Chapter 11
ELEVEN
MERCEDEZ’S ULTIMATUM
Twitch
I hear Axle’s laugh before I see him. When I turn, he walks into the computer room with a cheeky smirk. “I see you’re still hiding out in here.”
I frown, unable to hide how I’m feeling. Usually I’d laugh at Axle’s digs, but not today. Not after Mercedez has been home for two days. I’ve been struggling hardcore.
Axle’s smile slips. “What’s up?” His tone switches to concern.
I shrug, torn. My stomach stirs again—it’s been upset for days.
“I don’t know what to do or how to act with Mercedez being home.
I’m walking on eggshells around her, scared that any wrong move could make her want to kill herself again.
She refuses to go to counseling. I checked her meds—she’s not taking them either. ”
Axle’s eyes widen.
“Sorry, I didn’t mean to unload on you.” He’s not the deep and meaningful type, but I need . . . someone to talk to.
He steps toward me and leans on the computer desk. “Don’t apologize. I didn’t realize it was that bad and she’s not trying to get better. She seems like her normal self.”
“Yeah . . .” I let out a deep sigh. Because I haven’t tried to push her away or set boundaries yet. I’m scared she’ll do something drastic . . . like go to Reaper.
“I heard the gossip, but why did she lose her shit anyway?” he asks curiously.
I avert my gaze, considering my words carefully, but I’m desperate to talk to him about it. “I met someone else.”
Axle inches back. “Wow, man, that’s awesome.”
My lips curve slightly as I think of Milly. “She’s incredible. Like no one I’ve ever met, but Mercedez found out and said if I chose another woman, she’d kill herself.”
Axle scoffs. “That’s bullshit, man. I’ve lost a lot of respect for the sweet butts over the years with all the drama, and I feel bad for Mercedez, I do, but don’t let her ruin your life.
If you don’t want to be with her, don’t be with her.
She’ll get over it, and if not, she can go back to the hospital.
You’re not responsible for her. She’s a big girl and can take care of herself. ”
I blink, surprised by Axle’s words.
He tilts his head, looking puzzled. “What?”
“I guess I didn’t expect that to come from your mouth.”
He chuckles and reaches over to rough up my hair. “I joke around all the time, but I’m still your club brother, and I give a shit. I’ve dealt with the sweet butt crap, and they aren’t worth it—no matter what they’re threatening. What about this mystery woman? What’s going on with her now?”
My throat tightens. “I had to put it on hold.”
“Don’t be an idiot,” he warns. “You’ll regret losing the one that matters. I can’t even imagine my life without Elena.” He has a point.
“I don’t want to lose her. I just want to get Mercedez better in the meantime.
” My hand goes to my chest. “There’s this overwhelming weight of guilt and worry.
I still care about what happens to Mercedez.
For years, I’ve been close with her. I don’t know if I’d recover if she killed herself because of me. ”
Axle puts a hand on my shoulder and squeezes.
“She’s not your responsibility, and I think you should tell the rest of the club what you’re going through.
At least Reaper and Bomber should know about Mercedez.
If she’s not going to counseling or taking her meds, it’s only a matter of time before she loses it again.
And if she hurts herself, the cops might come asking questions. ”
The thought of even talking to Reaper about this makes me cringe.
“I guess you’re right. Reaper and Bomber should be informed.
” My shoulders are tense, and I frown. “I’m frustrated that I can’t manage this myself.
But I can’t force Mercedez to do anything.
The only control I have is over my actions. ”
“You two might be friends, but you owe her nothing. You’re a good guy, but Mercedez knows this, and she’s using it against you.
Don’t fall into the trap. If you are falling for this other chick, don’t let her go because of this.
You think you’ll regret hurting Mercedez—you’ll regret losing this other chick even more. Trust me.”
Deep down, I know he’s right, but I’m unsure of how to navigate my way through everything. “Thanks for the chat.”
Axle winks. “I’m smart. You should listen to me.”
I chuckle. “You do have brains after all.”
“Oh, fuck off,” he says, laughing.
When Axle leaves, I decide I need more chocolate. I pat my stomach. I’m turning into a slob. I put it down to stress.
When I enter the kitchen, Ivy, Ava, and Elena are having coffee. I smile at them.
“Have you spoken to Milly?” Ivy asks me with a raised eyebrow.
I’ve been meaning to, but I’m at a loss for words. Milly doesn’t deserve any of this. “No, have you?”
“She’s been busy at work, taking extra shifts, so I haven’t had much of a chance to really talk to her.”
I don’t miss the small bite in her tone.
“Something’s wrong with her,” Ava says. “She’s real quiet with me, and she’s never been like that. I’m getting worried.”
I stiffen.
Ivy gives me a pointed look, like she knows exactly why and is blaming me.
“Maybe she’s just busy with work. Her job is stressful, and those twelve-hour shifts must be exhausting,” Elena adds.
Ava shakes her head. “No, there’s something else. She’s usually open with me about everything, but whatever it is, she won’t confide in me. I have no idea what it is. I wish she had never left the clubhouse.” Her voice is somber.
“Maybe she thought she wasn’t part of the club family, so she left to give us space to deal with the Mercedez incident,” Ivy suggests.
I press my lips together and narrow my eyes at Ivy. She’s getting a bit too close to the real reason for Milly leaving, and I don’t like it.
“It could be. Maybe I’m reading too much into it,” Ava says with a frown. “I just miss her presence here. She is part of the club family. I’ll have to remind her of that.”
“I agree,” Ivy replies. “Perhaps it’s because she doesn’t have an ol’ lady jacket like the rest of us.” She looks directly at me as she says it, her tone pointed.
What the fuck? I shake my head at Ivy, trying to keep my expression neutral.
“Milly doesn’t need one though,” says Elena. “She’s already part of the family.”
“I agree,” Ivy says again, her gaze still locked on me. “She shouldn’t have to avoid spending time with her family and friends because of sweet butt drama.”
“Do you think she’ll come back and stay here again with us?” Ava asks, her voice filled with hope. It makes me feel like an even bigger piece of shit.
“I’m not too sure,” Ivy replies. “Maybe we should have a barbecue soon and organize it for when Milly is free.”
“Great idea. I’ll talk to Reaper,” Ava says cheerfully.
My heart races. How is Mercedez going to react to seeing Milly?
Will she lose it again? Will she tell Reaper?
I remove myself from the conversation, heading into the pantry.
I pull out my chocolate stash from behind the massive bag of rice, unwrap it, and snap off half the block.
My mouth waters as I take a massive bite, shoving the rest into my jacket pocket.
I make my way out, ignoring Ivy’s stare.
Mercedez rushes toward me from the lounge. “There you are!” she says with a lively smile, slipping her hand into mine.
I pull my hand away lightly, trying not to make a scene. “I’m updating the computer software right now. It’s going to take a while.”
“Aww, when can we spend some time together?” Her face is full of optimism, but it only makes my stomach churn.
“I . . . umm . . . I’m not sure,” I stammer, my pulse skyrocketing.
She pouts.
“Have you taken your medication today?” I ask, already knowing the answer because I checked this morning.
“Of course I have,” she says cheerily.
Such a liar. She hasn’t touched her meds. But I don’t want to start an argument or make her think I’m spying on her. “That’s good.” I take a step back. “Well, I’d better get this computer update done.” I tilt my head toward the computer room.
“Oh, okay. Well, hopefully, you don’t take too long.”
I clip my head in a nod and stride toward the computer room. I’ll get some work done, then I’ll have to talk to Reaper and Bomber. Dread assaults my body. It’s early, but I could down a few beers already.
I eat the rest of the chocolate while updating the system. It doesn’t take long to finish, but I need the time to gather my thoughts before approaching Reaper. When I’m done, I stand, crack my neck to the sides, and go in search of him.
Mercedez runs out from the lounge again, but I put my hand up to stop her. “I need to talk to Reaper privately. It’s club business.”
She knows she isn’t privy to that information. Her shoulders fall, and she nods before retreating back into the lounge.
I search the house, then go outside, where I find Reaper and Bomber sitting at the table, watching the kids play on the swing set with Ava and Hope. I stride toward them and take a seat beside Bomber. “Have you guys got a minute to talk? It’s important.”
Reaper’s brows furrow and Bomber turns, giving me his full attention.
“We’ve always got time for you, Twitch,” Reaper says.
He’s too good to me. If he knew what I’ve done, he wouldn’t be saying that. I take a deep breath. “I’m concerned about Mercedez. She refuses to go to counseling and isn’t taking her meds. I don’t want a repeat of last time, so I wanted you two to be aware of what’s going on.”
There’s a heavy silence.
“Thanks for keeping me up to date with it,” Reaper says finally. “I never asked, but what pushed her over the edge?”
I look down at my feet, struggling to keep my breathing even. “I met someone,” I say quietly, then look at them. “It didn’t go down well. She said she would kill herself if I chose the other woman.”
Reaper’s jaw tightens. “I want her to get better, but I’m not putting up with jealous bullshit in my clubhouse,” he says firmly. “Would you like me to ask her to leave?”