Twelve
Tread lightly and be understanding. This is a shock to all of them. Give them time. Words I know my mother would say to me if she were here. Unfortunately for me, she’s not, and I don’t currently have the mental capacity to deal with my so-called sister or her bullshit tantrum-throwing ass. It’s been a hell of a night. Emotions are running high. My eyes close as I take a breath. What I want to do isn’t what I’m doing, but I have to rise the fuck above and be the better fucking person. All the while, I stand here with beer running down my back, half-naked in my sperm donor's clubhouse. And listen to Princess spew her bullshit, insults, and threats. I have to keep my anger in check because I’ll kill her and anyone in my way if I don't. I’m really trying. As she continues, and as much as I want to ignore it, I can’t. And to think I came here to people watch.
I have a choice to make.
“You don't need your bag, little bastard daughter...” She steps closer to me. This. Dumb. Bitch. Steps. Closer. To. Me. Fuck me. I let out a sigh–if this girl only knew. With my eyes narrowed and my fist clenched, reigning my shit in is becoming more and more difficult. In this situation, I have no choice but to do what I do and be what I am. It isn’t in my nature to do nothing while being so blatantly disrespected, no matter the situation or scenario.
I have a choice to make.
Princess doesn’t recognize or is stupid enough to ignore the change in the air. The few witnessing this train wreck shift uncomfortably, beginning to look uneasy. The air thickens, and I know why.
She sneers, “You need to get the fuck out of my club. You're not welcome here,” she slurs and steps around forward.
I have a choice to make.
Princess smirks at me because I have yet to speak, respond, or do anything in response to her disrespect. She thinks that I’m afraid. She feels I won’t do what needs to be done because of where we are. Vex attempts to get to cut the shit. When his eyes meet mine, the look on my face must make it clear what I want him to do. Vex shifts his stance, eyes bouncing unsurely from Princess to me. They linger on me at his last pass, and I know when they flare in recognition. His chin hits his chest, and he lets out a resigned breath, shaking his head, knowing the reality of his sister's situation. He doesn’t want to accept what I want and what I need him to do, but he does. This needs to happen. She has spent too much of her life getting away with shit and acting the way she does, knowing her father, brothers, and club will protect her, no matter what. But not this time. This time, no one is going to do that. She made this bed. I’ll be damned if she will not lie in it. When my eyes turn from Vex’s to hers, her eyes narrow to slits, and she sneers.
“Princess. Don’t,” Vex says between gritted teeth. An attempt to get through to her. I chuckle. He can’t help himself. “Princess, I'm fucking warning you. That's e-fucking-nough you made whatever point you're trying to make. Walk the fuck away.” His voice is only loud enough for her and me to hear him. I raise a brow at Princess at Vex’s words, but of course, they do nothing to deter her.
Princess ignores our brother and stares daggers at me. Before either of us can say a word, I feel him. The hairs on my arms stand on end, and my anger morphs into something entirely different. It takes more effort not to show my body's response to his nearness. Whatever this is, it’s not something I can or will figure out right now. I’ve got a drunk, whiney-ass club Princess to deal with. And I have a feeling any attention I give that sexy beast of a man in her presence will only fuel the fire.
I tilted and smirked at the inappropriate thoughts that filtered through my mind. Even with all the scents of booze, perfume, weed, and sex, I can smell him. An involuntary shudder racks my body. My eyes close on their own accord as I try to regain my focus on the task at hand, dealing with my dear darling bitch of a sister. I shouldn’t push her buttons. She wants a fight, needing to prove that she’s the HBIC and that my arrival doesn’t change that. I roll my eyes, letting out a breath. Ignoring my younger sister, Sin, who is still very much pissed the fuck off.
My eyes shift over Princess's shoulder to find him. His face is set in a scowl as hestomps across the room. The annoyance in his eyes has me smirking. Is it wrong that I find it sexy as fuck? Watching him, the way his body moves, the muscles encased in his fitted t-shirt ripple, and I can’t hold back my moan as I take in his denim-clad thighs. Thick thighs. I don’t miss what he’s packing. Because gawd damn, that is not a flashlight. My body flushes as I lick my lips. Lost in the thought of him. I’m keenly aware of my pussy pulsating with need. My panties, which were already wet, flooded with my arousal. Yeah, his face may say he’s all business, but his dick says very much the opposite. I lick my lips and suck my bottom one into my mouth, thinking what he would taste like. What he would feel like.
Aww, fuck. I want this man like I have never in my life wanted a man. And I am for damn sure going to have him.
Mine.
When his steps falter, my eyes shoot to his. His nostrils flare, his brown eyes have darkened, and pupils dilate. Lust filters through his expression. But just as quickly, he shakes it off. He has far more control than I do. I’m at the point of no return. It is taking far more effort not to want to say fuck this shit and climb that man like a damn tree here and now. Fuck, what the hell is wrong with me?
The movement in front of me draws my attention back to Princess, who's been watching the interaction between Taz and me and is ready to flip her shit more than before. I’m prepared to get whatever the fuck this is between her and me over and done with. My eyes dare her to do whatever she has planned because my patients and my libido are on another damn level. All these warring emotions and feelings have me fucked up. I need to get the fuck out of here and figure out what is happening to me because this shit ain’t it.
Fucking horny bitch.
Before she can, I change my mind. I’ll not let her keep up with her bullshit. I’m done. In a move she nor anyone else sees coming, my hand shoots out and grabs the bitch by her throat, pulling her toward me while twisting her so her back is to my front. My other hand grabs hold of one of her wrists, pulling it to the center of her back. Of course, being the dramatic little bitch she is, she cries out and drops to her knees as if I snapped her delicate little wrist. I release her throat and stand over her. Pussy. My eyes roll as I stare down at her.
Dramatic much?
Princess looks around for someone to come to her aid, but they don’t. It might be because my family is now at my back, letting them know they could try, but shit will get ugly. Stepping closer to her, still holding her wrist bent at an odd angle. It's not broken, just twisted enough to get my point across. I tune everything and everyone out as I stare at the back of her head. But I need to look into her eyes. She needs to see what she has unleashed. Again, quicker than she or anyone can react, I release her arm and am in front of her with my hand around her throat. There is no smugness in my eyes as I look into her angry, tear-filled ones. As I stare into her eyes, I convey everything I need them to. They are telling her here and now that I won’t put up with her shit, so she can get over it or get her ass beat. And I won’t back down if she continues to push me.
She has a choice to make.
Of course, the warning goes ignored as she struggles to get out of my hold. Struggling to stand, she attempts to swing at me. Put pressure on her throat, digging my nude stiletto-painted nails into her flesh. I could rip her esophagus clean from her body with one wrong move and little effort. Her face reddens, and I finally see it–fear. Tears leak from her eyes, but they don’t move me. She is the reason she is in the positions she is in. Bending down so we are face to face. I let all the malice I’ve held back free.
“Oh, no, sweetheart,” I say coolly, lightly tapping her cheek with the palm of my hand. Fury returns to her eyes full force. Hate burns in her eyes as she struggles to breathe. I only loosen my grasp because she is moments from passing out if I don't. I can’t have that. I want her to understand.
“You stupid little cunt, you think I want to be here?! Do you think I want to deal with a useless, spoiled little MC Princess whose only accolades are barely graduating high school and spreading her legs for anyone who shows her an ounce of attention?” She blanches at my words, and her jaw grinds because I know they hit her where it hurts her pride. I don't take my eyes off her when I push forward, releasing her. She falls on her ass. Looking up at me, she seethes, and I smirk. We’ve got everyone's attention now, even those working hard on acting as if I didn’t have their club princess at my mercy and on her knees.
“Bellamy... Come on. She's upset. We are all a little shocked. Some of us know how to be adults about it.” Vex tries to play the peacemaker as he stands to the side, but between Princess and me. He puts his hand on my shoulder, and I shrug it off. Ignoring him. I understand that at this moment, I could let it go. I know I could walk away from this scene. I only give people one chance, and that’s pushing it. Only one, and she has taken at least three since I’ve been here.
Princess’ eyes bounce between Vex and mine. Her hand goes to her throat with an exaggerated wince. I roll my eyes hard as fuck when she squeezes out a few more tears and lets out a whimper. I know she’s trying to play this up for her audience, but I didn’t hurt the bitch, not the way I could have. Since this is how she wants to play it, I might as well go all out.
“Oh, little Princess,” I say in a mocking tone. “This is how we want to play it. You can dish it out, but can’t take it when you push someone too far? Let me tell you something… I'm here because my job is to save your worthless ass, and you are making it damn hard to want to do that.” My tone is bored, and my words are true. “I should say fuck it and let the man that owns you wreck your dumb ass. After all, YOUR MOTHER'S FAMILY SOLD YOU.” I bellow the last part to ensure all the nosey-ass bystanders hear.
I had no plans to reveal that minor fact. But fuck it. Watching her closely, I see surprise, confusion, fear, and emotion I couldn’t read flutter across her inebriated face, which I ignore. She started this shit, and I’m going to finish it.
“Yeah, that's right, Pretty Princess. Mommy dearest sold you. You mean less than nothing to her. You are a name on a contract, a means to an end. You were born to right her wrongs, and I was brought here to make sure to fucking fix it. So while you stake your claim to Daddio and his club, I need you to think fucking hard. Do you want to make an enemy of the one person who can protect you and keep you from falling into the hands of a sadistic prick? Or do you want to keep this pissing contest going?” I shrug. “Because I can go all night, sweetheart.” I pushed her down again with my booted foot on her shoulder. Petty? Maybe, but she started this shit. She tries to catch herself but falls back on her ass again with an umph. Vex stares at me with an incredulous look on his face, and I shrug and step back.
I continue telling her the real reason I'm here, “And while your little display here furthers my want to say fuck this job. I have people who, for some odd reason, want you to continue to live a happy, spoiled, and carefree life. Let me be clear with you. My promise to protect you does not include you remaining blemish-free.” I smirk down at her and step closer as she tries and fails to stand her drunk ass up again.
Vex has finally had enough. He looks at me with calculation, shock, and questions in his eyes. I know I let the cat out of the bag in the worst way, but fuck it. She started this shit. I smile and shrug at him as he approaches a still-struggling Princess. I won't stop him if he wants to be captain save a hoe. With a shake of his head, he helps his twin off the nasty ass floor, and my eyes narrow on her when I see a smug smirk cross her face.
“Bitch, you’re a special kind of stupid,” I say, shaking my head in disbelief at the audacity of this bitch.
A cough-covered laugh comes from behind Vex and Princess, and without looking, I know who it’s coming from. Taz. My eyes meet his as he tries to hide that this little shit show is amusing to him. I can also see in his eyes what I saw in Vex’s. This little display may amuse him, but he heard everything I said and wants answers.
My attention remains split between him and the drama queen. She’s the type to do dumb shit when you turn your back on her. And as predicted, with a bellow, she comes charging toward me. Vex watches with wide eyes. He reaches out for her, but my fist is quicker. I nail her stupid ass in the mouth. She crumples to the ground, wailing like she thought I was going to stand here and wait for her to put her hands on me. Unlikely.
Oh, I’m not done.
It takes two strides to be on her, like a fly on shit. She’s pushed past my fucking limit, and she will learn what a mistake that was to do. Snatching her whiny ass up by her hair, pulling her onto her knees. Once again, she and I are face-to-face. Leaning down at eye level to her kneeling form. She whimpers, her hands cover her nose, and the other is scratching at me while her eyes dart around the room. I don’t feel the pain. My fury has me feeling nothing but a need for retribution.
“You must be the biggest fucking coward this club has ever seen. Twice, fucking twice, you attacked me knowing good and damn well you can’t fucking take me. What? Do you think they will come to your rescue like they always do? Fight your fucking battles for you? Hmm?” Seething, I shake the hand in her hair, and she cries out.
My face lowers, lips, hair's breadth from her ear. My beast has surfaced, and I let a low rumble reverberate from within. The sound causes Princess to whimper and try to pull away. But I hold her steady. My following words make it clear to her I’m not to be fucked with.
“I will not allow there to be a third time. Know this, Princess. I will end you without remorse the next time you think about trying to start some shit with me.” I loosen my hold on her hair. I take a breath and speak in a calmer voice. “I’m here because of a promise to protect you. Don’t be stupid and make me break my promise by taking your ass out myself.” I stare into her tear-stained, drunk eyes, trying to convey that I mean every word. Never take my eyes off her, hoping she won’t continue with this dumb shit.
Of course, instead of heeding my warning, she steps toward me, and her hand comes up as if to slap me. This bitch doesn’t want to take the fucking L. I let out a huff of disappointment, and without warning, I smack the shit out of her, knocking her to the floor–again. Her hand goes to her mouth, blood from her busted lip mixing with the blood from her nose, snot, and tears. I warned her ass. When I step toward her, an arm wraps around my torso, and I freeze.
Well, damn.
“Cool it, my little tornado. She’s done, baby. She’s done.” The heat from his breath tickles my neck, and I shiver. All the anger still inside me drains. The arm banded around my waist tightens slightly, not to the point of pain, but to bring my body closer to his. It takes everything in me not to let out the sound of satisfaction with feeling his body against mine. How the hell am I going from wanting to murder my sister to wanting to fuck this man in seconds? Fuck, what is wrong with me?
When he kisses the side of my neck, I damn near rip myself out of his arms and mount him. Fucking hell. My body's reaction to his is foreign but not unwanted, as I’m a fucking cat in heat for this man.
When my eyes connect with the little bitches who are no longer wailing on the floor but looking up at me with murder in her eyes. Instead of snapping, I only smirk. She had her brother at her side, but I have the object of her affection. I’m not sure if it is because of how pissed it makes her or how the very firm body of the sexy beast holding me has me relaxing into the hold. Either way, I like it here. I think I’ll stay. I settle into Taz more, and he pulls my back closer to his front. I moan when my ass connects with his hard cock. He hisses at the contact, and instead of pulling away, he pulls me closer and rests his forehead on my shoulder. His breaths come out strained. Satisfaction pulsates through me, knowing that I’m not the only one affected. My hips move on their own accord.
“Fuck,” Taz hisses, and I smirk, and I do it again.
“Mmm, fuck, stop doing that shit, or I’ll strip you bear and fuck you right here, right now, in front of every motherfucker in this club. Is that what you want, my little tornado?” he says, and gooseflesh breaks out all over my body at the feeling of him and the timber of his voice. The only answer I can give him is to moan.
Taz grabs my chin with his other hand, turning my head towards him so our eyes connect. “You, my little tornado, are fucking trouble. The best fucking kind. But right now I can’t take you the way I want to. Fuck shit, damnit. What the fuck are you doing to me?” The confusion and lust in his eyes hit me deep in my chest. When his lips come to mine, I suck in a breath. He doesn’t take it further, even though I damn sure want him to do that first part. Fuck my dumb ass bitch of a sister and whatever she was trying to accomplish with her tantrum. I need this man right the fuck now.
Right. The. Fuck. Now.
When I hear a throat clear, Taz nor I are quick to pull away. Taz slowly releases my lips from his, still holding me close, only turning toward the offending sound. When my eyes meet my brother Blazes, I realize that he, Pain, Rocket, and Sin are watching on with varying looks of annoyance, amusement, and surprise on their faces. Blaze's eyes are on Taz’s. His jaw is tight, and annoyance rolls off of him in waves. I can guarantee Pain filled him in on what he knows. My brother wouldn’t have stepped foot in this clubhouse if he didn’t think shit was getting out of hand, or I needed his protection, which I don’t. So, instead of showing annoyance with him, thinking that I need him to protect me, I smile up at him. His eyes are hard as he stares at the man holding me, assessing him. When he sees whatever he’s looking for, his head slowly shifts, and his eyes meet mine and narrow when he sees the smile on my face.
“Hey, little brother, I thought you'd never show?” My smile is bright, and I can feel his annoyance reaching a fever pitch. But I am undeterred. I try to wiggle out of Taz’s arms to get a little space to think about something other than mounting him in front of my brother. He isn’t having it and only shifts me in his arms so that I’m fully facing my brother and crew.
Blaze scoffs as he continues to take in the scene, wordlessly walking over to me with my bag and handing it to me. His eyes shift to Princess, cold and filled with deadly promises. He’s worse than I am when it comes to respect. She better be glad she had lady bits because if she didn’t, shit might be a little different, and his eyes wouldn’t be the only thing promising retribution. His hands would take it. Blaze is the type to act now and ask questions later. Blaze narrows his eyes to near slits, solely focused on Princess. My brother is not a little guy. He is a big ol’ tattooed, deadly, giant, nerdy motherfucker. And having his deadly vibe pulsating through the room garners a reaction from both Vex and Taz. They both stiffen when they notice Blaze's attention is squarely on Princess. Blaze is bigger, broader, slightly taller, and probably deadlier than anyone outside me in this room. It’s natural for people to shy away from him when he is in a state of protecting someone he loves. His aura demands it.
“This her?” He tilts his head, never taking his eyes off Princess as he waits for my response.
“Yep,” I say, winking toward our dearest darling sister.
He goes over to where Princess and Vex are standing. Vex takes a protective step in front of Princess but keeps his body relaxed. His eyes bounce back and forth between mine and Blaze’s. The question is straightforward. Before he can react or speak, Blaze holds his hand out to introduce himself to Vex, slowly taking his eyes off Princess. Vex's eyes are wary, but he shakes Blaze’s hand. Of course, this bitch doesn’t know how to fix her damn face. She looks at Blaze with disgust. My body responds to the disrespect, and I attempt to shoot out of the arms holding me. Before I get too far, Taz tightens his hold while chuckling into my ear.
Damn him.
Princess latches onto Vex and pulls his hand from Blaze’s. Blaze's eyes snap back to hers, giving her his trademark smirk. He lowers his hand and looks at her with the Blaze gaze. His eyes become cold and emotionless and trap her in place. At least she is smart enough to understand he’s not to be fucked with because she freezes, clutching onto Vex for dear life. Blaze lets out a humorless chuckle. Some shit is about to come out of his mouth, probably with more than Princess pissing their pants.
You know what?
Let me sit in Mr. Big Bald Big Dick Mc Sexy's arms and enjoy the show. Bitch needs to learn that my brother is fiercely protective and has absolutely no chill.
Releasing her from his stare, Princess shifts her eyes quickly as shit away from him, looking at anything but him. At least she learned quick, fast and in a hurry not to get stuck in the Blaze gaze again. Holding in my smirk as Blaze continued to stare at her. When he realizes she is no longer willing to meet his eyes, he speaks with a smile.
“Hi, Princess. I'm Blaze, your big brother. I’ve heard a lot about you. Not much of it was nice. Now that the introductions are out of the way. Unlike my sister here…” He points to me. “I don't take too kindly to disrespect. Which is something I hear you are very good at doing. So, I’m going to say this nice and slow for you. Are you listening to me, Paisley?” Blaze spits out her given name like it’s acid on his tongue, and she whimpers, clutching onto Vex. “If you or anyone else disrespect my sister again, I’ll call this job off. Got me?” His smile is anything but nice, and his eyes say he is itching to do just that–call this job off.
Damn, if he weren’t my brother, I would freak the fuck out at his calm demeanor. Is it calculated? Fuck, yes, it is. Blaze can turn it on and off and make you believe he wouldn’t hurt a fly. In reality, he’d melt your soul from the inside out if you fuck around and find out. Deceptive fucker, and people fall for it. But right now, I just want to cuddle and let that bitch lick her wounds.
“Blaze, enough. Let it go. As you can see, she's had enough.” I point to the snotty, bloody, disheveled, and slightly drunk Princess. Who looks like she wants to bolt, kick our asses or throw up. She’s all fucked up.
Knowing my brother isn’t remotely kidding, he watches her for a moment longer, eyes conveying his promise, before his focus shifts. Then I see it. Her left eye twitches. For fuck's sake, this girl doesn’t know when to quit while she’s ahead. She couldn’t stick to being a drunk, whimpering mess. Princess, being the dummy she is, squares her shoulders and steps away from Vex, who is clearly at his wits' end because he doesn’t even try to stop her. She looks around the room, seeing that nearly everyone is focused on the interaction. She juts her chin out in defiance and stares at my brother head-on with malice and fury in her eyes. I’ll be damned. Self-preservation isn’t this bitch's strong suit.
“Fuck you and that bitch.”
She says with her whole chest. And to be honest, I’m not all that surprised. She wants to test the limits and see if the earlier anomaly of no one coming to her aid because it was me she was dealing with will still hold. She doesn’t realize she is playing a dangerous game.
Aww shit.
Sin comes barreling over from where she was standing and nails Princess in the jaw, which causes her to flail, landing back into Vex’s grasp. Vex quickly pulls her back to him as she cries, turning his body away from Sin’s assault. I know damn well Sin didn’t hit her that hard, but the bitch wails worse than she did before. Rocket and Pain spring into action, grabbing hold of Sin before she destroys the little bitch. Taz pulls me closer to him, which has me holding back an inappropriate moan because now is not the time for that.
Watching on, my baby sister is not playing any games. She could get out of Pain’s hold, and I can see she is seconds from doing it in her eyes. My little sister is not one to be fucked with.
“Listen here, you little bitch.” Sin yells while still struggling to get out of our cousin's grasp. “If you ever... and I mean fucking ever disrespect my family again, I'll do Blaze one better and pack your ass up and hand deliver you my fucking self to Rossi. You worthless CUNT!” She shoves out of Pain and Rocket's arms. Her eyes come to mine, and I warn her to let it go. As much as I don’t want her to, Princess has well and truly had enough, despite her need to keep running her mouth. She stares at me, and with a reluctant nod, she stomps her way to the clubhouse entrance.
I sigh, turning to my brother and giving him a nod. He knows this job has to be done and why. Princess is just going to either have to get over herself or get her ass beat on the daily. Either way, we have a job to do.
“Pain, go with her and try to calm her down.” He looks at me for a moment, gauging where my head is, before he nods. “On it,” he too makes his way to the exit.
Blaze is not letting it go. “No, Bell, fuck her and her fucking family. I will not spend my time or allow our team to use our resources to protect someone like her.” He gestures toward a still-wailing Princess. “No, fuck this shit. I knew it was a mistake coming here. I told Ma…”
I cut him off with a glare and harsh words, “Leave. It. Alone.” He knows it’s not that easy. We can’t walk away. Our mother wouldn’t have it; if she did, we better have a good reason for it. And a spoiled brat showing her claws isn’t reason enough.
“Fuck, fine.”
He stares at the still whimpering Princess for a moment before shaking his head, turning away, and making his way to the exit. I watch him go, letting out a breath. Then, before pushing out the door, he turns back for one last parting words.
“Bell, you and I both know that bitch ain't worth saving. She is too damn concerned about being Queen fucking B rather than being a decent fucking human. Look at this shit…” He waves his arm around. Most people are still watching Vex, holding Princess in his arms. And Taz has only slightly loosened his hold on me. “She got her ass handed to her by you and Sin. The bitch is trying to prove herself for fucking what? If I were her, I’d be more worried about the psycho mafia heir trying to get his hands on me than siblings that don’t want shit from Daddy or his club. For fuck's sake, what’s the fucking point of saving a selfish bitch like this?” He points to the still-wailing Princess.
“I hear you, brother. Just take a breather. I fucking get it. You aren’t thinking about anything. I haven’t since dealt with her.” I sigh as Blaze stares into my eyes. He lets out a resigned sigh, and he knows I won’t walk away from this job without me saying it. “Fuck me.” He nods. “Ok, if this is what you want to do, I got your back, Sis, but I promise you that if she gets out of hand, I’m calling fucking Mom.” His mood shifts, and he chuckles when I blanch at the thought of him tattling with our mom. He knows damn well how much I hate it when he runs to Mom when he doesn’t get his way. No matter how old we get, Mommy is and will always be his go-to so he can get his damn way.
Fucker.
“I’m skipping the next family reunion.” He winks at me, all anger and frustration gone. A walking away whistling our self-appointed theme song.