EIGHTEEN
Tequila
My family's sudden arrival was overwhelming. It didn't sit right to know I deceived them. Nausea consumes me, ready to burst out and explode. Which is why I gave in and admitted that I didn't live with Jules and Charger. They appeared both hurt and confused.
The thing I keep dear is my family. But with elements of my personal journey—it was harder to be honest.
And that leads me to this exact topic. After giving in, I revealed a glimpse of my life. Telling them I spent most of my time living here. Opting to avoid involving Jules and her family. It horrified my parents to discover that I was staying with a bunch of biker guys.
Maybe I should have stuck with my drug infested apartment building.
Maggie found out they were in town and insisted on that dinner taking place. Was I insane about doing this? Possibly. Nevertheless, I introduce these individuals as my surrogate family. Terrified out of my mind? Yes, but ashamed? Never.
Yet here we stand, outside the Steel Valley Chains clubhouse, and shock lines on my parents' faces. How could I expect anything less?
I dropped a bomb.
My dad. I'm worried he might collapse. First, he rakes over the gym, then the bike shop, and finally, he sees the large metal structures parked along the side of the building. Becoming paler with every motorcycle scan.
I wince. "So, this is where I work and live." I should have prepared them better.
“Is t-this a motorcycle gang?” My mother is the rational one, but now I'm losing hope of that.
“Club. And well, kind of. I mean, yes, but—”
“You work with bikers. A bunch of gang members?” My dad’s tone is raging. Quivering. And he mumbles something in Spanish.
“Club,” I repeat, a bit more stern.
“Oh, damn,” my brother, Andrew, mumbles in his hand and my mom elbows him in his arm.
As the silence stretches into minutes, my courage wavers and I consider suggesting we leave, but then Maggie emerges. The warmth from her smile brings me the comfort I seek. As she approaches, the crunch of fallen leaves resonates from her black boots adorned with chains. She didn’t hide her biker's motherly vibe.
“Hey there. I’m so glad you made it. I’m Maggie.” She offers a handshake to my mom.
I anxiously wait for her reaction, but when she reciprocates and holds Maggie's hand, my shoulders relax.
“Susie. We apologize if this comes across as rude, but it's not quite what we expected. We weren’t expecting…” My mom glances over Maggie’s shoulder.
“I understand how you feel because if I were in your place, I’d be the same.” Maggie smiles, easing away the tension.
We head inside after introductions, and Throttle immediately captures my attention. His hair is neater, and he's sporting sleek dark slim jeans instead of the usual ripped ones. He changed his band tee to a grey Henley, which I admire for showcasing his arm muscles. His club’s cut resting over it. It appears he's trying to win over my family.
Regardless of the situation, I become much calmer with his smile and intense gaze. I never desire to lose that sentiment or the way he studies me. Like I’m the girl who wears the invisible crown, can carry out anything, and I want to keep that close.
As for my parents, I’d say they look less terrified, but it’s still early.
“You good?” Throttle appears next to my side, invading me with his earthy scent.
“I think so. It’s funny. The idea of showing them my actual place made me more anxious than having them come here. I suppose a part of me wasn't concerned about their disapproval. Anyway, everyone has something to take pride in, but what about me? Nothing comes to mind.”
I'm surprised when he grabs me and brings me to his embrace. His warm body pressing against mine is soothing and when he kisses the top of my head, my heart stills. “You are the smartest woman I have ever met. Your mere existence is that to be proud of. Remember, my Tequila Rose. We'll be by your side no matter what. Especially me.”
My grin grows as he holds me tight against him. The solace I didn’t expect to need.
“And who may this be?” My mother tries to put on a fake and polite smile, but it makes her look like a drunken middle-aged woman at a retirement party. She takes in his features—features meaning his tattoos visible from his rolled sleeves, and I swear he stands up straighter. She won’t judge out loud, but I can see the wheels turning. I’ve never been with a guy covered in ink and part of a biker club. But I’m not with him, so it shouldn’t matter.
“Mom, this is Throttle. He’s a good friend.” My insides ache.
Throttle withdraws his arm from me, displaying signs of nervousness and for the first time, he was twitchy. When he says “hi” to her, his eyes flash with worry. “It’s nice to meet you. Tequila mentions you often. Mostly of how much she adores you.” He used the word adore.
“Tequila?” Her brows furrow in confusion, glancing a questionable look my way.
“It’s a nickname.” I laugh.
“Okay then. It's great to meet you too, Throttle. I look forward to getting to know you for the little we’re here.” She’s trying, and my heart warms.
His hand glides through his hair. “Sure. Me too.”
“All right, grub is served, and I don’t know about you folks, but my ass is starving.” Chain waves everyone over to the long table, his bulky tattooed arms on display.
“He’s certainly a character.” My mother’s cheeks color with pink as she whispers.
“Oh, yes.”
How fast Maggie prepared the surprise dinner was impressive, and it made me grateful. Instead of the planned Thanksgiving turkey, she opted for rotisserie chicken and whipped up delicious tacos. How to rate the night overall? A genuine success. Although the guys weren’t able to turn off the sailor's mouths, my family enjoyed them otherwise. My dad had a few drinks and appeared to become more relaxed. Maggie and my mother chatted about things that pertain to being a mom. Even though Maggie and Chain don’t have kids, they have us, and I believe that’s enough to relate.
I bundle up in my sweater as the nights get colder, observing my brother and Throttle engaged in an animated conversation about dirt bikes. His ability to bond with my family evokes mixed emotions of happiness and sadness in me.
Chloe laughs with delight as Charger sweeps her off her feet and kisses Jules like she's royalty. She rubs her growing belly and giggles.
It's tough when the only person you want doesn't reciprocate those feelings. A ping of hurt aches in my chest.
“I must admit. My first impression might have been wrong.” My mom joins my side.
I nod. “They are wonderful and kind. They welcomed me with open arms. It's clear that they aren't your typical biker club.”
“Yes. I see that now.” Her voice dips, sadness still clear. “I just wish you would have told us about everything.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
As she pulls me nearer, her warmth radiates through me. “He’s nice.”
I follow her gaze to Throttle, who shows no signs of stopping his lively conversation with my brother. “Yeah, he is.” But I can’t hide the bit of disappointment.
“You can tell he likes you a lot from the way he looks at you.”
“We’re only friends, Mom. He doesn’t see me like that.”
“Listen to your experienced mother, who has been around the block many times in life. That boy sees you as more than just a friend.”
Sure, if a miracle were to occur. Contrary to her assumption, she couldn't be more wrong.
“If only,” I whisper.
My parents and brother booked a hotel and left for the evening. They didn’t want to impose, even though Maggie and Chain welcomed them to stay at the club. I think baby steps were in order. At the end of the night, they embraced the situation with their daughter being here.
The music comes to a stop, and silence fills the darkness. I glance around, looking for Throttle, and when my gaze lands on his, he mouths to me to remain here. He and Charger disappear to the front, leaving Chloe and Jules with Angel and me. But my curiosity was too strong to obey any instructions.
I leave my drink on the table and follow toward the entrance of the club. Angel calls my name, but I ignore it.
There is a tense situation between Pipe and Chain.
“I don’t remember sending you an invitation,” Chain threatens.
As I try to move closer, Throttle blocks me with his arm, shooting me an annoyed glance.
Maggie struts past me and takes her place beside Chain. “I’m sorry, gentlemen, but we were having a nice evening. If you choose to stir up trouble and make a lady upset, next time I won't be so polite.” She pats her chained belt where her knife is kept.
“I don’t do business with ol’ ladies. I’m here to talk to your man. No trouble, I promise.” Pipe holds up his hands in defense with a sly grin.
The guys stand poised and ready to attack.
Chain steps forward, blocking Maggie with his wide stance. “You got two fucking minutes.”
“I ain’t here to stir up shit. If I was, I wouldn’t be so damn nice. Ain’t my style. But you and me—our club—we have the same enemies right now and you know who I’m talking about.”
Chain shrugs. “Enlighten me.”
“The warehouse.”
When I glance at Throttle, he's already focused on me.
“I pulled my guys off that place. Not our business anymore.”
“Ain’t the way they view it, man. You got yourselves involved the moment you and your club set foot on that hilltop.”
“Oh, yeah? And how do you know that?”
“Just trust me and stay the fuck away. Because they see you as a threat, they view us as one. Personally, I'm too busy for it. Like I said, only a friendly warning.” Chain remains silent as he watches in a scowl. “Sorry to disrupt your evening, miss.” Pipe apologizes to Maggie before leaving with his club.
I've learned that nothing in this world is free.
Throttle
The alert did not bother Chain. Or he didn’t show it. But I didn't have time to worry about that at the moment. I had a more important task to attend to.
To be willing to die for Tequila is a given. I will risk my life for her without hesitation. There is no mistaking that.
Riding Tank's Harley to her apartment building gives me the reassurance I never required. There will always be complete certainty. Deep down, I knew this girl meant everything to me, and I would do anything to keep her safe.
Hush dismounts from his ride and retrieves his baseball bat. “Lead the way.” He lights up a cigarette and we both head up to her floor. I’d be lying if I said riding here at night didn’t send a chill up my fucking back. I hate that she lives here.
Damn it to hell.
What would infuriate me the most? If the piece of scum wasn’t here. Luckily, his sole occupation is harassing women in apartment building corridors. Fucker looks like he hasn’t showered in weeks.
I take full enjoyment of watching his eyes bug out when I stalk toward him.
“What the fuck?” Jasper, as he is called, pushes off the wall. His buddy tries to follow, but Hush casually drives him back with his bat to his throat, sending smoke swirling near us.
I stop and grin. “There are things that boil my blood to the point of no return, and you know what they are?” My eye twitches, but he smirks. Fucking smirks. “My girl scared is high on the list, but seeing bruises on her arm is highest.”
“I would have given her more if she rode that ass on my dick.”
I snap, landing a blow so enforced, his head bangs the wall before hitting the ground.
In pain, he holds his bloody nose and moans. “Fuck.”
“Get. Up,” I order. My skin is blazing like lava.
He fumbles to a stand.
“Cocksucker.” I grab him by the back of his shirt, hauling him up. Hush still has the other guy’s throat captive by his bat.
I hurl Jasper into the drywall. “You know what I do to people like you?”
He swallows and says, “Look, man, there’s a misunderstanding here.” Blood from his broken nose drips into his grimy mouth.
“Nah, I don’t think so.” I hold out my hand, gesturing for Hush’s cigarette, and then I smash the lit end to Jasper’s cheek. “These things will kill ya.” I dig it in deeper and he lets out a high pitch shriek.
“Fuck! Dude! Come on. Please!” he begs for mercy over something so tiny.
Pussy.
I acknowledge his buddy. “Get lost.”
As soon as Hush lowers his bat, the guy doesn't waste a moment and scurries down the hall toward the stairs. We don’t have to worry about him running his mouth to the heat. They got more drugs on them than a pharmacy.
With a firm grip on Jasper's shirt, which has black stains, I hoist him up, evading any knowledge of the mysterious substance, and guide him out of the building toward the rear of the complex.
I'm not surprised when I realize there are no security cameras. Can’t have drug deals being recorded.
I discard him like trash, resulting in him tripping and falling into the dirt.
“Please, bro, I—I’m sorry. I won’t bother her again, I promise. Let’s forget about this and go our separate ways. I’ll even move out. Find another apartment. Dude, please. Just don’t hurt me.” His sobs are violent as he struggles to breathe.
I glance back at Hush, confirming he's on guard, and draw my weapon, aiming at Jasper’s chest.
“No! Fuck—”
BAM.
And just like that—gone. Getting rid of people akin to him would improve this world.
I leave his body on the ground, blood flowing from the gunshot wound. My guess was, he doesn’t have anyone to miss him.
As I pass by, I touch Hush's shoulder before we both depart.
Like I said, I’d do anything for Tequila.