12
Birdie
“So, where’s your boyfriend?” Saint asked, his blue eyes fixed on my lips. If I wasn’t so damn into Raymond, I’d let this man do naughty things to me.
I glanced at Raymond and his blonde date. She was on his lap. I couldn’t be sure, but it looked like his hand was under her dress. Our eyes locked, and I’d swear his jaw twitched. We just stared at each other for a long second, daring each other to do something we’d regret. Of course, he’d already crossed the line, bringing that chick to Dante’s party.
Was he purposely trying to hurt me? Was this his way of telling me to get a life because he would never be mine?
Shooting him my brightest and biggest smile, I turned back to Saint and replied, “I don’t have a man.”
“How’s that possible? You’re fucking gorgeous.”
“I’m also Storm’s daughter and no one is man enough to ask his permission.”
His tongue darted out, then slowly swiped across his lower lip. “I’m not afraid.”
I looped my arm around his massive bicep. “Before you draw your sword, why don’t you have a woman?”
Saint shrugged and gripped my thigh. “I just like to fuck. Not interested in love or long-term relationships.”
I bobbed my head. “I feel that. You’re living your best life on the open road, aren’t ya?”
“Fuck, Melody. You’re the first woman who actually understands me.” He leaned his face toward mine. “Do I really have to ask Storm to kiss you and do other things to your rockin’ body? You’re an adult.”
“You have my permission to kiss me.” Then Raymond could see what he stood to lose.
“Okay, watch my six. Wouldn’t want Daddy Storm to put a bullet in my skull.” Saint cradled the back of my head and pulled me closer.
“Birdie, let’s sing a song.” Raymond appeared with his arms crossed.
Saint stopped just short of reaching my lips. His arm went around my shoulders, as if staking a claim that he would have me tonight.
“We didn’t prepare anything and some of the crew isn’t here.” What was he doing? I scanned the room. My little brother Frankie played guitar, and Uncle Boxer’s youngest, Tyler, was a gifted drummer. Neither of them was at the party because they were at a hockey game.
“It’s just for fun. Dante’s request.”
“Dante isn’t here. He left with Ember.” I laughed at him. “Just go be with your girl.” I rolled my eyes at him.
“You sing, gorgeous?” Saint asked.
“I do. Would you like to hear me to perform for you?”
“Fuck, yeah. In more ways than one.” His hand reached below my breast and his thumb stroked me. A zing shot to my lady parts, and I wasn’t angry about it. “But I thought your band wasn’t here?”
“They’re not, but we can do karaoke. What would you like to hear?”
“She’s not my girl,” Raymond hissed, but I ignored him, wholly focused on Saint.
“How about something sexy? Something that tells me what you want tonight.”
Raymond growled.
“I think I can do that. Country or rock?”
“Anything you want, baby.”
“Okay!” I hopped off my stool and stood between Saint’s legs. His hands covered my ass, and I could feel the rage radiating off Raymond like a blazing bonfire. “Don’t let anyone steal my stool.”
“I’ll guard it with my life.” He was going to kiss me then, but Raymond grabbed my hand and pulled me away before our lips connected.
“Why are you being an ass?”
“What’d I do?” That was his automatic reply each time I told him he was being an ass. It was infuriating. “You’re the one teasing that old dude.”
“I’m not teasing him. I’m totally into him. And I believe he’s thirty-five, the same age as you.” I stepped up onto the stage and went to turn on the top-notch karaoke machine and the lights above us.
“A guy like Saint is only after one thing.”
“Really?” I slapped my hand on my chest and feigned surprise. “The pervert!”
“I mean it, Bird.”
“Maybe that’s exactly what I’m after, Raymond.”
He growled again.
“I don’t know what your problem is or why you care who I take to my bed.” I pulled up “Bartender” by one of my favorite groups, Lady A. Of course, Raymond didn’t like it because he’d only get to sing backup. Oh well. Too bad, so sad.
“Not that song.”
Knew it.
“I don’t need you for me to slay the song.” I pushed play and grabbed my microphone.
What I also loved about this song was how it made my body move, all seductive and sexy. Saint would enjoy the show. Raymond would hate it. Win-win!
The music started, and I took the lead. Half of the time, I was looking directly into Raymond’s eyes. Our souls collided like always when we sang together. The rush I felt with him beside me used to be all I needed, but not anymore.
So, the other half of the song I gave Saint all my attention. I could see my mom and dad following my gaze to him. I had to say; they didn’t seem upset that I was shaking my ass for an older biker.
At almost twenty-three, I was ready to be with a man full time. I needed affection and sex. I had needs and by the looks of it, Saint was more than willing to give me what I desired.
Truth be told, I was at the end of my rope, waiting for Raymond to get his head out of his butt. Two years ago, I gave myself to him. Poured my heart out to him and he didn’t appreciate me.
If he didn’t want me, then he needed to leave me alone and stop giving me mixed signals. I sure as hell didn’t need a bodyguard.
The song ended, and I waved my girls over to sing with me.
“What are you doing?” Raymond asked.
“I want my friends on stage with me.” I looked at him longingly, wishing he was mine, then pointed at his date. “She looks bored. Better go entertain her.” I turned on my heels and went to pull up the song I wanted to sing and turn on the disco ball above the stage.
Dezi and Demi were the first to join me and huddled around the machine to see what song I put in.
“Damn girl, finally,” Dezi said. “I’m so over country music.”
My mom loved country music, and my dad was into classic rock. But the younger generation of girls liked pop and RB. But this song, “Hold On,” would have some of the old ladies running onto the stage to sing with us, and my mom would lead the charge. They loved En Vogue.
My dad would hate it, but he would never stop us.
“Let’s form the line, ladies.” Forming a line was our thing. We even had dance moves that we performed. I pushed the play button and ran over to my spot.
Dezi and Demi were on either side of me. As the intro began, the three of us harmonized like a trio of professionals. My adrenaline kicked in. Performing in front of others was the greatest high I’d ever had.
Jaynee was the first to fly out of her seat. Her excited screams made my heart swell. She grabbed her daughter Sadie by the hand and practically pulled her onto the stage. Jaynee was the craziest and most fun of the old ladies.
Tara, Sugar, and my mom rushed toward us next. I wished Ember hadn’t left. She would’ve been next to me, singing her heart out. But I was happy she and Dante were finally alone together, so they could sort stuff out.
The eight of us stole the attention of every person in the bar, men and women alike. Singing karaoke in the bar had begun over twenty years ago, after my dad fell instantly in love with my mom when he saw her singing at The Bullet. Weekly karaoke had quickly become a tradition and as the next generation took over, many of us were musical and enjoyed performing.
Hero, Lynx, and Bryce were cheering us on. Raymond had returned to his blonde date. He looked pissed, and I say, good.
Saint bobbed his head and couldn’t take his eyes off me. I wasn’t sure what I was going to do about him. I had half a mind to let him give me what we both wanted. There had been no one who piqued my interest since I’d been with Raymond. The only orgasm I’d gotten in the last couple of years was the ones I’d given myself. I had a drawer full of toys I enjoyed, but I needed dick.
We rocked the clubhouse’s bar, as usual. It made me sad we didn’t do many group karaoke numbers anymore, except on special occasions like tonight’s party for Dante.
After the song ended, our audience clapped and whistled. It was the best feeling in the world to be appreciated. I loved these ladies beside me and hugged each one as they took their seats.
When I was the only one left on stage, I turned off the karaoke machine and made my way back to Saint.
“You were fucking incredible.” He handed me a glass of amber liquid. “A double shot of Crown.”
“Ah, you listened to the lyrics. Thank you.”
“I sure did.” He raised his drink, and we clink glasses. “Here’s to you, gorgeous.”
“Thank you.” I sipped my drink and forced myself not to search for Raymond. Old habits die hard, ya know?
“So, you and Ray. What’s that all about?”
“I’m not sure I know what you mean.” I did, but he didn’t know that.
“I’m not a jealous man. If you got something going on with him, and he doesn’t care if you spend time with me, I’m cool with it. But I never mess with another man’s woman.”
“I’m not his woman.” I turned around on the stool and spotted Raymond making out with the blonde. “See.” I pointed at them. Tears burned behind my eyes, but I’d never let them fall.
Saint threw back the rest of his drink. “Wanna blow this joint?”
Oh, shit! It appeared I was at a crossroads...
If I left with Saint, I would let loose. Hell, I deserved some fun of the sexual nature. I didn’t owe Raymond a damned thing, not my love or fidelity. He certainly got his rocks off regularly, with little regard for me.
If I refused Saint, Raymond would win, and I’d hate myself for letting a man, who so obviously didn’t want me, control my actions. Not in this lifetime…
“Let’s go.” I swallowed down my whiskey, hopped off the stool, and took his hand.
We left, and I didn’t check to see if Raymond saw us, but I had a feeling he had. Oh well. Sorry, not sorry…