Exquisite Danger (13 page)

“Those people?” I whispered, dreading his answer, waiting for him to call me a freak.

He studied me, then shook his head with a small smile curving his firm lips. “Yeah,
those
people. The brilliant ones, the people who see things just a little different than the rest of the world. If you’re one of those people, and I think you are, you’re gonna be a great help with finding your mom and ending this bullshit that’s endangering all of us. I absolutely do not want Iron Horse to go to war with any gangs, the mafia, or other MCs. I want to keep my people alive in a situation that’s pretty fucked because they’re my family. I want to keep you alive not just because you seem like a decent lady, if a bit too hot-tempered for your own good, but because Smoke loves you, and I respect the hell out of that man. He’s saved my sorry ass more than once and I owe him. In our world a man doesn’t like owing a debt so he’ll do whatever he can to make it even—in this case, keeping a beautiful young woman alive and happy.”

His words came out a little too intense, his gaze a little too warm, and I looked away, “Uh...okay. You know I love Smoke, right? That I’m his old lady?”

“Yep, little girl, I do.” He grinned at me. “Don’t worry, I’m not hittin’ on you. I’m not suicidal or a dick like that. I just…well, let’s say I could really use the distraction of guarding you right now because it blocks out a bunch of personal bullshit. Besides, I’ve never seen Smoke as happy as he is with you. He deserves to be happy, have the love of a good woman and all that bullshit. I’m glad you brought my friend back, even if you do come with some baggage.”

“I’m sorry about that. I wish I didn’t present such a danger to you and your club.” I sighed and rubbed my face. “Believe me, I wish we were meeting under better circumstances.”

“Well, think about it this way. If you and Smoke can fall in love with all this shit going on around you, nothin’ can tear you apart. I meant it when I said I’ve never seen him this happy. I guess what I’m tryin’ to say is be patient with the man. This shit is as hard on him as it is on you because the crazy fucker loves you. Now, if he believes in you that much, you must have a good head on your shoulders, and we could use your help.”

An unexpected flush of pleasure warmed my cheeks at the thought that Smoke’s love for me was that apparent. Then I wondered if my devotion to him was as glaringly obvious. Damn, I needed to work on maintaining a blank face. People were more likely to try and take down someone they viewed as weak, and I didn’t want to invite trouble, had plenty of my own, thank you very much.

I needed a moment to process what he said and opened the drawer of the small stand next to the bed, looking through the sample sizes of deodorant, wrapped toothbrushes, and the like. “Thank you, but I don’t know how much help I’ll be. I’ve been trained….well I’ve been trained to take care of myself, but I’m not a really good judge of people.”

“I disagree, and more importantly Sarah disagrees.”

“What?”

“Your sister passed through here with Beach a couple months ago, and I got to hang out with her at Khan’s house. Nice kid, sweet and helpful, with the same ball-busting temper you got. We talked about the usual bullshit, weather, sports, and family. When she spoke about you her eyes lit up. She mentioned how special you were, and how smart you were and how much she admires you.” I opened my mouth to protest, but he held his hand up. “We need your help, Swan, so this is what you’re gonna do. At some point, maybe tomorrow night, you’re gonna go scope out the sweet butts. We got a couple parties coming up—we’re patching a new brother in—so it’ll be a good time for you to get the feel of the crowd before the big celebration.”

I could only imagine what the sweet butts would be doing tomorrow night when I ‘scoped them out’. “Why the hell would I do that?”

“’Cause me and Breaker got a feeling that one of ’em is a rat and you’re gonna help us find her. Don’t worry, Breaker will be there watching you. He’s been assigned as your babysitter since Smoke’s gonna be gone most of the time.”

My heart dropped and I clenched my hands together, trying to hide how much the thought of being here without Smoke bothered me in addition to all the other shit he’d just thrown at me. “Gone? Does he know about your plan for me to spy on the sweet butts?”

“Breaker’s gonna talk to him about it, and if Smoke says no, then the plan is off, and you may not have to worry about this shit.” His voice softened, “Honey, he’s got shit to do that he can’t focus on if you’re with him. The distraction you cause him by just being in his presence could get him killed. And you have a big ass target on you that’ll have fucktards trying to cash in on your bounty. But I swear, we’ll keep you safe.”

I sat down heavily on the edge of the bed. “Son of a bitch. So I’m stuck here? Locked away while Smoke is out and about?”

“Yeah, not the best of situations, but it also gives you the opportunity to wander the club. We’ll have brothers watching you at all times, so don’t worry ’bout anyone hurting you. You may not see us, but we’ll be there.”

“Shit. Any more happy news?”

He chuckled and moved off the dresser, his big muscles shifting as he headed for the door. “You get to meet the old ladies tomorrow at Breaker’s house. Cathy, his wife, is throwing a welcome party for you. Don’t worry, they’re excited to meet you.”

“Why?”

“’Cause you’re Smoke’s old lady and he’s the founding chapter’s Master at Arms. That means he’s basically the Master at Arms for all of the Iron Horse chapters. The women want to be on your good side not only because they understand what it’s like to love a biker, but for their old men’s sakes. Also means sluts are gonna hit on Smoke, probably right in front of you…at least they will until Smoke makes it clear that he’s off limits. No one wants to piss off your old man.”

My mind spun with all the information he’d dumped on me, and I rubbed my temples. “Anything else? Am I going to have to go undercover as a club slut?”

He burst out laughing. “Fuck no, not unless we want Smoke to burn some unlucky mother fucker pig roast style over a bonfire.”

“What?” The gruesome image tried to gain a hold in my mind and I shuddered.

After a moment of studying me, Hulk laughed. It was a nice laugh, deep and melodic, but it was also a fake laugh. “Just fuckin’ with you, girl. Smoke’ll be here soon and I’ll give you a chance to get settled. Lock the door, but try to get some downtime, okay? Are you hungry?”

“We had dinner on the road so I’m good.”

He gestured to the corner of the room by the dresser. “You’ve got a stocked mini-fridge up here so take whatever you want. Lemme give you my cell phone number. You need anything you call me.”

I took his number then followed him to the door and clicked the deadbolt on the thick wood door with a sigh after he left. While I might be shit at understanding people, I had a feeling that Hulk was a good guy beneath all the biker menace. In fact, I had an odd feeling we could be friends if time allowed it, but that didn’t mean I trusted him. I’d wait until I talked to Smoke before I did anything or believed anyone.

After turning off the bright overhead light and turning on the brass lamp next to my side of the bed, I collapsed back onto the firm mattress with a sigh. I stared at the ceiling with unseeing eyes for a bit, then pulled my backpack over and began to go through my knives. I looked them over to decide which ones I’d carry on me, and if I wanted to wear my bellyband to hold my weapons or if that might be overkill.

I tossed one of the suitcases, which had somehow made it to the room while I talked with Khan, onto the bed, eager to get out of the clothes I’d been traveling in all day. Thankfully, the weather up here was cool enough to warrant the tight, stretchy, brown pants and a cream, cashmere, long-sleeve sweater with what looked like angora around the wrists. I hadn’t seen the pants or sweater before, but somehow seven outfits of the same sexy, but subdued style had been packed in a suitcase that belonged to Smoke. He said he had a bag packed for me, but I thought it meant I was going to be dressed by the hooker express again.

I was surprised there were no clothes that were blinged out, or over-the-top sexy, and I wondered who had bought them. My answer came in the form of a sealed envelope on top of the clothing and shoes. It was addressed to me, and I opened the pretty floral stationery envelope and pulled out elegant paper, surprised to find that it was from Smoke’s sister, Julia. We’d met briefly back in Austin. I wasn’t sure if she approved of me being in Smoke’s life so I was hesitant to read the letter.

Hi Swan,

Miguel mentioned to me that he was having the party girls from his clubhouse buy you clothes. I can only shudder at the thought of what kind of stripper outfits you’d end up with, and I can imagine that you would be miffed that Miguel had those whores shopping for you. I got a little heated with him because I know our parents raised him better than to pull a stunt like that. In his defense, he is absolutely clueless about how a woman’s mind works. He’s never paid attention to any female long enough to care, so he didn’t mean any harm. He’s just dumb. It also doesn’t help that the only two girlfriends who meant anything to him cheated on him. I know, his life sounds like a bad Spanish soap opera, but he’s really trying his best to do right by you. He’s just clueless, like most men, about the opposite sex.

Once I calmed down and explained to him how he’d fucked up by asking some woman he might have had random sex with in the distant past to buy anything for a woman he clearly loves, he saw the error of his ways. Needless to say, he felt like an asshole, and it will never happen again.

I’ve been in the MC life for ten years now, and I know it’s hard to adjust to at first. Getting used to a world where women are second-class citizens isn’t easy, but your relationship can be anything you and your man want it to be. Just because some of his brothers may treat their women like shit and fuck anything that spreads its legs it doesn’t mean Miguel will. For myself, I’d rather not be exposed to the skanks at the clubhouse, but that’s not all the Iron Horse MC is. We’re a family, and we love and take care of each other. The clubhouse isn’t just used as a fuck pad. There are lots of parties there where the kids get to play together while the adults hang out. Those are the special times when everyone is together and you realize just how blessed you are to know these amazing people. I hope you realize that Smoke comes with a big group of people who love him and are delighted to see someone who makes him so obviously happy. You have no idea how long I’ve prayed for Smoke to find a woman who would love him for who he is. The way he talks about you, it’s clear he is head over heels, and I hope you realize what a good man he is beneath all his bullshit.

I’ve rambled on enough, I’m doing an overnight shift at the clinic with some sick puppies, and I’m really wired on caffeine after shopping for you all day—which was totally fun, by the way. So, if you need a personal shopper in the future, let me know. My girls picked out some of your clothes, so I’m sorry about the bright red and orange floral sweater. They insisted it was beautiful. Smoke bought clothes for my daughters in exchange for their help, so they took their job very seriously. ;)

You have no idea how grateful I am to you for bringing out the absolute best in Smoke. It’s been years since he’s expressed interest in a woman of any character or worth, let alone falling head over heels in love with her. I’m sorry I was so harsh with you when we met. I let my fear overrule my compassion. I hope that when we get to see each other again we’ll go out for drinks. Stay safe and keep my idiot brother alive for me.

Welcome to the family.

Julia

I reread the note at least a dozen times, my eyes seeing the words while an unfamiliar feeling tightened deep in my chest when I finally accepted the fact that she had done something not only very nice for me, but true to my style. The clothes were comfortable for the most part—cute jeans paired with tops that showed a bit of skin, but managed to be conservative. There were also two of what I considered were ‘club dresses’, meaning they were short and ultra-sexy, but there was no risk of my tits popping out or my skirt riding up over my ass.

I placed the note on top of the clothing, determined to remember this moment of acceptance. A part of me had wondered if Smoke’s sister would ever warm up to me. The thought of possible rejection hurt, but I’d tried to ignore it because I realized that just being around me was dangerous. Right now, I had a ton of baggage, and I couldn’t blame her for being worried about Smoke’s safety, even if I wished she’d give me a chance. I know his sister was all that he had left and that he loved her very much. The last thing I wanted to do was harm their relationship, so her note lifted one of many burdens from my shoulders.

As I closed the suitcase, there was a brisk knock on my door. Conscious that someone would be watching my room and would have stopped anyone they deemed dangerous from getting near me, I only hid a couple knives on me, feeling Mimi’s blessing as my fingers touched the cool surface of the blades. She’d had a perfectly balanced set made for me as a high school graduation present—along with a pearl bracelet. The brisk knock came again, as if the person outside was pissed at having to wait. I moved quickly to the door and took a breath to steady myself, praying it was Smoke.

I opened it and was greeted by the sight of three topless women who seemed surprised to see me. They were brunettes and each wore a Band-Aid-size skirt in different loud colors. I immediately dubbed them Slut #1, Slut #2, and Slut #3. In an odd way, they reminded me of the Three Musketeers. They all sneered at me, but I kept my face calm, laughing on the inside. If they thought the sight of some nipples was going to freak me out, they were way wrong. I leaned against the doorframe and raised a brow.

“Can I help you?”

The words were perfectly polite, but the tone was not, and the three topless women exchanged confused looks. The one in the lead, a brunette with layered bangs and a neon green skirt, narrowed her gaze. “We’re here to see Smoke.”