on Heidi’s face. Xiara doesn’t hesitate to shoot me a glare and stomp off, slamming her door as I shove Heidi’s hands from my dick.

“What the fuck is the matter with you?” I yell, pissed that Xiara just got the wrong idea. Why the fuck I care if Xiara knows who I do and don’t fuck is beyond me, but I do. “Get the fuck outta here. Now.”

Heidi flinches and then sneers, tossing her hair over her shoulder. “That girl needs to know her place.”

“The only woman confused is you, honey. In case I wasn’t clear before, let me spell it out. Get the fuck off my aunt’s property, and don’t ever fucking come back.”

“But Bullseye,” she tries to argue.

“Get fucking gone. Now.” My voice has gotten low, and that’s when she knows I’m fucking livid.

“Fine.” Heidi nearly trips on her fuck-me heels and teeters for a few seconds on the steps before reaching the grass, yanking out her phone to text for a ride.

I don’t care who picks her up or where she goes as long as she doesn’t come back.

Squaring my shoulders, I march over to Xiara’s and knock on the door. It swings open, but it’s not Xiara that greets me. It’s her brother.

Xaden crosses his arms and stares me down. The kid’s got balls. “Who are you?”

“Drew Blade. My friends call me Bullseye.” He nods. “My aunt lives next door.”

His features soften. “Oh, hey. Your aunt is Mags?”

“Yep. I’m watchin’ her place while she’s in the hospital.”

“Yeah, we’re hoping she’s okay. Mags has been good to us.”

That sounds like my aunt. “Listen, I don’t mean to pry, but can I speak to your sister?”

He gives me a suspicious look. “You’ve met her?”

“I have,” I confirm. “I’d like to clear up a misunderstanding.”

Xaden opens his mouth to answer when I hear Xiara shout.

“Tell him to leave! I’ve got nothing to say to that biker.”

Xaden shrugs. “Sorry, bro. Sisters before misters.”

It’s the wrong time to find humor, but I can feel my lips twitch with his words.

“Tell her I’ll come back tomorrow and every day until she’s willing to talk to me.”

“I can hear you!” Xiara replies before I hear her sweet mouth utter a very naughty word.

Xaden ticks his chin my way. “Good luck. You’re gonna need it.” He shuts the door, and I sigh, spin around, and stomp down the stairs in my boots.

As I make my way across the lawn, I see Cash and Zoo. Great.

“Your girl is giving you an obscene gesture,” Cash informs me.

Sure enough, I turn around and spot Xiara in the window. She’s flipping me off. How fucking cute.

“She hates you, bro.”

“Why does that intrigue me so much?” I ask with a laugh, knowing Xiara doesn’t hate me. She’s just a bit confused, so I’ll set her straight. I’ve already breached her defenses, or she wouldn’t have come across my aunt’s lawn. Heidi cocked that up, but I’ll fix it.

“Because you’re a sick fuck who can’t stand it when a woman isn’t falling at your feet.”

Fucker. “It doesn’t happen often,” I agree, unable to deny he’s right, “but that’s not it. There’s something about her.”

“You’ve almost seen her naked. That’s what’s attractive.”

Sure. She’s smokin’ hot. No debate there. The woman has legs that fucking beg for my fingers to glide over and hips that flare enough to support her delicious, jiggly ass. I fucking love a curvy, sassy woman. But it’s more than that. Xiara isn’t like any woman I’ve ever met.

“He’s so fucking whipped,” Zoo mutters as Cash laughs.

“Assholes,” I mutter, walking inside my house. “If you came for beer, forget it.”

Cash slaps a hand over his chest. “You wound me, brother.”

Zoo doesn’t listen, pulls a beer from my fridge anyway, and tosses one my way. “We watchin’ that hotrod garage show or what?”

I catch the beer. “Yeah. Fine. Put it on.”

Cash flops onto my couch and gives me a smile. “She’s softened you already.”

I lift my hand and flip my middle finger at him.

It seems to get the point across on multiple occasions tonight.