“And so will you, Jessia,” I pledge, hoping that my family, the ones coming for me, will keep that word on my behalf.
Shamus
I see the way the other woman cringes when Gray places even a finger on her skin. For some damn reason I can’t comprehend, I know that she also needs my protection.
And I’ll be damned if I don’t want to give that to her.
I know that there will be three people leaving here with us when the time draws near. I saw the way she and Star were with one another; this woman means something to her. And if she’s special to my old lady, then she’s important to me.
My brothers may not agree with me, but I will fight for this woman’s freedom. It’s not her fault that she’s forced to live the life she’s in servitude to. And yes, I know she’s forced, I can see it in her body structure, in her eyes and even the way her lips draw into tight lines when she answers that motherfucking piece of shit, Gray. I want to rip his hands away from her, I want to toss him to the side where she’s not forced to converse with him.
It feels more like a brotherly protective instinct than that of any sexual attraction as I sit astride my bike and watch her. Beyond my comprehension and realm of understanding, I know that this woman is to become an intricate part of my extended family.
I don’t know if she’ll eventually be an old lady to one of my club brothers, or if I’m simply meant to bring her into the fold of my immediate family; either way, I’ve learned not to second guess what slithers in my head.
I just tend to be easy going and go along with the flow. These two women seem to have made an instant connection with my inner caveman. If I question everything that flows through my mind, I’ll eventually drive myself insane. I watch as Ella hides behind the mystery woman, and she reaches back and lovingly caress Ella’s hair as she brings her in front of her and rushes them both inside. Gray thankfully stays outside and speaks with one of the many guards who are standing sentry outside of the home.
My beeper begins to vibrate from where it’s clipped to the side of my jeans. I read it and see that it’s Gunner’s code, he’s here, and it’s time for me to go and meet with him. I’m far enough away from the house that my bike shouldn’t be heard as I fire it up. But without wanting to take any chances, I get off and walk it up the block. When I feel I’m far enough away, I start her up and head toward the motel I’ve been staying at.
As I pull up to the Ma and Pop type establishment, happiness engulfs me when I see the number of bikes lined up in the front. I honestly felt as if the officers alone would be coming to assist me, but it looks like the club came down in droves. I count at least twelve bikes spanned out in front of the rooms.
I know the old couple must be ecstatic to have all of the rooms filled. It’s rundown, you can tell it’s been here for ages, but it’s well-maintained and loved. It’s not the damn Ritz or Carlton, but it's an inviting place to stay and lay your head down at night. Everything is clean and organized, but you can tell the furniture is at least a decade old. The rooms are reasonably priced, and at least you get the sense of welcome and they make it their mission to call each of their guests by name when greeting them.
I go to head into my room to take a quick piss before hunting down the others, but I don’t make it that far before Kruger comes barreling out of his room with murderous intent. His face is red and he looks like he’s ready to brawl.
“Seriously? Right now, you wanna do it this instant?” I hold my hands out wide at my sides. “Can I at least take a piss first, Kruger?”
Gunner sticks his head out the door, he’s in the room next to mine, and rolls his eyes when he sees the standoff taking place. “Kruger, stand the fuck down. Shamus, take your damn piss then get your ass over here.” I raise my eyebrow in question at Kruger, wondering if he’s gonna follow orders, or if his anger is too volatile and if he’s too wound up, to let it go.
He lifts the corner of his lip up in a snarl directed at me, but then twists around and steps inside of Gunner’s room. I do not want to fight my brother; I’d rather have his support then have his fists dive bombing into my face. Kruger is leaner than I am in stature and physique, but the man can throw a deadly punch.
Not to mention, I’d prefer not meeting my daughter for the first time sporting a black eye. That’s a first impression I don’t want to make when it comes to her. I don’t want her to be scared of me, she’s known enough fear in her short span of life than what she should.
Shaking off my thoughts, I head into my room to take care of business.
Chapter Seven
Shamus
When I walk into Gunner’s motel room, I notice that Kruger has sequestered himself in the corner of the room. He actually dragged a chair away from the others and is throwing himself a damn pity party. I sigh as I take in the sight before me, then wave at my brothers in
