Chapter 2 Torque
“Idon’t like it,” Bear grumbles. “We’re in the middle of the fucking mall. There are families everywhere.”
“I know,” Storm, my Pres, agrees. “Neutral ground. No risk to either club this way.”
“What the fuck do the Crimson Heretics want now?”
Smoke, our Sergeant at Arms, is right to ask.
We’ve had bad blood between our two clubs for years, and when one of their members started shit with us, things got tense fast. Murder kidnapped Bullseye’s ol’ lady Xiara.
Shit escalated. The Heretics’ president, Hangman, shot and killed Murder to keep the peace.
Now, several months later, we’re here to meet Hangman and a few of the CHMC members.
In a crowded mall. On a Saturday afternoon, less than a month before Christmas.
“Hangman didn’t say,” Storm grumbles. “Stay sharp. We already stick out like a nudist at church.”
Several of my club brothers smirk, but no one laughs. We’re too alert, too busy watching for trouble to become distracted. This wasn’t the place to have a sit-down with another club. It put us all on edge.
My gaze bounces around the food court, the long lines, and the mostly full tables.
Almost all are couples with kids or teens in groups.
I see all the kids, messy faces, booster seats, and highchairs, and wonder how the fuck these people do it.
How do they work a nine-to-five job and pay all their bills, provide for their kids, and remain happy? It looks fucking miserable.
Don’t get me wrong. I like kids. Sort of.
I just don’t want any of my own.
And then I spot the woman standing in line at Chick-fil-A. She’s fucking gorgeous, wearing a red holiday sweater with Santa on the front and jeans that mold every curve of her lower body from her thick thighs to her plump ass to the flair of her generous hips. Just the type I want in my bed.
I like my women with soft skin, cushion for the pushin’, and who don’t wear a ton of makeup, long fake nails, cause drama, or carry a ton of baggage.
Somehow, I know just by looking at this one that she’s sweet and intelligent.
I can tell by the way she’s holding the hand of the little girl with her and keeping her close, aware of her surroundings, like it’s instinct.
I can’t stop staring at her as I half-listen to Storm, Bear, and Smoke talk.
I’m still keeping an eye out for anything that doesn’t feel right, but I’m able to split my attention without difficulty.
And this is no hardship. As the woman walks closer, totally unaware that I’m watching her, I notice that all the tables are full. She’s got no place to sit.
Stepping away from my club, I shove the prospect sitting at the table closest to me so I can offer it to the woman and little girl. “Here. This table is open.”
She notices me then. Her head tilts back as she takes in my height and size, my leather cut, and all the ink on my skin. She blinks and then thanks me as I help her get settled. When she says she needs a booster seat, I grab it for her.
As we talk, I learn the little girl is her niece, Ainsley. And my new obsession? Her name is Noelle.
Goddamn, she’s beautiful. Even more so, up close, with her clear complexion and big green eyes, framed by long dark lashes.
And those lips. Fuck me. They’re the perfect bow shape, full, and glossy pink.
I can’t help imagining how they’d feel wrapped around my cock.
It takes every ounce of control I’ve got not to pull her up and kiss her, right there.
My dick swells and presses against the zipper of my jeans.
If she looks down, she’ll know what she does to me.
I hope she does.
I’m mildly disappointed to learn she’s a good girl and never thinks to glance at my crotch. That’s okay. I can corrupt her once she’s between my sheets and underneath me.
I focus on our conversation and ask her to go out for coffee. It’s an easy first date.
“She doesn’t like coffee,” Ainsley announces. “Just cocoa and cookies.”
Noelle’s lips twitch with humor. “I’m more of a tea and hot cocoa girl.”
“Then we’ll get whatever you want.” I mean that.
She calls the shots. I’m a guy who likes to spoil his woman in and out of the bedroom.
I open my mouth to say something else, but I hear Storm call my name.
“Gotta go, darlin’. I’ll be seein’ you soon.
” I wink at Ainsley. “Don’t forget to tell Santa what you want for Christmas. ”
She lifts her hand and waves bye. “Mommy says he already knows.”
I chuckle and reluctantly turn away, rejoining Storm, Bear, and Smoke.
The prospect is close by, casually watching the entire dining area for any hint of trouble.
He’s a good one. We’ll probably keep him around and patch him in if he doesn’t fuck up.
He’s got another six months before we’ll consider it.
Every man pays his dues. You prospect before you patch. That’s the way of it.
“He’s not coming,” Bear rumbles. “Something ain’t right.”
“Agreed,” Smoke adds as he rolls his shoulders, clearly agitated that we’ve wasted our time.
I don’t know. It’s hard to say.
Storm ticks his chin my way. “What do you think, Torque?”
I’m here with his two best men because Storm trusts me. I’ve declined to become an officer more than once, or I’d probably be the V.P. like Bear by now. It’s not my calling.
Still, my opinion matters, and that means a lot to me. I grew up with Storm. We’re both in our mid-thirties. Along with Bear, we’re the oldest members in the club.
“It’s suspicious, but something could have held up Hangman. He’s been true to his word since Murder.”
Storm considers my words. “I agree. No need to jump to conclusions.” Bear starts to protest, and Storm holds up his hand. “I know, Bear. We ain’t ignoring shit. Just not gettin’ trigger happy about it.”
If it were up to Bear, we’d point our guns first and ask questions later. He’s been betrayed in the past, and shit like this gets him riled up fast.
Smoke’s gritty laugh echoes beside me. “I don’t mind.”
No, the crazy fucker looked forward to shit like this.
“Chill the fuck out, Smoke. Don’t need your ass gettin’ antsy too.”
It’s mildly humorous, but for Storm’s sake, I stay quiet.
“What’s the plan?” Bear asks.
“We stick around a little longer. If Hangman doesn’t arrive in the next half hour, we leave. I’ll be following up with him.”
If I were Hangman, I would be rushing to make an apology. Pissing off the president of the Summit Hill Vipers isn’t a smart move, especially because of the club’s history. He should contact Storm and make this right ASAP.
When another twenty minutes pass, Storm cracks his neck. “Fuck it. I’m done waiting.”
Smoke slaps him on the back. “Took you long enough.”
We stride toward the exit, each of us ready to get the hell out of this mall. But when I see Noelle rushing toward the doors, peering outside with a frantic expression, I know something is wrong. Unease twists my gut. I don’t see Ainsley.
The woman I plan to stalk until she agrees to go out with me nearly collides with us as she spins around, clearly distraught.
“Noelle?”
“Torque.” Tears fill her eyes quicker than she can blink them back. I’m immediately on edge. “It’s Ainsley. She’s gone.”
“Shit,” Smoke curses, saying what we all think.
This isn’t good. It’s a distraction we don’t need, but it can’t be helped. None of us is willing to leave with a little girl lost in the mall. I don’t have to guess. We’re a brotherhood. Our morals, though questionable at times, guide us. Right now, we’re going to help Noelle.
I turn to Storm, knowing he’ll agree before I even ask. “Pres?”
“Go,” he orders Storm and Bear. He doesn’t hesitate. “Find the little girl. Torque, stay with Noelle.”
I nod and reach for Noelle’s hand as my club brothers separate, each of them taking a different direction without having to coordinate their plan.
It’s deeply entrenched inside us. We move as one when there’s a crisis.
My fingers wrap around hers as I try to offer comfort.
“Come on, baby. I got you.” The endearment rolls off my tongue easily. I’m not fazed by it.
“Torque.”
She’s freaking out. I can see it.
“Hey, look at me.” She does, and her eyes are a bit crazed. “We’re going to find her. I promise.”
“Okay.” She glances at the women’s restroom.
“Go. I’ll check the men’s. Just in case.”
Noelle gives a stiff nod and rushes inside as I take the left. It’s busy, but there are no kids inside. As soon as I walk back out, I spot the family restroom and head into that one—no luck there either.
“Torque!”
I run back out as I hear my name and find Noelle. She swipes tears from her cheeks. Her chin quivers, and I know she’s going to places in her head that will only lead to madness.
“We’re not giving up.”
“I know. I’m not.” She sniffles, and we leave the hall, nearly running as we dash around people in line to eat. As we hit the main walkway on the upper floor, I hear a screech. It sounds like a child.
“Ainsley!” Noelle cries, and I follow her, ready to protect or defend at a moment’s notice.
It’s so ingrained in who I am, being a Marine veteran, that I don’t think twice.
“Auntie Noah!”
There’s a crowd around the little girl, and I can tell people are trying to be nice and corral her so that she stays put. It’s smart. She can’t keep running and get further lost that way, even if it does scare her.
Noelle pushes through the circle of people and scoops up Ainsley. “Babygirl! You scared me!”
“I got lots,” she blubbers, misspeaking the word lost.
Noelle hugs her tighter as Ainsley wraps her arms and legs around her. “I’ve got you. I’ll always find you.”
“Pinky promise?”
“Yes.” Noelle’s gaze meets mine as the crowd disperses, and I see the relief.
“You’re both okay,” I assure her, knowing she probably needs to hear it. “Everything is fine now.”
Ainsley lifts her head from her aunt’s shoulder. “Did you use your big muscles to help?”
It’s hard not to laugh because it’s adorable. “Yeah,” I admit.
“Can I give you a hug too?”
I blink, taken aback because no kid has ever asked to hug me. “Sure.” I crouch as Noelle releases her, and Ainsley slams into me with enough force that I almost lose my balance.
“Mommy says I should say thank you when people are nice.”
“That’s true. You should,” I agree.
“Thank you for helping Auntie Noah find me.”
“I’m glad we did.”
“You’re apposed to say you’re welcome back,” she quips.
This little girl is too cute. She’s got a fiery personality already, and I don’t think she’s more than five or six years old.
I grin. “You’re right. You’re welcome, Ainsley.”
She steps back and reaches for Noelle’s hand. “My eyes are screaming.”
Noelle nods. “You want to go home and have cocoa and watch a movie?”
“Yes.” Ainsley yawns.
“I’m happy to give you an escort,” I offer.
Noelle’s gaze snaps to mine.
“To make sure you get home alright. The weather is sh, uh, terrible out.”
I nearly cussed in front of a little kid. Clearly, I’m not used to eliminating certain words from my vocabulary.
Ainsley looks up at Noelle. “Puh-lease?”
“Sure. I guess it’s not a bad idea.”
By now, Storm, Smoke, and Bear have arrived. They hear me offer an escort, and Smoke titters.
“Let me know when you’re ready.”
“Okay.” Noelle slips off her backpack and begins bundling up Ainsley.
I turn to Storm.
“Yeah. Go.” He ticks his chin toward the mall exit.
I don’t bother telling him when I’ll be back at the clubhouse because if I have my way, I’ll get invited inside Noelle’s place. Just for hot cocoa and cookies. Or a movie. Or the chance to give her my number and learn where she lives.
I won’t stalk her. Tonight.
That’s about the limit of my promise.
“We’re ready,” Noelle announces, and I turn around, grinning when I see both of them bundled up.
“Lead the way, darlin’.”