Chapter 11
Chapter Eleven
Cat
Maybe it’s possible for me to live a normal life. One that will always include him. -Cat
It’s been one week since my man claimed me.
One week since the love of my life finally made me his.
Each day gets better than the last. Every night we make love and every morning I wake up in his arms. I’m living in a state of bliss, so much so that I’ve almost blocked any thought of my father and the danger that follows me out of my mind.
This place, these people, are beginning to be my family.
They’ve accepted me as Tornado’s girl and unlike that first night in the bar, they make me feel welcome.
Even the gruffest of the bikers has introduced himself to me by now.
And the women here talk to me like I’m one of them.
This is the kind of life that I once dreamed of, and I feel a sense of belonging I never expected to feel.
Bikers are still entering through the double wooden doors, flooding the interior of Viper. It’s only four in the afternoon, but the beer flows freely, and the loud music bounces off the walls.
I wrap my arms around Tornado’s waist, and he kisses the top of my head. “Did you enjoy it?” he asks softly, and I nod.
We’ve just gotten through riding in a charity ride for the local domestic abuse shelter.
I never knew that biker clubs were so much more than just a bunch of guys riding motorcycles.
They care about the community around them, and they contribute so much.
I’ve had to put most of my preconceived notions aside.
Someone throws an arm around us both and I jump.
“My favorite couple!” the voice shouts and I sag in relief. It’s just Lucky, one of Tornado’s best friends and the loudest person I’ve ever met.
Tornado groans. “You almost busted my eardrum, you goof. What’s up?” He grins over at Lucky, and they do that whole manly handshake, slash bump thing that they always do.
“We’re doing karaoke and you guys are next!” he yells, and I look up at him in horror. Nope, I don’t sing. Not ever.
Tornado glances over at me and grins. “Sure, Cat and I would be happy to sing. I know just the song.”
I gasp, stepping away from Tornado, and putting a hand to my chest. “You are not about to make me sing, mister. I sound like an injured animal when I try to sing, Tor. You know that.”
He captures my hand and puts it up to his lips for a small kiss. “Come on, baby. You know what song we can sing. For old times’ sake.” There’s warmth in his grey eyes as he looks down at me. “Remember Mama’s song, Cat?”
Shit. I do remember.
Maria, his mom, was sick for a long time.
She battled breast cancer for over a year before it finally took her.
We were only twelve at the time and we would desperately try to do things to forget her pain.
One of the only things that would make her smile is when we would sing and perform for her. She got a kick out of it.
Unfortunately, she was a fan of older movies so the songs we would sing were not exactly with the times.
“Tor, you’re not going to make me sing it, are you? I can’t, in front of all these people…” I trail off as he strokes the side of my face.
“I won’t make you, but it might be fun, you know just for the memory of Mama. She always knew it would be you, ya know? She always told me that one day I would see you as more than a friend.” His voice is so soft and sweet, and I melt under the power of his words.
“She did?” I ask. I loved his mom. She was more my mom than my own ever was. I loved knowing that she thought I was good enough for her son.
He nods. “She did.”
I grab his hand. “Well, let’s go then.”
I practically sprint to the stage, emboldened by Tornado’s love. Everyone whoops and hollers and Tornado quietly gives the DJ the name of the song we want to sing.
Tornado speaks into the microphone he’s handed. “This is an oldie, but a goodie, folks. Hope you enjoy it.”
The audience lets out yells and I blush. Looking out at all these bikers and their girlfriends and wives, I feel a warmth steal through me. I’m nervous as hell, but something tells me these people will cheer me on no matter what.
We start to sing, the lyrics coming back to me almost immediately. The crowd laughs as they realize what we’re singing.
Maria’s favorite movie was Grease, and she always loved the song Summer Nights.
Tornado and I sing the familiar words while tossing teasing glances at each other.
We get the audience involved and soon everyone is singing along.
I’ve never felt more like I belonged. This is special. This is where I should be.
Through the raucous crowd, I spot two men who look out of place. Two men in suits. Men who blankly stare at me while a shiver rolls down my spine.
My father sent them. I know it. I stumble over a few words and Tornado sends me a concerned look. I fake a smile.
My stomach flip flops with nerves and anxiety. Real life just had to intrude, didn’t it? Guess it’s time to stop living in a fantasy.
I breathe out a sigh of relief when Silver goes up to them and gives them a handshake.
He wouldn’t do that if he didn’t know them, right? They can’t have been sent from my father.
I send a reassuring smile to Tornado and finish the song. But anxiety gnaws at my gut even while the crowd cheers for us.
I can’t bury my head in the sand anymore. It’s time. I have to get the confrontation with my father over with.