Chapter 20 Blue
As we speed down the open road, the vibration of Vapor’s bike beneath me is both thrilling and frustrating. Being wrapped around his hot, hard body is exciting enough. Adding the bike’s rumbling oscillation only serves to inflame my desire.
In an attempt to quell my carnal desires, I glance over at Diablo riding alongside us in the cage. His usual menacing expression is softer than I’ve ever seen it. We’re on our way to pick up a kid who needs the MC’s help, so maybe that’s why his demeanor is so different. I know this mission is important to all the guys, but Diablo seems especially affected by it. I wish I knew more about him. Maybe I’d understand his sudden change in attitude if I did.
I think back to the conversations I’ve had with Vapor, the history he’s shared about this club and their mission. It’s equal parts terrifying and inspiring, knowing that there are people like them out there, fighting for justice in a world that seems to have forgotten it. There’s nothing more important in this world than protecting innocent children. I’m glad that’s the club’s mission because it’s a noble one.
As we approach a water park just outside of Baton Rouge, I can’t help but be surprised. This doesn’t seem like the kind of place where we’d be making such an important pickup. I expected something more… covert.
“Vapor,” I say, raising my voice to be heard over the roar of the engine, “I thought we were picking up the kid and leaving. What’s with the water park?”
He grins, his piercing blue eyes dancing with mischief. “We wanted the kid to have a fun day at the park before we send him off to his new home.”
“Isn’t it dangerous for him to be seen in public?” I ask, my concern growing.
“No,” Vapor reassures me. “No one would think to look for him in Louisiana since he came from another motorcycle club chapter. He’s not from the Montana chapter either. He’s from another one, but I’ll never know which chapter because that’s kept secret. That way nobody will be able to track down the kid. That’s the beauty of our system. No one knows where the kid ended up.”
“Couldn’t someone work backward from chapter to chapter until they found the kid’s original family?” I press, my mind racing with potential issues.
“It’s highly unlikely. If that ever happens, then the club members lie and say they don’t know anything about the kid. The trail is impossible to follow because we never keep a kid in the same area. Once we decide to put them in our network, there are at least a couple of degrees of separation between the club that rescued the kid and the one that finds them a new home.”
“That’s good,” I say, breathing a sigh of relief.
“It’s what we do, babe. Help those who can’t help themselves, especially the ones the cops either can’t or won’t help.”
“You’re doing a good thing.” I hug him tightly.
Before we enter the water park, we meet up with Diablo. His gruff voice is clipped as he tells Vapor his plan. “I’m going to look around and make sure everything’s safe. Text me when you’re ready for me to take Ricky to his new home.”
“Sounds good,” Vapor nods. “We’re planning on letting the kids play for a few hours before we take him.”
“No problem. I’ll keep an eye on things from afar to make sure we’re all safe.” Diablo wanders off, leaving us behind.
“I brought your bikini,” Vapor says, grinning at me.
“Is that even allowed in a water park?” I ask, grabbing the scandalous slip of fabric from him. Wearing it on the island was one thing. Wearing it in public around other people is another.
“Yep. As long as it’s not a G-string or thong, it’s all good.”
“Oh, my God.” I glance down at the tiny thing.
“You’ve got a beautiful body, babe. Own it.”
“What are you wearing?”
“Board shorts.”
“Ugh!”
“What’s wrong with board shorts?” he asks.
“Nothing. I just didn’t realize we’d be going to a water park. Did you bring sunscreen?”
“Of course, and I fully intent on rubbing it all over your hot little body.”
While I appreciate the way he referred to me as ‘little,’ I’m not entirely thrilled to be in a bikini in public. Modesty was always drilled into me as a teenager and as a young lady. My father would freak out if he saw me wearing something like this.
“Hmm, on second thought, I’m glad you packed it,” I tell Vapor.
“Oh, yeah?”
“My father would have a fit if he saw me in this. He only ever let me and my sister wear one pieces.”
“Prude.”
“Totally.”
After paying for admission and changing into our bathing suits, we head into the water park. Vapor scans the throng of people, looking for his friends from the Montana club.
“Oh, Reaper’s here too,” Vapor says, waving at a man across the pool.
“Who’s Reaper?” I ask.
“The Enforcer of the Montana club. Scary dude, but good at what he does.”
“And what’s that?”
“Uh… club business.”
“Welcome to the splash zone!” Reaper shouts, grinning as we step onto the sun-warmed concrete surrounding a child-friendly pool.
I squint against the bright Louisiana sun as three more people join us. Vapor introduces Scar, the president of the Montana chapter. Julia, his wife. And then Reaper’s wife, Lexi. They all seem very nice and friendly, which immediately puts me at ease.
Everyone is dressed casually in bathing suits, clearly ready to enjoy a few hours of fun before getting back to the serious business at hand. Even Reaper, who is kinda scary, looks more approachable in his swim trunks and dark sunglasses.
“Hey, Blue,” Julia calls warmly, waving me over. “Come meet Eli and Ricky. Eli’s Scar’s and my son. And Ricky is the boy we’re helping.”
Her smile is infectious. I can’t help but grin back as we all settle into lounge chairs near the edge of the pool. Eli and Ricky are splashing around together in the shallow water, their laughter mixing with the sound of cascading fountains and excited squeals from other children.
“How are things going since Blackstone’s death?” Vapor asks Scar and Reaper, his voice low and serious despite the lighthearted atmosphere.
“Everyone’s been sleeping a lot better, that’s for sure,” Scar replies, watching his son play with a mixture of pride and protectiveness. “The bastard got what he deserved.”
“Damn right,” Reaper chimes in. “The FBI officially closed Blackstone’s case, but they’re still looking into his associates. They’re trying to connect them to other child trafficking rings.”
“Matrix and Daisy are working with the FBI unofficially to try to help track down all of Blackstone’s associates,” he adds, nodding towards Vapor. “We’ll get ’em all eventually.”
“Good,” Vapor says, clenching his jaw. “They deserve nothing less.”
I make a mental note to ask Vapor to tell me more about what happened with Blackstone. I’d heard he was a presidential candidate, but I hate politics, so I didn’t even realize he’d died. It sounds like everyone’s happy about it, which is interesting.
The guys go on to talk about the circumstances around Ricky’s case. His father sounds like a monster. I’m glad they’re helping him escape his situation. As I watch the kids play, my heart swells with empathy for Ricky. This day of fun feels like a small victory amidst the darkness.
“Hey, Lexi,” Vapor asks, turning his attention to her. “How are Nitro and Holly doing?”
“Busy, of course,” Lexi chuckles, brushing a strand of hair from her face. “They’ve got their hands full with Trent and Robert, but they’re happy.”
Julia chimes in, smiling as she watches Eli and Ricky splash each other. “And Talon and Jessica are more in love than ever. You should see them. It’s like they’re still in the honeymoon phase. Oh, and Loki, their miniature schnauzer? Still as crazy as ever.”
“Sounds like things are going well for everyone back home,” Vapor muses.
“Let’s hope it stays that way,” Scar says, his tone sobering. We all share a knowing glance, understanding the fragile nature of peace in our world.
“All right, everyone!” Reaper exclaims, breaking the momentary tension. “Who’s up for some pool games?” He produces a blow-up plastic ball from his bag. After filling it with air, he tosses it into the water.
“Count me in!” I say eagerly, getting to my feet.
The others follow suit, and soon we’re all splashing around in the pool, laughter filling the air as we play together. I watch Vapor interact with the kids, tossing them the ball and encouraging them to try new swimming techniques. His eyes sparkle with genuine joy as he helps them, and I’m amazed at how good he is with children.
As the laughter and splashing continues around me, I can’t help but steal glances at Vapor interacting with the kids. He seems so natural, so comfortable in this role, that it’s hard to reconcile this version of him with the dangerous outlaw I know him to be. The incongruity of it all tugs at my heart, and a question forms in my mind. It’s one I can’t resist asking.
“Hey,” I call out, pulling Vapor aside as the others continue their poolside games. “Can we talk for a second?”
“Want to sneak off and find a place where we can be alone?” he asks with a lascivious look in his eye.
“No, silly.” I take a deep breath, suddenly feeling vulnerable. I try to sound casual as I ask, “Have you ever thought about having kids?”
He looks surprised by the question but takes a moment to consider it. “You know, I haven’t really thought about it before,” he admits, rubbing the back of his neck. “Why do you ask?”
“Watching you with the kids… You’re just so good with them,” I say, smiling softly. “It made me think about our future, I guess. Have you ever thought about it? Having a family, I mean.”
“Maybe someday. But not right now. There’s still so much we need to do, so much we need to experience together.” His hand finds mine, giving it a reassuring squeeze. “We have plenty of time to decide, babe.”
“You’re right,” I agree. “There’s so much more I want to see and do before I settle down like that. I’ve been sheltered for so long… it’s time for me to spread my wings.”
“Exactly,” he says, grinning. “And when we’re both ready, we’ll figure out the kid thing.”
I smile up at him until he lowers his lips to brush a soft kiss across them. The hunger in his eyes tells me he wants so much more, but we’re standing in a pool full of children, so he’s going to have to wait.
We play with Eli and Ricky for a little longer before Diablo sends Vapor a text asking if he’s ready to go. Vapor announces that it’s time to say our goodbyes. We make our way over to Scar, Julia, Reaper, and Lexi, exchanging hugs and well-wishes.
“Ricky,” Scar says gently, kneeling down to the boy’s level. “Our friend Diablo is going to drive you to your new home. Vapor and Blue will be right behind him the whole way to make sure you’re safe.”
“Is my dad going to find me?” Ricky asks in a small, worried voice.
“Never again,” Scar reassures him. “You’re safe now, kid.”
As we part ways, I can’t help but tear up at the thought of what Ricky must have gone through. I want to ask Vapor to tell me more about what happened, but ultimately decide that I don’t need to know. All that matters now is that Ricky is going to a safe, loving home. I’m grateful to be a part of that journey.
I climb onto the back of Vapor’s bike, gripping his waist tightly while we wait for Diablo to get Ricky situated. Diablo buckles the boy into the SUV with a gentle, reassuring smile before climbing into the driver’s seat. We take off, following closely behind him, our engines roaring in unison as we make our way to Baton Rouge.
As we enter a picturesque neighborhood lined with towering oak trees draped in Spanish moss, my heart races with anticipation. Diablo pulls up to a wrought-iron gate and waits for it to slide open. The moment it does, we drive through. The gate closes securely behind us.
A French Creole-style home stands before us, its wrap-around porch and vibrant shutters exuding Southern charm. A sweet-looking woman in her early forties steps out onto the porch, wearing a casual summer dress that flutters gently in the breeze. She carries a pitcher of iced tea in one hand and a plate of freshly baked cookies in the other. She places everything on the patio table before waving to us.
We leave our vehicles in the driveway and walk up to her. Vapor and Diablo take turns embracing her with warm hugs.
“Blue, this is Monica,” Vapor introduces the woman. “Her old man was a member of Underground Vengeance, NOLA. He passed away a few years ago.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss,” I say sincerely, meeting Monica’s gaze. She smiles sadly, nodding in appreciation.
“Thank you, sweetie. I’ll always miss my old man, but I’ve found love again with a wonderful man. He isn’t part of the MC, but he’s good people.”
“We made sure of it,” Vapor says, chuckling. “Matrix and Fang did background checks on her fiancé to make sure he’s a good man. He checked out.”
“Thank you again for doing that for me,” she replies, her eyes twinkling with gratitude.
“Any time.”
“Hopefully this is the last time.”
“Hopefully,” Vapor agrees.
“Come sit for a few minutes. I baked chocolate chip cookies, and this is a fresh pitcher of sweet tea.” Monica smiles as Vapor and Diablo grab the sweet treats.
“You home is beautiful,” I say, sitting in a chair beside her.
“It’s been in my family for many years.”
We’re silent as a warm breeze rustles the leaves on the trees surrounding the beautiful French Creole-style home. The entire estate feels like a peaceful sanctuary.
Ricky peeks out from behind Diablo’s legs, where he has been hiding.
“Well, who do we have here?” Monica asks, squatting down to his level. She greets him with a smile. “Hello, Ricky. I’m so happy to finally meet you in person.”
Vapor leans close to me and whispers, “Monica and Ricky did several video chats to see if they might be a good match.”
“Really?” I ask, impressed by the care taken to ensure the child’s comfort and happiness.
“Absolutely,” Vapor confirms, his blue eyes filled with pride for his club’s efforts.
Monica pours a glass of iced tea for Ricky and hands him a cookie. “You can come sit with us if you want.”
Ricky stays partially hidden behind Diablo’s leg. While the child nibbles at the treat, his wide eyes never leave Monica’s face. It’s almost as if he’s still trying to decide if he can trust her or not.
Gradually, the tension in his small frame seems to dissipate, replaced by cautious curiosity. He moves slowly, climbing into the chair next to hers. It warms my heart to witness this moment of connection, knowing it symbolizes the beginning of a brighter future for him.
After we’ve enjoyed our refreshments and shared some pleasant conversation, Vapor turns to Monica. “We need to get back on the road. Call me tomorrow to let me know how things are going, all right?”
“Of course,” she agrees, gratitude shining in her eyes.
“And if you need anything, call me,” Vapor adds, standing.
Diablo rises from his seat before saying his goodbyes to Monica. He then turns to Vapor and informs him, “I’ll see you and Blue back at the clubhouse.”
“Blue and I are going to stop and get some pastries at La Boulangerie before heading back.”
“Drive safely,” Diablo tells us, his gruff voice laced with genuine concern.
“Please stop in whenever you’re in town,” Monica calls.
“Will do,” Vapor says, handing me a helmet.
As we leave Monica’s home and the wrought-iron gate closes behind us, I can’t help but think about Ricky’s newfound safety and happiness. Sometimes, it takes a village—or in this case, a motorcycle club—to change a life for the better.
When we get back to NOLA, we stop at the bakery. The warm, buttery scent of freshly baked pastries envelops us as we step into La Boulangerie. Vapor’s hand rests gently on the small of my back, a comforting presence I’ve grown to cherish.
The glass display cases are filled with an array of decadent treats that would make anyone’s mouth water. My eyes flit between a delicate éclair and a rich-looking chocolate tart. I’ve never had the opportunity to indulge in such luxuries, my father’s strict control over my diet always looming over me. But now, with Vapor by my side, I feel a sense of freedom I never knew was possible.
“Wow,” I murmur, feeling slightly overwhelmed by the options.
“Take your time, babe,” Vapor says, his voice low and reassuring.
I smile at him, grateful for his patience. It’s difficult to decide which pastry to choose. Each one looks more delicious than the last. As I lean in closer to examine the colorful macarons, I suddenly hear someone call my name.
“Blue? Is that really you?”
My body tenses, and I slowly turn around. My heart thunders in my chest because I’d know that voice anywhere. It belongs to Lacy.
To my horror, my sister is standing just a few feet away. Her eyes widen with shock, and I can see the gears turning in her mind as she takes in the sight of me with Vapor. She drags her disapproving gaze from his helmet-flattened hair to his motorcycle boot-covered feet. The look of disdain in her eyes grows as she turns her calculating eyes on me. I know before she even opens her mouth that I’m in a world of trouble. My father didn’t know where I was before, but he will now.