Chapter 2
Two
I wet the sponge and clean my matte-black Indian Scout’s fuel tank.
The mud slowly drips down and creeps into my sponge.
I’m careful not to scratch the bike. I gently clean my baby until all the dirt’s removed.
Then I set the bucket aside and grab my old, trusty polishing cloth.
We repeat the entire process until it’s shiny. As far as a matte-black bike can shine.
My best friend sits down on the low wall next to me, puts a cigarette between his lips, snaps open the Zippo in his hand, and ignites the flame. He bends down to light the cigarette and inhales. Smoke rings emerge from his mouth. Then, his eyes find mine.
Brooks raises an eyebrow. “Do you know where she lives?”
Nodding, I mutter, “Yep.” Of course, he starts with this.
He nods as well, and silence ensues as I wipe down the saddle. “Whatcha gonna do?” he questions, taking another drag.
“Currently, nothing.”
He begins to laugh slowly. As his laughter intensifies, more smoke puffs from his nostrils. “You actually believe that?”
“For now…” I polish the exhaust pipe.
“Do you think whoever did it will leave her alone?”
I plop down on the ground and gaze at the side of my Indian, shrugging. “No idea. What the fuck was he killed for?”
“Hmm, good question.”
“That information would help me assess the risks to Layne’s safety. But fuck, I’m groping in the dark.” I run my hand through my hair.
Brooks says nothing, just looks at me with those icy blue eyes of his. If I didn’t know him better, that look would make my stomach twist with fear.
“What?” I snarl.
He frowns. “Don’t we need to find out more?”
“Dad doesn’t want us to get involved.”
“Fuck the Prez,” he says in a bored tone, studying his nails.
I exhale deeply. “It’s not that simple. I’m the vice president, Brooks. It would set a marvelous example if I go against orders.” I rub my forehead. “Though this is going to be an immense challenge, and if there’s any indication she’s in danger, the old man’s out of luck.”
“I hear you. Jen will have dinner ready in half an hour, so I’m heading home. Just call if you need me.” He gets off the wall and walks over to his bike, throws his leg over the saddle. The roar of the engine causes my nerves to recede somewhat.
A few hours later, I throw my leg over the saddle of my Scout.
Night is falling, so I decide to take my bike for a spin.
I clip on my helmet, fire up the bike, and hit the road, gunning it in seconds.
The wind hits my face and I inhale all the smells.
It’s mainly dry heat, but it’s somehow comforting.
It’s the smell of home, which warms me from the inside out.
The speed and freedom that I’ve never experienced in a car simultaneously gives me an adrenaline rush and some sort of calmness.
It’s almost indescribable. I head for the dam.
Trees fly past me as I continue the drive.
I park my bike at the viewpoint of the lake when I get there.
I step out into the greenery and make my way to my favorite rock, onto which I climb.
From there, I look out over the water. The calming sound of gently lapping waves against the shore always helps me to clear my head.
Though at the moment, that’s a lost cause.
Layne is constantly on my mind. Ten years passed without a glimpse of her in the flesh, only monitoring her from a distance. And now she’s so close. I pick up a pebble and throw it into the lake with all the strength I have in me. I don’t see where it lands.
What the fuck happened to her husband?
Everything Layne had ever hoped for was suddenly gone. Everything for nothing. What did that asshole do to ruin it?
Reluctantly, I get back on my bike and start my way back. I ride slowly, studying the river. The water is quite calm and shallow. It’s been dry for too long. The ground needs rain, but we haven’t had that in way too long.
Slowly, I make my way back to civilization and before I know it, I stop in front of her house.
A faint light shines through the small gap between the curtains, revealing her sitting on the couch, feet up on the coffee table, a mug and a book in her hands.
Even after ten years, everything about her is so familiar.
The way she sits, the blanket over her thighs, and her long black hair draped over one shoulder.
I’m almost positive she’s got that godforsaken green tea in her mug, and that she’s reading one of her romance novels.
I’m startled by my cell phone ringing. That thing’s a pain to get out of my pocket.
Pax.
Shit. I sigh, then pick up. “What?”
“Where’re you at?” He’s gruff, as always.
“Almost home, why?”
“Got a lead.”
“Coming.” I end the call, push the cell back in my pocket and start the engine.
Luckily it’s only a fifteen minute drive to the compound from Layne’s new place.
After I park my bike, I walk into the bar.
There are some nods from members, but I don’t see Pax.
He’s probably at my apartment. I take the stairs and open the door.
The TV’s on, and my little bro is sprawled in the armchair. A puff of smoke rises.
“Smoke outside, asshole,” I grumble and put my keys in the bowl.
“About time. Almost left, but that hostess got some nice tits.” He points at the TV after he puts out the smoke in the ashtray he’s got in his hands. I shrug out of my jacket and step out of my boots. I stroll across my open-plan kitchen into the living room.
“At least you’ve taken your shoes off.”
Paxton lazily turns his head toward me. “If I don’t, you’ll have my head, sicko.” His gaze wanders to my sock-clad feet. “Skulls? You can take it too far, you know?” His gaze wanders back to the TV to look at the lady with the so-called huge tits.
“Well, it’s better than those boring black ones you’re wearing.
” I nod to his feet and check the show. Indeed, there are two huge knockers that almost pop out of her shirt.
You could almost say it’s porn. “Okay, you should definitely put your dick into something. Could be an apple pie, for all I care. Spill the lead, man.” I push him and flop onto my couch, putting my feet up.
Paxton turns the television off. “Sorry, got a bit distracted by that.” He turns to face me. “Knights of Mayhem, bro.”
I frown. “What?”
“The Knights are somehow linked.” His face blank. As if he’s completely unaffected — which he probably is.
“Dirty bastards. I need to know who…” I don’t finish my sentence. Instead, I get up, walk past him, back to the front door of my apartment.
Just before I pass him, Pax grabs my black leather cut. “Nah, not happening, buddy. We need more info first.”
With a growl, I turn back and sit down. Rubbing my hands over my face, I let out a deep sigh. “Think she knows more?”
“Who? Layne?” Questioningly, he scrunches his nose. “Doubt it.” His brown eyes meet mine. “You’re about to do what I think you are, aren’t ya?”
“Depends on what you think I’m going to do. Right now, I’m going to shower and get into my bed, so I’m kicking you out.” I get up.
“Man, you’re going to see her, aren’t ya?” Removing the hair tie, he gathers his hair and styles it into a high bun at the back of his head. “Fuck, this is going to end badly.” He pushes off the armrests and rises.
“Who says I’m going to see her? And what fucker says that’s going to end badly?” I give him a shove toward the door.
“Me. You’re not deaf, are ya?”
I roll my eyes. “Fuck off, Pax. Before I take off my clothes and you get a glimpse of my perfect junk.”
My little brother quickly shrugs. “Consider me gone.”
When the door slams, I finally have peace. Well, not in my mind. That’s working on overdrive. Who hired the fucking Knights of Mayhem?
Pax’s right. I’m going to see Layne, ‘cause I need to know if she knows anything about this. If she knows why Connor got murdered, and if she’s in danger. The latter is all I care about. If she’s not at risk, I’ll leave her alone, but I can’t let her be a target.
Over my dead fucking body.
I rub my eyelids and walk to the bedroom.
There, I grab a clean pair of boxer briefs from my closet, throw them on the bed, then turn on the faucet in the bathroom.
As the water heats, I take off my clothes.
Hands on the sink, I check the mirror. I look exhausted, even to myself.
It’s showing deep in my gray eyes. Since the whole Connor thing went down, I’ve barely slept.
First, I brush my teeth, then I hop in the shower and close my eyes.
The warmth penetrates my muscles and forces me to relax.
Tomorrow night is going to be better. Then I’ll go see Layne.
I need to speak with her alone to get her side of the story.
My visits to the clubs tomorrow will take up my entire day, leaving me distracted and without time for anything else.
It’ll have to wait until the evening. I take a deep breath, soap up, and try to clear my mind.
Tomorrow night.