Chapter 7
Eagle
The alarm went off on my phone, so I reached over to quiet it. When I rolled over, Lacy sprang up from the bed before I could even wipe the sleep from my eyes. Glancing back over at the phone and seeing the time, I figured she must be rushed to get ready. Falcon wanted to head to the courthouse bright and early to get their license, then get hitched before we had to head to work.
Mama Hen already planned a nice party for this evening at the clubhouse. I had an appointment that afternoon but it wasn’t a long one. Maybe we could get them hitched and I could come grab a nap before heading to the shop. We’d go to the party later to celebrate the happy couple, then I could crash. I didn’t start early on Saturdays so I could sleep in a little tomorrow, too.
I must have dozed off because I jerked at the sound of the bathroom door opening. Looking over, I took in the sight of Lacy. She had a cute little sundress on and grabbed some strappy shoes from the floor before she sat on the bed. My hands itched to grab her but she just spent all that time getting ready. The sweet smell of her body wash filled the room, and I inhaled it deeply.
Shaking my head to snap out of the stupid haze, I looked over at the clock. Shit . I had dozed off. Jumping from the bed, I leaned to kiss her temple before I rushed to the bathroom. I flung the shower curtain open and turned the water on. I shouldn’t have kissed her. I shouldn’t be thinking of her the way I was. I didn’t even want to grab her to fuck her. I wanted to hold her. Or have her hold me.
I scrubbed the shampoo onto my scalp hard, trying to scratch the thoughts from my mind. This wasn’t fair. Not fair that I had these feelings. It definitely wasn’t fair to her. She’s a great woman who deserves more than me and my aversion to relationships. I was only getting comfortable because she was around all the time. She was waiting for me to be the man she deserved. I couldn’t give her that. I wasn’t built like Falcon or Raven.
Today was a happy day, though. And as selfish as it was, I wasn’t ready to let her go just yet. I cared for her and appreciated her. But it wasn’t right to string her along. It would be just as selfish to end it today, though, and ruin the vibe for everyone. Her best friend was getting officially married today and Falcon deserved his special day, too. Plus, all the trouble Mama Hen and the bunnies probably went through to throw a good party for them...
I had to put on a happy face for my brother. I’d deal with this later. I finished up in the bathroom, then walked out to grab my clothes and found the room empty. She probably had to check with the bride on her big day.
After finding a decent white button down and a pair of black Dickies, I laced up my boots and donned my cut. I checked the mirror in the bathroom and decided to pull my hair back. It made a short ponytail, and some in the back wouldn’t stay up, but for the most part it was neat and tidy. I cleaned up alright.
Looking down, I noticed all of Lacy’s little girly things. She wasn’t messy but she had a little bag that she kept makeup in on the counter. A few hair ties and some kind of face wash and lotions also lined the counter. She had some hair stuff but it was always tucked away under the sink. I picked up the lotion and flipped the lid, inhaling deeply. It was her fruity scent that drove me wild.
Shaking my head, I closed the lid and put it down. I had to stop. After grabbing my keys, phone, and wallet, I headed downstairs to find them.
“Hey fucker, it’s about damn time,” Falcon barked from the door.
“Where’s Daisy and Lacy?” I asked.
“Outside in the air-conditioned truck so their hair doesn’t get big or something. You look good,” he said.
“As do you, brother.” He had picked pretty much the same outfit. “Let me get my cage cranked and the air running for Lacy.” I stepped outside and walked toward the large metal building. We kept a lot of different things in the garage, but aside from a few Harleys needing work, vehicles rarely parked inside. Still, we all tried to keep our bikes and other vehicles near it.
My cage was a truck as well–a classic 1984 F-150. It had been my dad’s until I was old enough to drive then he passed it down to me. It was cherry red with black leather interior, a manual transmission with a V-8, and Flowmasters. It was loud and showy. We rarely used it for anything other than driving around since it was so obnoxious and stood out. But it was my baby. Even with the upgrades, it still took her a few minutes to get going and the air wouldn’t blow very cold until we got moving. I started it up then walked over to Falcon’s cage. It was a newer version of mine and he didn’t have any loud mufflers or anything. It was just a nice truck.
I opened the passenger door and Lacy smiled, but her face didn’t seem to light up the way it normally did. Maybe it was in my head since I’d been thinking about the right thing to do all morning. I stuck my hand out to help her down and flashed a big smile. “You ready, doll?”
She slipped her small, soft hand into mine and stepped out of Falcon’s cage. “We’ll see you in a few Daisy,” she said before she turned to walk with me.
I helped her inside and then shut the door. Whether it was me or her, there was definitely a chill in the hot, muggy air. Maybe she knew? Was I giving signals? I didn’t mean to be a dick. Quite the opposite. I needed to stop hogging her when I would never be what she deserved. Realizing maybe she was being cold because I was giving off a bad vibe, I plastered a grin on my face, pulled my cut off, climbed into the cab, and buckled in. “You ready?”
She gave a forced smile, and I cleared my throat as I backed up and pulled out to head down the long driveway. I put some classic rock music on and cranked up the air. Her foot wiggled as I drove to the courthouse. The closest one was about thirty minutes away but the drive felt like three hours.
The clubhouse was set far back in a pretty secluded area about forty-five minutes outside of Atlanta. It was down a long stretch of small-town road that eventually ran into the highway. Our tattoo shop was in town close-by and the bar and body shop was nearby too. The only business that was really in Atlanta was Destiny’s Desires, and it wasn’t downtown. Atlanta was a big place but it was also easier to get a license for that kind of business in the county it was in. It was hard enough to get a liquor license for the bar close to the clubhouse.
The ride was nice with lots of trees and the occasional fields and pastures. I usually enjoyed it, even if I was in the cage, but you could cut the air with a knife in the cab. It also was filled with her sweet, fruity scent. She looked beautiful, like a pinup girl with big waves in her hair, one side swept back. Her makeup was always nice, but even with her rushing this morning, it seemed to be done with extra care with heavy winged eyes and plush pink lips. She was a tiny little thing, though she still had round hips and full breasts. My cock twitched in my pants so I adjusted and tried to focus on the drive.
After the longest ride ever, we pulled into the lot behind Falcon and parked in the covered deck. I donned my cut then helped her from the truck and guided her through the busy parking lot. It wasn’t far past eight in the morning and from my experience a lot of things started around nine at the courthouse.
Once we made it through security, we stood in the open atrium and Falcon said, “Wait here, we gotta get the license first.”
“You bet, brother.”
I paced as we waited. My eyes wanted to wander to Lacy but it hurt to look at her. She was perfect. I didn’t know how I’d be able to let her go. The tension was coming off of her in waves; I had to say something. I didn’t want to hurt her or for her to hate me. “You look really pretty today.” Wordsmith. That’s me.
“Thanks,” she said in a small voice. “You look very dashing.”
I let out a deep sigh and walked toward her, grabbing her hand. “Lacy–”
“Hey, did we miss it?” a female voice called out.
We both looked over and Mama Hen and Hawk were still trying to get through security.
“Nope,” I called back. They started making their way over, so I didn’t have to yell when I said, “They’re getting the license first. Then I guess we do the ceremony.”
“Well, change of plans. Sort of,” Daisy called. Her heels click-clacked over the tile flooring as she dragged Falcon toward us. She had a dress similar to Lacy’s but it was light pink and the material in the skirt swayed as she hustled closer. She hugged Mama Hen and gave an acknowledging nod to Hawk. “Falcon got too wrapped up in the romance of it all apparently and didn’t check the details. We have the license but the judge who performs ceremonies only does them at noon and six p.m. daily.”
Hawk looked down at his watch. “Not quite nine. Why don’t we go catch a bite?”
“There’s a nice little spot around the corner,” Mama Hen said with a big smile. She actually had on a dress. I didn’t think I’d ever seen her in anything but jeans.
“I’ll go pull around for you,” I said to Lacy before I took off for the parking lot. Falcon was right behind me but seemed more worried about what he was doing than me. “You good man?” I asked.
He let out a growl then said, “I didn’t think it through. I called Scar and asked if he’d check our schedule and make sure appointments were notified.”
“I think I only had a small piece around lunchtime. I’ll text him. I’m sure we can get it all sorted out.”
“Thanks. I appreciate you being here, man.”
I gripped his shoulder as we made it closer to the trucks. “I wouldn’t miss it, fucker.”
“She makes me crazy. I never used to overlook shit, man. I don’t know how I fucked this up.” He pushed his fingers through his hair.
“Hey man. Nothing’s fucked up. Just a little out of order, that’s all. You said license, hitched, then meal. We just shuffle it around a little. No big deal. Let’s get the girls before they get into some shit.”
We parted ways and grabbed the girls then we all went to the quaint little restaurant around the block. It was pretty full but we were seated in a few minutes. All the chatter and packed bodies made it easy to ignore what was going on between Lacy and I.
Our breakfast was full of talking, lots of coffee, and plenty of laughs. Mama Hen was telling stories of when we were younger, and Daisy was getting a kick out of it. Lacy was laughing and smiling, but she was tense and reserved.
Falcon looked down and said, “Shit. We gotta make our way back or we’ll miss the noon ceremony.”
Hawk stood up, “I’ll get the tab. Leave the server some cash, will ya?”
Mama Hen finished off her coffee and we all jumped up. Falcon and I pulled out our wallets and threw some cash on the table for our server and Lacy was stacking plates and organizing our mess.
We all headed out to hustle back to the courthouse. The race to get back and through security on time didn’t leave much time for whatever tension we had. I didn’t know what I was going to tell her earlier. I wasn’t such an ass that I would have that talk there. I was thinking maybe tell her sorry if I was in my head and try to put her mind at ease, at least until later. But then we got interrupted, twice. Probably for the best because even if I tried to smooth this over for now, she’s not dense. She had to know something was up, even if she wasn’t sure what it was.
We hustled through security and raced to the courtroom where the ceremonies were held. We made it with a few minutes to spare so Lacy and Daisy went to the ladies’ room to freshen up and we waited outside.
Once they were done, we all piled inside. The bailiff called up anyone with a marriage license and asked that everyone else stay seated. Six couples stepped up and handed over their IDs and licenses. The bailiff showed them where to stand, then a woman with short brown hair and deep red lipstick came out and took her place. The bailiff handed over all the documents and asked that the ceremony participants stay standing and repeat after the judge.
The judge looked over the documents then smiled up at everyone. “Beautiful day for some unions. As he explained, just repeat after me with your right hand raised, please. Once I get through that, I’ll sign all these and the bailiff will then return your documents and IDs. Anyone have any questions?”
They all shook their heads. Most of them were holding hands and Falcon and Daisy were making googly eyes at each other. The vows were short and to the point. Definitely not as in depth as the few church weddings I’d been to.
After just a few promises, the judge stopped talking and grabbed a pen. After scribbling what was probably her signature a few times and adding a seal, she handed all the documents back to the bailiff who then passed them back to the twelve people who stood before them.
The judge rose and smiled down at everyone. “I now pronounce you husbands and wives. If it suits you, you may kiss.” And with that, the judge exited through the door behind her while all of the couples kissed. Falcon grabbed Daisy by the face and practically devoured her. She even raised one foot up. I was thinking how great of a pic it would be when a flash temporarily blinded me. Blinking wildly, I turned to see Hawk of all people snapping pictures with his phone. Mama Hen was grinning from ear to ear and Lacy wiped a single tear away from her cheek.
A pang shot through my chest as I watched Lacy smiling at her friend. Glancing back to the front, Falcon had grabbed Daisy’s hand and was leading her down the middle of the benches. We all filed out behind them. Once we made it to the atrium, Lacy and Mama Hen doted on Daisy while Hawk and I gave some hearty handshakes to Falcon.
“Old ball and chain, how does it feel?” I asked.
Daisy’s icy blue eyes shot in my direction and if looks could kill, I’d be dead. I shrugged with a grin but Falcon answered, “Feels fucking great. I’m gonna go consummate then I’ll be at the shop.”
We all had a good laugh and Daisy gave a sly grin to Falcon. I looked over at Lacy. “I have an appointment in a few. I’ll take you back to the clubhouse.”
She gave another forced smile but hugged Daisy and Mama Hen said, “We’ll see you back there soon. We have a few things to pick up for later.”
Lacy hugged her, too, and told her, “I’ll change then come find you to help.”
As we walked out, I grabbed her hand without thinking. It was soft and cool, fitting perfectly into mine. I helped her into the cage, and we shared a long look before I closed the door.
What the fuck is wrong with me? This woman is literal perfection. Maybe I should just get over myself. But I wasn’t sure I could. No. I’m just being selfish again. But Falcon is selfish with Daisy, possessive, and borderline crazy when it comes to her.
I was fighting with myself silently as I drove when Lacy cleared her throat. “Eagle, can I talk to you?”
Her sweet voice broke my inner monologue. “Yeah, doll. What’s up?”
She smoothed the skirt of her dress with her palms over and over and her foot was shaking again. “I first want to say that I am so grateful for everything you and the club have done for me.”
Wait. What the fuck? “Okay…it’s nothing. Just doing the right thing. What’s up?”
She cleared her throat again, still shaking her foot and her hands stopped smoothing the skirt but were flat and tense over her thighs. “I think it’s time for me to move out of your room.”
An invisible vice clamped around my chest, but I tried to keep a steady voice. “Is that what you want?”
From the corner of my eye, I saw her gently nodding. Suddenly, my idea didn’t seem like a good one and I wanted her to stay. “Are you not taken care of?”
Her face whipped to mine and her soft features hardened, her lips now a thin line. “Yes, Eagle. I am fed, clothed, and fucked. But I had that before you found me.”
“It’s not fair to compare me to that piece of shit,” I said through gritted teeth. “Especially since he’s no longer a threat to you because of us.”
“I know it was Falcon. And he did it for Daisy, not for the club.” Her words were sharp. And correct. I was there but Falcon did him in. I didn’t know Daisy knew the details or shared them with Lacy. But I guess that’s what married couples did, share shit they weren’t supposed to.
Inhaling deeply to calm my bubbling temper, I blew it out and focused on the road ahead. I wasn’t sure what to say. I had been planning to have this talk with her, but now that it was here and she took the heat off of me by bringing it up, I didn’t want that. “Lacy, look–”
“It’s fine, Eagle. I’m sorry I was snippy. But this was fun, and you’re really special.”
I could see from my peripheral she turned her head, facing out the window. I looked over and her face was turning red.
I reached over to grab her hand, and she turned it over, threading her fingers into mine. “Maybe we can talk more about this later, Lacy. I don’t mean to hurt you, but I can see that I am.” My heart was breaking. I didn’t want to be the reason she cried. If I could just talk with her later maybe we could both lay it out.
She squeezed my hand but didn’t speak. Glancing over again, I watched as she used her other hand to wipe tears from her face.
“I’m sorry, Lacy.” It probably didn’t mean shit, but I didn’t know what else to say.
She held my hand until I had to slow and switch gears. I reluctantly pulled away and gave a low growl, aggravated that I had a manual. For years I’d loved the truck and the fact it was manual, but right now I cursed it. I didn’t want to let her hand go. I didn’t want to let her go.
Knowing I’d have to shift a few more times before pulling into the clubhouse, I didn’t try to hold her hand again. Instead, I gritted my teeth as I still went back and forth in my own mind.
She did what I knew I needed to do. But deep down, I didn’t know if I was actually going to. Maybe I could change her mind? Who knows? Maybe this was the right thing and I just needed to accept that it would be hard. I still wanted to talk more, to at least clear the air. She needed to know it wasn’t her, it was me, even if that sounded like a cop out.
I pulled up the long drive toward the clubhouse, still cursing the fucking gear shift. Maybe that was best, too, though. Less touching. But all I wanted to do was touch her.
The cage slowed and as soon as it came to a stop, she pulled the handle and jumped out. I put it in park and flew out, taking long strides toward her. “Hey, don’t walk away like that,” I said as I grabbed her arm. She tugged her arm and didn’t turn but I wouldn’t let go. “Lacy, can we just…” I didn’t even know. Talk? Hug? Kiss? Forget this ever happened?
Her shoulders shook and a tremble ran through her body. I didn’t move my hand from her arm but walked around to look at her. Her head dropped but her forehead was beet red. In barely a whisper she said, “Eagle, please just go.”
Heat filled my face. I tried to pull her close but her hands went up and pressed against my chest. “Please.”
What have I done? “Lacy, I’m sorry. Please don’t cry.”
Her head shook gently and she still wouldn’t look up but she wiped her face. “It’s fine. You have to work. Just go, please.”
The sound of a vehicle snapped my head back and I watched Falcon pull in. Lacy used the opportunity to pull free from my hold and jogged toward the clubhouse. Daisy jumped out and hightailed it after her, glaring at me as she did.
Falcon casually followed and glanced over at me. I ran my hand over my head and pulled the hair tie out. His brow furrowed and I waved him off before I stomped back to the cage and moved it out of the way before climbing on my Harley. I had to get to the shop, she needed some space, and I needed some fucking air.