23
LIBBY
“He’s a wee bit strange, isn’t he?” My sister’s voice tugged my attention away from the door.
I would have done anything to leave with Landon. My sister hadn’t really changed, and frankly, I didn’t want to be with her any longer than needed.
Ella, on the other hand, was sweet and kind. I hoped she was okay after Mona’s rudeness. She clearly seemed unnerved about being a club girl, which was fair. The life wasn’t for everyone and she seemed awfully young.
“I mean, handsome for sure, but nerdy. Am I right?”
I rolled my eyes. “Sure, Mona. Whatever you say.”
“Damn, I just can’t win with any of you today.” She huffed like a spoiled child. “I was only making an observation. He’s nothing like Bryan.”
“And that’s why I’m with Landon. He’s good to me and gives me everything I need.” Which also happens to be Toby.
Most men wouldn’t want to share “their woman” with another man. Not on a regular basis or in a committed relationship. At least, I hadn’t met anyone like that, other than Landon and Toby.
“You don’t have to get defensive.”
“Why do you have to bring up Bryan? He’s in the past. Probably living his best life with a gorgeous woman and has a family.”
“You’re right, he has all that.”
The air left my lungs. Again, why was she digging up memories of the past?
“A beautiful wife, a son to carry on his legacy and twin daughters.” Mona smiled and watched my reaction to the bomb she’d just thrown at me.
Yes, indeed. She hadn’t changed.
I felt like I was going to be sick. “How do you know all that? Have you been stalking him?”
“Only on social media. I got bored one day and looked him up. It wasn’t difficult since he’s a high profile lawyer.” She arched her pencil drawn eyebrow. “You would have had a perfect life if you’d stayed with him.”
“Nothing is perfect. The images you saw were a mere glimpse of his life. A choreographed pose for the camera. You have no idea what goes on behind closed doors.” Yup, I was defensive all right and so glad Landon wasn’t here to witness it.
It wouldn’t have been hard at all to find out details about Bryan Callahan. I supposed my own sick curiosity was what had kept me off social media. I hadn’t wanted the temptation to see what his life looked like after me.
Mona laughed mockingly. “You don’t sound envious at all. Does Landon know you still have feelings for Bryan?”
“Wow, once a bitch, always a bitch.”
“Takes one to know one.”
“Can we just stop?” I lifted my hands in front of me. Honestly, I didn’t need this crap. “I came all this way because I care about you and want to help you. Maybe mend our broken relationship. But if you don’t want me in your life, then do us both a favor and just tell me to leave.”
“I don’t want you to leave.” She reached for a tissue and plucked it out of the box, then dried the corners of her eyes. “I don’t know why I’m like this. Just mean to everyone.”
“Now would be a good time to start changing, dontcha think? Otherwise, you’ll be alone because nobody will want to be around you.”
Mona nodded. “Yes, but I don’t know how to keep the green-eyed monster away.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Look at you. You’re more beautiful than ever. And you have a man who obviously worships the ground you walk on. No man has ever felt that way about me.”
“Aww, but what about Keg? Wasn’t he your man?”
“Keg? Please, he never loved me.” She wiped away tears. “I guess that’s why I hate Ella so much. I’d been here at the beginning of their young love. Rocky was a better man than his uncle Keg. He fell hard and fast for Ella and was all in with her.”
“Then why are you telling her that he’ll never return? That’s so cruel, Mona.”
“To spare her a broken heart. Vegas wants to be the president of Hells Bells. He can’t be if Rocky returns, so he’ll make sure he doesn’t.”
“I don’t understand.” Dang it! All the information my sister was giving me was fabulous. But I wished Landon was here to listen, too. What if I forgot a crucial detail?
“Of course you don’t, you’re not in an MC.”
I wanted to laugh but held it in. If she only knew the truth about me.
“You see, Vegas will do everything in his power to keep Rocky out of Scornrock. And once the time lapses for Rocky to be president, then Vegas can claim the spot.”
“It sounds complicated.” And Vegas sounds like the person Landon and Storm needed to keep an eye on.
“It is. If Vegas has it his way, Rocky Jones will never return and he’ll make Ella his to seal the deal.”
“This Vegas guy doesn’t sound very nice. Why would Ella agree to be with him?”
“Because she’ll need protection and someone to support her if Rocky isn’t around.”
I twisted my lips. “Sounds rough.”
“The MC life usually is.” She exhaled a heavy breath. “I’m sorry about earlier and bringing up you know who. I’m truly glad you’re here.”
“It’s okay. Old habits die hard, right?” I needed to be careful and not burn any bridges. Not only was I here to visit my sister, I was the link to get Landon close to the Hells Bells MC. If I pissed Mona off and she kicked us out of her town, it could ruin things for Storm.
“You got that right.”
“Would you like something to eat or drink? I brought a lasagna, tater tot hotdish, and chicken and wild rice soup.”
“Wow!” Mona’s face brightened. “That all sounds delicious. Did you make it yourself?”
“I did.” I went to the small kitchen and searched the cabinets for a plate. “I’ve become quite the cook.”
“Well, then. Surprise me. I’m starving.”
“You got it.”
As I put a plate together of lasagna, salad and garlic bread, I thought about all my sister had said about Rocky Jones. He had to be the RJ Storm was looking for, and I couldn’t wait to tell Landon.
But at the forefront of my mind was Ella and her son.
If Rocky didn’t return, I worried about what might happen to her if she was forced into being a club girl.
I needed to befriend her. Be that person she could rely on.
There was no question in my mind she would need my support and comfort in the days, months, and possibly years to come.
And hopefully, the Knights would find RJ, but not kill him right away. I was sure there was a lot more to the story of Rocky Jones and the Hell’s Bells MC.