Chapter 6
CHAPTER SIX
Fang
My head is still reeling from the events that took place earlier with Winter and her loser of an ex. I swear to all that is holy, if that man ever tries to mess with her again, I’m going to lay him out. He will be so jacked up he won’t be able to leave his bed for a month.
Sinner comes strutting toward me in his ridiculous cowboy outfit. My uncle is rough around the edges and is anything but a cowboy. I guess that’s why it’s called a costume, because we can dress as things we are not.
“Fang, I hear you’re bookin’ it early tonight.” One thing about Sinner, he doesn’t beat around the bush. He is straight forward. Guess that’s where I get it from.
“You heard right.” Technically, we are supposed to stay until close, which is two in the morning.
Before I met Winter, I was prepared to man my post. Now, I have other plans, and my uncle will just have to see reason because this is one thing I refuse to budge on.
“I have a date to celebrate Winter’s birthday. ”
Sinner’s brows furrow. “Winter’s birthday? Kid, winter isn’t here yet. It’s fall.”
“Not winter as in the season.” I laugh. “Winter is a girl I met and today is her birthday.”
My uncle blows out a low whistle. “Fang going out with a girl?”
I can see that he is on the verge of shouting this to our brothers standing in hearing range.
“Please don’t make this a big deal.” It’s not like Winter and I are dating.
I’m just doing her a solid since she’s having the worst birthday.
“We’re not an item. Today’s been shit for her, so I’m taking her out for her birthday. ”
Sinner scratches his beard. “Alright. I’ll take your post.” He slaps me on the back. “We’re far enough into the night that there’s no need to have me at the gate.” Then with all seriousness. “Don’t think you won’t get extra chores for ditching your brothers tonight.”
I nod. Sinner is fair, he’ll show grace where needed, but that man will also crack the whip to keep the club running smoothly. “Yes, sir.”
Nodding back, Prez slaps me on the back. “Now, get outta here before I put you back to work.”
On my way to the small trailer where the costumes are housed, I pass Ramon.
My brother is lip locked with a brunette.
The line is smaller than it was at the beginning of the carnival.
When he pulls back, she sways a little then touches her lips like she can’t get enough. He chuckles as she walks away.
When he sees me passing by, he lifts a brow in question, but I keep walking. It’s late and I’m afraid Winter won’t stick around for long. As I enter the building, I rip the wings off my back and toss them in a large plastic box with several wings in different sizes and colors.
Exiting the building, I place a cigarette between my lips and dial Winter. Honestly, I don’t expect her to answer. I am a stranger after all. Taking a puff of the smoke, I’m pleased when her voice filters through the line. “Hello?”
“Winter?” I take another drag of my cigarette as I wait for her reply.
“Y-yes.” This girl literally assaulted me with her lips earlier, now she’s playing shy.
I chuckle. “Where are you?”
“I’m—” There’s a voice on the other end. A friend maybe. “I’m in line at the lemonade stand.”
That’s actually around the corner from where I’m at. Veering to the right, I start walking toward her. “I’ll be right there.”
“Fang, you really don’t have to take me out for a birthday dinner.”
Weaving through the crowd, I see her standing in a very long line. “I know I don’t.” Then I end the call and touch her arm. Apparently, she didn’t see me approaching.
Standing next to Winter is a brunette with tattoos. Her eyes widen when she sees me. I don’t know this chick, but it appears that she recognizes me. Or at least recognizes my cut. She whispers in Winter’s ear and then holds out her hand. “I’m Jelly.”
“Fang.” I shake her hand then turn to Winter. “You want a lemonade?”
“Yeah, but this line is insane.” Well, I’ll fix that. The perks of knowing one of the carnival hosts, I guess you could say.
Taking her by the hand, I say, “Let’s get you that lemonade.”
She’s hesitant, but Jelly nudges her. “Are you sure we should be skipping the line?”
Instead of answering, I lead her straight to the side of the truck.
When I open the door, she glances at her friend, then back at me.
Stepping inside, I grab two plastic cups and fill them.
My brothers don’t give me a second glance as I help myself.
When I exit the truck, Winter’s eyes are as big as saucers.
Handing one of the plastic cups to Jelly, I hand the other to Winter. “One of the perks of running this shindig.” This seems to appease her. She sips the yellow substance. “What do ya say, you ready for that birthday treat?”
“Yes.” Turning to her friend, the two of them have a whispered conversation.
Jelly points a finger at me. “You can take her for dinner, but don’t think I won’t be keeping an eye on you. Mess with her and I will rip your intestines out and hang you from a tree with them.”
Devilish, that one is. Good. Winter needs a friend like Jelly. Especially with that ex of hers. I would pay good money to see her rip into that asshole. “Noted.” Taking Winter by the hand, I begin leading her toward the parking lot. But I also call over my shoulder. “We’ll be at Mick’s Diner.”
I figure I’d let Winter’s friend know our location so she can join if she feels the need to keep an eye on us. Honestly, I’m hoping she doesn’t. I’d like to talk to Winter uninterrupted. Jelly doesn’t respond but I can feel her watching us.
On our way to my bike, Winter’s ex comes rushing up to us, grabbing her by the arm. “Win, come with me. You don’t know anything about this guy.”
Big mistake. He should have kept his hands to himself.
Glancing down at his hand, I lift my eyes to his.
“You have exactly two seconds to remove yourself from her.” He doesn’t budge.
“One.” Still not bothering to release her.
“Two.” Dropping Winter’s hand, I rear back and punch Billy square in the nose.
He bends at the waist, his girlfriend shrieking off in the distance. Why that girl is still with this loser after watching him, twice now, try to gain the attention of his ex, is beyond me. Blood drips from his nose. “Dude, I think you broke it.”
“Serves you right.” I insert myself between Winter and this fool. “For future reference, Winter is off limits. Do not talk to her. Do not text her. Next time I won’t be so nice.”
“You’re a monster.” The other girl screams as she comes to her boyfriend’s side.
“And don’t you forget it.” Reaching for Winter, she slips her hand in mine, and we walk away.
Once we reach my bike, she smiles up at me. “Thanks for that. That’s twice you’ve defended me.”
“No problem.” I take her empty cup and toss it in a nearby trashcan. Then I remove my helmet from the handlebar and slip it on her head, buckling it beneath her chin. “You ever ridden on a bike before?” She shakes her head. “Okay, you’re gonna wrap your arms around my waist and lean when I lean.”
She nods then slips on behind me. This is the first girl I’ve had on my bike since before my brother died. When her arms tighten around my waist, I’m reminded of the last time I had a passenger.
Vile and I had a crush on the same girl.
We tossed a coin to determine which of us would get the pleasure of driving her to the diner where we were prepared to discuss the prospect of her dating both of us.
It had been a long discussion between my brother and I, but since she expressed her like of the both of us, we were willing to give her what she wanted.
Shaking those memories away, I concentrate on the here and now.
No need in getting caught up in a past that is filled with heartache and regret.
The trip to Mick’s Diner is less than ten minutes and when I hop off the bike and help Winter with the helmet, she is wearing the biggest grin I’ve ever seen.
“You enjoy the ride, babe?” She doesn’t need to answer, I can see the joy written all over her face.
“Oh, my god, yes.” Her smile reaches from ear-to-ear.
Inside the diner, the waitress greets me before directing us to our table. “Hey, Fang.”
“Hey, Sandra.” I give her a side hug. It doesn’t go unnoticed that Winter’s pupils narrow. She averts her eyes quickly and plasters a smile on her face. “Sandra, this is Winter.”
It’s been two years since Sandra and I lost Vile. Once my brother was gone, our attraction toward one another died. We’re still friendly. After all, her father is a member of the Iron Devils.
Sandra extends her hand. “Hey, Winter, so good to meet you.”
Winter shakes her hand. “Good to meet you.” We follow Sandra to a table in the back corner. A usual for any member of the Iron Devils. “So, how do you know Fang?”
The smile that takes over Sandra’s face is filled with sorrow. Both of us miss Vile fiercely. “Well, my father is a member of the Iron Devils.”
“Iron Devils?” Winter looks at me then back at Sandra.
“It’s the motorcycle club I’m in.” I figured that since Winter attended our Halloween shindig tonight that she knew who we were. Looks like I was wrong about that.
“Oh.” She smiles bashfully. “Sorry, I knew you were in a club, just didn’t know the name.”
“Phoenix is the Iron Devils territory,” I explain.
Winter nods, but I can tell this is going right over her head.
That’s okay, I don’t expect everyone to have complete understanding about club life.
Sandra hands us our menus. “Mick, the owner of this diner, is my father. So, Fang and I go way back.” The bell above the door rings and Sandra glances over.
“I’ll be right back to take your order.”
It doesn’t take long for her to return. We order two Cokes and two stacks of pancakes. Mine with bananas and Winter’s with blueberries. Before Sandra turns to leave, I add, “And make sure the cook adds Happy Birthday to Winter’s stack.”
Sandra nods. “Sure thing.” Turning to Winter, she says, “Happy birthday.”
Winter smiles. “Thanks.”
“So, that loser dumped you on your birthday?” I’m not sure she wants to talk about her ex right now, but I just can’t wrap my head around the fact he tossed her away so easily. I mean, damn, the other girl he was with doesn’t hold a candle to the beautiful woman sitting in front of me.
“Yeah, by text.” She crinkles her nose. “But let’s not talk about Billy. I would hate to taint this evening with mention of that bastard.”
Taking her advice, I change the subject. “So, is Winter your legal name, or a nickname?”
“Oh boy. I get asked that every time I meet someone.” She laughs. “Winter is my legal name.” Rolling her eyes, she says, “My mom had jokes the day I was born. She named me Winter Mynt Green.”
“No shit?” I laugh. Damn, I bet she got picked on in school. What a terrible thing for a parent to do to their child.
Our food arrives and Sandra, the cook, and the other waitress all join in on singing happy birthday to Winter. When other customers join in, Winter’s face reddens in embarrassment. Once the celebratory song ends, we’re left to ourselves.
“Fang.” Winter bites her bottom lip, staring at the plate in front of her. “You didn’t have to do this.”
“Like hell I didn’t.” I was not about to let this heartbroken woman slip away without a proper birthday dinner.
“I mean, we’ve known each other for a couple of hours.”
“True, we don’t know one another.” And normally, I wouldn’t bother.
I haven’t been interested in a woman since I lost my brother, and Sandra and I lost interest in one another.
“Let’s just say that your kisses earned my interest.” She tries to hide a smile behind her glass, but I see it.
“Besides, a girl like you deserves to be celebrated on her birthday.”
Winter picks up her fork, spearing a piece of the blueberry stack. “Well, thank you.” I nod since my mouth is full. “How long have you been in the club?”
Taking a drink to wash down the cake, I lean back. “I grew up in the club, but I patched in about five years ago.”
Pausing with her fork midway to her mouth, she lifts a brow. “What does that mean?”
A lock of hair falls in her face and I reach over and tuck it behind her ear. “It just means that I’m an official member of the club.”
“Oh.” Blowing out a breath, she laughs nervously. “Sorry, I don’t know anything about motorcycle clubs. Jelly’s the one that enjoys that kind of thing.”
“Nothing to be sorry for.” I stab a banana off my stack and shove it in my mouth.
“Someday, maybe I can give you the rundown. For now, I’ll just say that before being patched in, one becomes a prospect.
They must prove themselves trustworthy of the patch.
The club and your brothers come first. You have to be willing to protect them at all cost.”
Eyes wide, she sets down her fork. “That sounds kind of scary.”
“It’s a different world than yours, I’m sure, but it’s one I’m proud to be a part of.”
She tilts her head, studying me for a moment. “How long were you a prospect before you became a member?”
It thrills me to see her taking an interest in my life.
I’m so used to the damn club bunnies that hang out at the compound.
Those women are not interested in anything but sex.
With them, the more the merrier. That used to be something that I enjoyed, but I’ve lost my appetite for those kinds of women. “A year and a half.”
“Wow, that’s a long time.” Curiosity shines in her hazel eyes. “What made you want to join?”
“Eazy, my father was the president when I was a kid, so I literarily grew up inside the club. After he passed away, my uncle took his place.” I don’t want to scare her with the dangers that come with this lifestyle, so I leave out the fact that my father died in a shootout.
Much like my brother. To this day I feel guilty for not being able to save Vile from the bullet that landed in his chest. “The Iron Devils have always been my family.”
The Iron Devils is my sanity.
My home.
The law of the club is the only life I’ve ever known. It’s not a life I’m willing to give up.