Rocky (BLP Motorcycle Clubs #13)

Chapter 1

“What the hell is going on today? Why are we so busy?” Rosemary complained under her breath.

“I was thinking the same thing, but let’s be grateful,” I told my younger sister.

My five younger sisters and I owned and operated a flower shop called Bloom. It had been an unusually busy day, considering no special events were happening, and it wasn’t a holiday that people tended to buy flowers.

“Oh, I’m grateful. I’m just a little confused. This is the first break we’ve had since we opened.”

“And the timing is perfect because I have to go pick up Briar from the youth center when Daisy gets here.”

“How does he like this new center? I haven’t had a chance to talk to him since you made the switch.”

“He loves it so far, but it’s only been a few weeks. His friend, Roman, is there, so I’m sure that helps.”

“I don’t know why you didn’t enroll him in that one in the first place. It’s closer and has more programs.”

“Because his father agreed to pay for it and pick him up if he went to the one on the Westside.”

“I can’t believe you were foolish enough to believe him. That nigga ain’t followed through on a single thing since the day Briar was born.”

“True, but you know me…always the optimistic one.”

“What did he say when you told him you switched centers?”

“Tuh. Nothing. He hasn’t realized it yet.”

She gasped. “Are you serious?”

“As hell.”

“Sis, it’s been weeks.”

“I know, and he hasn’t mentioned anything about Briar not being there.”

Rosemary shook her head in disgust. “You’re better than me. I would’ve stopped communicating with him when his ass didn’t show up at the hospital when Briar was born.”

“Whatever, Rose. We’ve had this conversation numerous times and don’t need to have it again. I’m well aware that Deacon is an asshole and a poor excuse for a father.”

“You—”

“I’m sorry I’m late. I got out of class late,” Daisy announced when she rushed inside.

“It’s cool, sis. I’m about to head out to pick up your nephew. Do I need to come back to close?”

“No, ma’am. Blossom will be here to close with me. I’ll see you at home,” Daisy said.

I said goodbye to my sisters and left the flower shop. Once I was in my car and my phone was connected to the Bluetooth, I called my sister Sage.

“Hey, Rue.”

“Hey, are you still at school?”

“Yeah. I’m waiting for Violet. Ms. B wanted to talk to her.”

“Why? Did something happen?”

“Not that I know of, but I’ll find out.”

“If it’s something serious?—”

“I’ll let you know, Rue.”

“Thanks, Sage. I’m headed to pick up Briar. I’ll see you at home.”

“Okay. What’s for dinner?”

“Pulled barbecue chicken sandwiches and fries. I made the chicken in the crockpot, and it should be done by the time I get there. I just have to make the fries.”

“I’ll make them if we get home first. Love you.”

“Love you, too. Drive carefully.”

As soon as I ended our call, Deacon’s name appeared on the car’s display screen. I contemplated ignoring the call, but he’d call back until I answered.

“Yes?”

“Rue, where the fuck is my son?”

“Hello to you too, Deacon.”

“Stop fuckin’ playing with me. I’m trying to pick him up, and they told me he don’t go here. Tell me something before I go off on these bitches.”

“I moved him to the one closer to me because you weren’t picking him up.”

“You what?”

“I—”

“I heard what the fuck you said. I told you I didn’t want him going there.”

“Well, you should’ve held up your end of the deal. You know my plate is full, and I don’t have time to be driving across town to pick Briar up when he could be two blocks away.”

“Fuck that. Ain’t no way my son going to?—”

“Goodbye, Deacon.”

I ended the call and blocked his number. I’d unblock him in a few days after he calmed down. Hopefully, he wouldn’t show his crazy ass up at my house before then.

I turned into the Rush Brothers Youth & Recreation Center parking lot and quickly found a spot to park. As I headed toward the entrance, someone on a motorcycle rode past me on the sidewalk. I frowned when I noticed there was a kid on the back.

“At least the kid has on a helmet,” I mumbled.

When I arrived at the entrance, the man on the bike was helping the kid take off his helmet. My heart almost stopped when I realized the kid on the bike was my son.

“Briar!” I shouted as I ran toward him.

“Mommy!” I kneeled, and he ran into my arms. I hugged him so tight he probably couldn’t breathe. After planting a few kisses on his forehead, I held him by his shoulders and looked into his eyes.

“Baby, what were you doing on that bike?”

“Mr. Rocky took me for a ride because I got a hundred on my spelling test.”

“Good job on your test, baby. Do you remember what I told you about riding motorcycles?”

He nodded. “You said never let Daddy or any of his friends take me for a ride on their motorcycle.”

I sighed because that was exactly what I’d said.

“Yes, you’re right, but I should’ve said never get on anyone’s motorcycle. They are dangerous and?—”

“Excuse me.”

I looked up at the stranger, getting a good look at him for the first time. He was absolutely gorgeous in a thuggish, ruggish way. Looking at all of his goodness almost made my lips curl into a smile until I remembered what I’d just witnessed.

I stood to my full height, still having to look up at him, and shoved his shoulder.

“How dare you put my son on your motorcycle without my permission?”

“Aye, I don’t know you, but you better keep those little ass hands to yourself.”

“You better keep my son off your bike, or I’ll do more than push you.”

The corners of his lips curved upward, letting me know he didn’t take my threat seriously.

“What’s your problem with bikes?”

“Are you stupid?”

“Excuse me? Who are you?—”

“I don’t need to explain myself to you, but since you don’t seem to have common sense, I guess I have no choice. Motorcycles are dangerous and definitely not for kids. I don’t want my son anywhere near them, and if I find out he’s been on that bike or any other bike around here, you’ll regret it.”

I grabbed Briar’s hand and pulled him away, not waiting for the man to respond. If Deacon ever found out Briar had been on the back of another man’s bike, I’d have hell to pay, especially since I forbade him to have our son on his bike.

When we entered the building, I instructed Briar to get his things while I checked him out. I had a few questions for the lady at the front desk.

“Hey, Ms. Abrams. You look flustered. Is everything okay?”

“Hey, Cinda. I’m fine. Thank you for asking. I do have a question, though.”

“What’s up?”

“Who is that man outside with the motorcycle?”

“I’m pretty sure you’re talking about Rocky.”

“Rocky? That’s his name?”

She nodded. “Yes. Rocky Rush. He’s one of the owners of the center.”

“This center?”

“Yes. Is something wrong?”

“Is it customary for him to give the kids rides on the back of his bike?”

“Yes, if he has their parents’ permission. It’s one of the ways he rewards them for things they accomplish.”

“Well, I didn’t give him permission to put my son on the back of his bike. He?—”

“That’s a lie. I made sure Briar’s permission slip was signed before we left,” Rocky announced when he entered the facility.

“I didn’t sign a permission slip giving you or anyone else permission to ride him around on that death mobile,” I argued.

“Cinda, can you give me Briar’s file?”

“Coming right up,” Cinda replied, disappearing into a small closet. “Here you go.”

Rocky took the folder from Cinda and opened it swiftly, and I watched him find the form he was looking for.

“Maybe you should read before you sign,” he barked, slamming the paper on the counter in front of me and pointing to my signature.

“Where on this form does it say?—”

“Second paragraph. Third line.”

I went to the second paragraph and read it as fast as my eyes would allow me. When I got to the phrase about incentives that would be used to reward the kids, my stomach sank.

“Don’t you think something like this should be on a separate form?” I asked. My tone was full of attitude.

“Don’t you think you should’ve read it before you signed it?”

I glared at him as I tried to think of a comeback. I had nothing, so I snatched the paper from the counter, tore it into several small pieces, and let it fall from my hands onto the floor.

“If I find out you had my son on that bike again, I will sue you for every penny you got after I fuck you up.”

Luckily, Briar came running around the corner with his belongings.

“I’m ready, Mommy. Bye, Miss Cinda. Bye, Mr. Rocky.”

I took my son’s hand, said goodbye to Cinda, and walked out the door with my head held high. Briar and I would have a serious talk about this before he went to bed. Although he was only seven, we had discussed my strong feelings against motorcycles, and I was sure he understood. Clearly, I was wrong.