14. Audrina
14
AUDRINA
I don’t know what’s going on with me lately, but not only did I lose my keys then find them again, but my faux leather jacket — that I was planning on wearing tonight — has disappeared, along with the belt I paired up with my dress. I’m annoyed with myself because I’m not usually like this, but scatter-brained is my middle name at the moment.
“Mom?” Nevada calls out as I’m getting changed into my jeans and a Faux Paws top that Luna gave me.
“Yeah, honey?” I call back.
“Are you in or out for dinner? I was gonna order some Mexican food.”
“Out,” I yell back. “I’ll be at Faux Paws tonight, and we’ll probably pick something up for dinner after that.”
I don’t hear anything else from him, and when I finally decide on what pair of jeans to wear — because owning fifty pairs of the same ones isn’t enough, apparently — I head out to the kitchen. That’s when I hear voices. I hadn’t heard West arrive on his motorcycle, and now I realize he must’ve brought his truck.
“You said if things changed, then I was to ask your permission.” I hear West talking, and I slap a hand over my mouth. “I know she’s a grown woman and all, but it’s the right thing to do, out of respect.”
“I told you before, you can date my mom, but don’t fuckin’ hurt her.” Nevada warns, and that’s not like him to sound so gruff. “She’s been through a lot, as you know, and I don’t need anyone fuckin’ with her. You better believe it will rain down a shit parade in your honor if you do anythin’ to make her cry.”
“Like your dad almost did today?” West fires back.
“He called her? You’re kiddin’?”
“Has he always been such an asshole?”
Nevada sighs. “We’ve always had a strained relationship, but we’re gettin’ on better than we ever have in a long time. He’s always been against him and mom splittin’ up, so he took the divorce pretty hard. What did he say to make her upset?”
“He called to ask her to dinner, and she really doesn’t wanna go, but she’s too nice to tell him to go take a hike.”
“I get they’re tryin’ to keep it civil for me, but I’m not a little kid anymore, plus she doesn’t have to just jump to his command. It’s not like they’re the best of friends who talk every day.”
“That’s what I’m talkin’ about. Your mom is a very strong woman, but I don’t wanna see her get led up the garden path?—”
My ears almost burn on fire when I storm up the hallway, having heard enough. “Are you two quite done?” I demand, my hands on my hips. “I’m in the next room!”
The two of them jump as I flinch and try not to ogle West while I’m mad at him. He’s dressed in black jeans and a smart, pale blue dress shirt. I can smell him from here, and he’s divine, but I quickly snap out of it, remembering I’m mad.
“Mom, sorry we were just?—”
“Acting as if I’m not here?” I shake my head. “I’m quite capable of ruling my own life and telling my ex-husband, your father, that I don’t want to have dinner with him. I was caught off guard and at work when I took that call.”
“I’m so sorry, Audrina,” West begins. “I overstepped.” He looks so sorry that I immediately feel guilty. They’re only trying to help, I get that. But this is too much.
“I... it’s okay,” I start, but West isn’t having any of it.
“No, you’re right, we’re bein’ overbearin’, but it’s only because we care about you,” he goes on. “ I care about you.”
“Same goes for me,” Nevada says, looking from me to West. “I don’t want to see Dad dig his claws in because you do have this habit of bending to his will. Just sayin’.”
“I do not!” I see red, ready to throw something at my son's head. “But we were married for a really long time, and some habits are hard to break. Not that I want to see him again or have dinner with him.”
Asher’s eyes soften. “Ma, don’t get upset, we both care about you. You know what it does to me when I think someone is gonna make you sad. I just wanna protect you from the world. There’s some real shitty people out there, and you and Dad didn’t end well.”
“I know that,” I say. I know he means well. “But I’m not a child, and I’m also not dumb. And I’m also seeing West officially, as you’ve just learned. We’re... dating.”
My son’s smile broadens. “So I just heard, and I’ve let West know that if he lays a hand on you before you’re ready, I’ll be makin’ you a nice Christmas decoration out of his nuts.”
West coughs and my cheeks burn. If only my poor, not-so-innocent child knew what we’d already been up to and that his mom is a dirty little girl who went on her first date and didn’t wear panties. Oh, boy.
“There’s no need to be so crass,” I chastise, then I move toward him and cup one side of his face. He looks contrite. “You’re a good boy, Asher, but I’m not the fragile little bird that you think I am, honey. To survive your father and a painful divorce, as well as discovering who I was all over again, made me a tough little cookie. I’m gonna be okay.”
Asher’s face is solemn. “I know, Mom, I just don’t want you to get hurt.”
I smile, pressing a kiss to his cheek. “I get that, but West and I are being open and honest with one another. We’re both adults, and I don’t have my head in the clouds, I promise.”
“I told you before, I’m not goin’ anywhere,” West says. “Audrina knows I adore her, and we’re gonna spend some time together gettin’ to know one another outside of work. I’ve been upfront about everythin’, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and right now we’re seein’ where this goes.”
I think about all the ‘getting to know one another’ we’ve been doing outside of work already, and I want to laugh. I hold it in, though. This was never just about sex, and we both know it.
“Like I said, I know where to find you if you do anything to my mom that she doesn’t want,” Asher warns.
West nods. “Wouldn’t expect it any other way.”
I glance at West. “I’m ready to go when you are.”
“You look pretty,” he tells me, his eyes wandering down my body. I feel it all the way down to my toes.
I glance down at my bright yellow T-shirt, knowing it does nothing for me with my red hair, and I laugh. “Yellow isn’t my color, but thank you.”
I grab my bag and turn to Asher. “I may not be home tonight, honey.”
His eyebrows raise slightly, then he glances at West. “Uh, huh.”
“I’ll take good care of her,” West says. “You never have to worry about that.”
Asher covers his ears. “I really don’t want to know.”
I can’t hide my smile as I walk ahead of West toward the door. The second we’re outside, he snags me and pins me against the house. I squeal, but he cages me in, and I’m dying for him to kiss me. I know he was just being sweet, but the pair of them needed to be told. I’m also not going to have them whispering about me while I’m not there.
“You know I didn’t mean any harm in there.”
I cup his face. “I know that, but I also don’t need the two of you deciding what I can and can’t do or treating me like I’m some fragile little doll.”
“We weren’t meaning to do that. I’m sorry, it won’t happen again,” West says. “I just wanted to make sure Nevada heard it from me before Luna blabs.”
“Luna?”
“Or Lace,” he mutters. “I saw Luna yesterday, and she put two and two together, said you had a spring in your step, and it wasn’t like I could hide my smile.”
“Maybe I do have a spring in my step.”
“I’d like to think I had something to do with that.”
“You know, I should be the one spanking you for being so annoying with wanting to wrap me in bubble wrap,” I throw back.
His eyebrows shoot up. “I’d be okay with that.”
I laugh. “Really?”
“Whatever you’re up for in the bedroom, honey, I’m there for it. But more importantly, I need you to feel comfortable. You’re in control here. I’m just along for the ride.”
I reach up and kiss him lightly; his beard tickles me, and I close my eyes momentarily. “I’m sorry I lost it, I just... I’ve dealt with so much crap from John over the years that I’m just done with what people think is best for me.”
“I get that. I truly didn’t mean any harm.”
I run my fingers through his beard, enjoying the feel of how soft it is. “I know you didn’t, and in truth, I like a man who is a tiny bit possessive, not in a controlling way, but in a protective way.”
“I see you, Peaches. I’d also never try to control you. Ever.” His words are heartfelt as his pretty eyes bore into mine. “But I am a jealous man, and when I heard he wanted to have dinner with you, I didn’t like it.”
“I won’t have dinner with him, there’s nothing to say.”
“Do you think he wants you back?”
I snort. “I doubt it. He barely spoke to me for over a year. I truly think he didn’t believe I had the chops to see it through.”
“Like you said, you’re one tough cookie.” He takes my hand in his. “We better go, we don’t wanna be late. I thought I might go see Logan for a few hours, help him out before closing.”
“Of course, that’s sweet of you.”
“Just text me when you’re done, I’m happy to wait around.”
“If you’re sure it won’t be too late?”
He squeezes my hand tighter. “It won’t be.”
His hand in mine feels so warm, and while I still feel a little guilty at charging into the kitchen to tell them off, the men in my life have to be made aware that while I appreciate them, I also don’t need them making my decisions for me.
I’m not the wallflower I’ve been my entire life. I’m building a new life with new goals, and yes, it’s scary, but it’s also fun. I’m discovering a whole new world out there, and to think West is now part of that makes my heart sing. Maybe I am falling for him, but how can one blame me? He’s everything a capable man should be, and I want him to know that I am strong, no matter what it may seem. I have a newly found backbone, and it’s not going to lose sight of that.
As he tucks me into his truck, I buckle up. I can’t wait to get to the rescue and help set up; thinking about the dogs being rescued brings warmth to my heart.
West jumps in the truck and gives me a smile. The fight that never was is over.
West
“So when’s the weddin’?” Logan laughs.
I shoot him a look, and he grins even wider. “Very funny.”
“You’re whistlin’.”
“I’m waitin’ for my coffee, asswipe.”
“You haven’t hit the bottle yet, so that’s a good sign.”
I swipe a hand over my face. “She’s fuckin’ perfect.”
He pours a cup from the jug and shakes his head. “Knew you had it bad.”
“Can’t deny it; she’s put a spring in my step, and she’s also super fuckin’ smart, she decided to put her hand up to sortin’ out all my paperwork.”
“You said a mouthful there,” he laughs.
“Tell me about it, but she takes it all in her stride.”
“So, I wasn’t far off with the weddin’ then.”
“Funny fucker. Never been married,” I admit. “Never even got close, but with her? I wanna give her the world.”
“You’ve got it bad.”
“Never denied that, but now her ex is sniffin’ around.”
“Uh, oh.” He frowns. “He still in the picture?”
“They’re cordial, but he sounds like a fuckin’ asshole.”
“You’ve never been backwards about shit like that.”
I palm the back of my neck. “Yeah, but I’ve also gotta be careful because if push comes to shove and I have to get involved, it’ll mean gettin’ in the middle where Nevada is concerned.”
“He’s a big boy. If his dad is actin’ like a dick, then he’ll have to deal with it.”
“Easier said than done, but I swear to fuckin’ God if he comes here and messes with her head, I’ll kick his ass.”
“Don’t doubt that, brother. You gonna help me tonight, or am I gonna do all this shit myself?”
I glance over at the garbage cans behind him. “I see you left all the good jobs for me?”
“Someone’s gotta keep your head out of the clouds.”
I grunt a laugh, taking a couple of swigs of my coffee, and then stand. I don’t mind helping out, and Logan is the only real friend I have outside of the clubhouse. Aside from his snide remarks and accurate observations, he’s easy to talk to.
I take the trash out back to the alleyway, whistling a tune while I think about what Audrina is doing and making sure that Luna tells the others Minnie Mouse is already adopted. I don’t want any mishaps tomorrow. I hear a noise and turn behind me, the blow coming at me that I barely register. I shift, and the punch skims my chin as I drop the garbage and swing back. I connect, then pummel again, noticing he’s not alone. Three fuckin’ assholes are jumping me.
I yell out for Logan, kneeing the first assailant in the nuts as he drops, the other two coming at me, one with a crowbar. I hold him off, but the other one gets an uppercut to my ribs, and I headbutt him in the face, his loud ‘oomph’ bouncing off the walls as I shove crowbar guy back a couple of steps. I’m bigger, but there are two still on their feet.
He comes at me swinging, and the heavy metal connects with my shoulder as I wince. Fuck, that didn’t tickle. I bodyblock him, taking him by surprise, then punch the asshole in the face, followed by his ribs as fast and hard as I can. He drops the crowbar, but I get snagged from behind from dude number 3, it’s sloppy though, and he loses his grip. I gain momentum on the swing and punch him in the side of the face, then I go for the ribs. I’m a dirty fighter, and if these guys wanna jump me in a dark alleyway, all bets are off.
“Fuck,” the one with the crowbar spits. “Let’s get outta here!”
The one I kicked in the nuts takes off, but the guy who tried to grab me isn’t done. He fights back, managing to clock me on the right side of my face near my eye, and I see stars.
“That's how it’s gonna be, asshole?” I spit. I hold a hand to his throat, but crowbar guy hits me from behind with a cheap shot to the ribs, and I loosen my hold. I turn back, and he manages to move around me, grabbing the guy I was just choking by the arm, and they scramble for the road. I stumble, the last blow making me wince as I choke out Logan’s name again.
“West?” Logan appears at the door, drops his dish towel, and runs out toward me. “What the fuck?”
“Got dropped,” I grunt. “Bastards got a few hits in.”
We both look up the alleyway, and Logan takes off after them. He gets half way, then stops. A van pulls up and the three goons jump in, there’s no way he can catch them.
“Who the fuck were they?” He barks, hauling me up as I wince from the pain.
“No fuckin’ clue, but they didn’t come to play with the big guns.” Weird how none of them seem interested in robbing me, just attempting at beating me to death.
I don’t have any enemies, even from my stint in prison, so that rules out being targeted. Maybe they were trying to get inside and rob the joint; they just didn’t get the chance, that seems more likely.
“Fuck man, you’re bleedin’.”
“I’m fine.”
“Let’s get you inside. I’ll call Brew and Haze.”
“No need to do that, I said I’m fine.”
He picks up the crowbar. “Don’t think so.”
I spend the next forty-five minutes being seen by Casey, Crystal's sister. She’s an EMT and helps the club out when we can’t go to an ER, mainly when we don’t want to involve the police. I’m fine, no cracked or broken ribs, just some swelling and a cut to my lip and eyebrow. My head hurts from the headbutt.
“The fuck?” Cash barks down the phone when Brew calls him on speaker.
“Just assholes casin’ the joint,” Logan tells him. “They got away before I could do anythin’.”
“Fuckers,” Cash mutters. “You sure that’s all it is, Hustler?”
Cash has had a lot going on in the club these last few years, and the last thing he needs is more fuckin’ drama to deal with.
“Yeah, just dicks tryin’ to get some easy cash,” I mutter.
“He put up one hell of a fight,” Logan chimes. “I’m impressed.”
“Lucky for them, I kept my huntin’ knives at home,” I say.
“I’ll get Jett or Rock to check out the security footage from the front,” Cash says. “Might be able to get a number plate, or somethin’.”
“Assholes better hope they stole the van.” I wince as my head begins to throb.
Then I hear. “Oh, my God, West!” And Audrina is running toward me.
“Gotta go,” I tell him, and I hang up Brew’s phone.
“Hey,” I say as Audrina rushes at me, her face full of concern as Lace and Bandit tag behind her. I’m glad she didn’t come alone. I didn’t even want her coming at all, but she insisted.
“What happened?”
I thumb toward the back. “Takin’ out the trash, and three goons tried to jump me.”
“Oh, no, are you okay?” She starts to feel me up, checking for damage as I hold her in my arms.
“I’m fine, they were probably just kids lookin’ to grab some easy cash.” I don’t wanna tell her the full truth because she’ll worry. Why the fuck would they have a van? Why didn’t they act as if they were robbing me? They could’ve taken me if they knew how to fight properly ...
“I was so worried when Luna told me, I rushed right over.”
I kiss her on the forehead. “Don’t worry your pretty self over it, I’m okay. I promise.”
She regards me skeptically and turns to the others. “Thank you for driving me over. I’ll be driving West home.”
“No,” I begin, but she cuts me off.
“You’re in no fit state to drive, what if you have a concussion?”
“I don’t.”
“But you could, and then there’s your heart...”
“My heart’s doin’ just fine, baby.” I don’t give a fuck if the others hear me.
A second later, my phone’s ringing, and I see it’s Priest. I sigh. “Y’all makin’ a mountain out of this.”
"No, we’re not, we care about you,” Audrina says, tears in her eyes. “You should answer that.”
“I’ll call him back. I texted him to let him know I’m okay.” I press a kiss to her lips.
Her eyes shift to mine, and it makes me shudder to see the care and concern in her eyes. “If anything happened to you...”
“But it didn’t. I’m fine. In fact, I got a few good hits in.”
She doesn’t laugh, nor does she smile. “I need to get you home.”
“Yeah, he needs a sponge bath and some lovin’.” Bandit laughs.
Audrina turns to scowl at him. “This isn’t funny.”
He holds his hands up. “No, ma’am.”
I hold in my smile, knowing it won’t do me any good, either. I bend to her ear. “I know one way to cure the pain.”
“West,” she whispers. “You really scared me.”
“Don’t be worried about me, baby, I can fight. Gonna take more than those three idiots to take me down.”
“What if there had been more… what if they’d put you in the hospital, or worse?”
The stir inside me that she cares this much makes me forget all about the pain. “They didn’t, and if they had, you’d be there to nurse me better.”
“I don’t think any of this is a joking matter,” she says sternly.
“Am I in trouble?” I smirk.
“Let’s just get you home,” she says. “Please.”
What my baby wants, my baby gets. “Okay,” I say, wincing as I rise from the stool. “Take me home, but I’m drivin’.”
“No, you’re not.”
“Ooh, the woman has spoken,” Brew laughs. Haze walks in the door, late to the party as usual.
“What did I miss?” He looks at me and scowls. “Clearly somethin’.”
“By the time you arrive, the suspects are halfway to Oklahoma by now,” Brew mutters. “Who’s hide are you chasin’ now?”
“Mind your own business,” Haze throws back. “I’m just pissed I missed it. Logan said there were three of ‘em?”
“They’re gonna be pretty sore tomorrow,” I say. “Trust me.” I sling an arm around my girl and add, “Let’s go home.”
In her arms is the only place I want to be, after a bath with her in there with me.
Yeah, that sounds like exactly what I need.