One Ride (The Hellions Ride) (23 page)

It’s Been Awhile

Forty eight days.  That’s how long I’ve been back home.  Forty eight days that I’ve picked up my phone to call or text Tripp and haven’t done it.  No one will tell Sass and I everything, but what we gather is the Hellions went to Delatorre’s warehouse.  A fight ensued.  Delatorre and his crew were eliminated.  We lost four guys and Tank’s in the hospital fighting for his life, while machines take each calculated breath for him.  I’ve paid my respects to the families of our lost brothers.

I’m in my office staring at the computer screen.  I could email him, or should I text him?  Leaving so many things unsaid between us, over time, is pulling at me.  The more I think on it, the more I decide not to contact him.  He knows my number, and he hasn’t called me.  The pain cuts deep, the hole in my heart growing with every passing day that Tripp’s not in my life.  Is he okay?  Is he on a transport? 

Brought out of my musing by my office door opening, I look up to see the bitch I’ve been waiting for.  Standing, I walk straight up to her.  Balling my hand into a fist, I rear back and punch her in the face.  She stumbles back at the unexpected force.  Immediately, her hand goes up to clutch her rapidly swelling eye.  I missed her nose. Damn, I’d love to break that.  Give her a bump that will make her think of me every damn time she looks in the mirror.

Frisco runs in from where he was outside.  “Doll, what the fuck, babe?”  He asks staring me down.

“She had it coming.”  I say shaking my, now sore, hand out.  “Been waitin’ to get a hold of her.”

She looks at me, tears streaming down her face.  “I deserve that and more.  Doll, I’m-”

“Name’s Delilah.”   I interject with my hand on my hip now. “My friends and family call me Doll.  You aren’t my family and you sure as shit ain’t my friend.” 

“Delilah, I’m sorry.  Felix, he threatened Alyssa, she’s Rachael’s daughter.  He wanted me to be friends with you, using Rachael as a connection.  I couldn’t do it, though.  I pretended I was talking to you on the phone.  When he told me he was bringing me to meet you at your office, I knew I was busted because you didn’t know me.  He beat the shit out of me and still made me come.  I was supposed to talk to you while they were in the office, but I didn’t want to put you in danger.  I’m sorry, Delilah.  I can’t say that enough, but I was protecting my cousins and the people that mean the most to them.  I did just enough that he would leave them alone and took the beatings for not drawing you in.  I worked at the shipping yard with Ray and Zack.  Delatorre offered me money to handle getting some shipments through.  That was just the beginning.  When he did a background check on me, he found my only remaining family.  He tied Rachael to you.  He wanted me to be a pawn in his game to push the Hellions to do more than transport.  He wanted them to sell the drugs he’s been shipping too.  I got in too deep and I brought you down with me.  I’m glad you’re okay and I wish I could go back and change so many things.”

This woman got her ass beat multiple times for me.  A stranger.  She let that man hurt her so that she wouldn’t drag me into the mess.  Loyalty like that is rare, but I’m still pissed.  I can forgive, just not easily. 

“I don’t know what to say to you.”  My tone is now one that is calm and collected.

“You don’t have to say anything.  I needed to apologize to you.  The trouble is gone.  I’ll be going home soon.  I wanted to face you and tell you why.”

Frisco steps up, pulling her against him, “Told you, babe, ain’t goin’ nowhere until the nightmares stop and you know you’re safe.”

He’s my dad’s age, she’s my age.  Yet, seeing them together doesn’t seem awkward, rather it seems he’s exactly what she needs. Frisco’s wife left him years ago, saying he was never gonna grow up.  He always took care of her, like the rock star situation.  It wasn’t enough and when it came to club or love, Frisco wouldn’t walk away from the club.  Do I want Amy Mitchell hangin’ around?  No.  But after feeling the fear of Delatorre being after me, I can understand the need to help her be secure once again.  Frisco will make sure she feels safe and get her back on her feet.

“Water under the bridge.  You stay outta my way, I’ll stay outta yours.  You fuck over my club, I’ll cut a bitch.  Know that.”  I say before retreating to my dad’s office.  Okay, so I probably wouldn’t cut her because I don’t have it in me, but she doesn’t know me well enough to know I’m bluffing.

Hearing the door open and close, I go back to my desk.  Well, I guess if I can attempt to move past things and put up with Amy then I should face the situation with Tripp.  Pulling my phone out, I type and this time I actually hit the send button.

Thinking of u.  Take care Talon.  <3 Doll

Deciding that waiting to see if he’ll respond would kill me, I turn my phone off.  He’s moved on.  Someone else is warming his bed.  Hell, he may not recognize the number or given the way he left, he may not even respond.

Being on the road usually relaxes me.  Not this time.  I’ve made sure to stay gone as much as possible the last six almost seven weeks, since taking Doll home.  It’s done nothing to help my mood or keep Lucy off my back.  She calls daily.  I ignore them.  She leaves messages.  I’ve contemplated changing my number, but this is the number Doll has.  If she needs me, I made a promise to be there. 

On the last run, I met a chick named Danielle.  Her shoulder length black hair, her brown eyes, and her curves all reminded me she wasn’t Doll.  She was pretty enough, she wanted me bad, but in the end she wasn’t Doll.  I couldn’t do it, so ‘Dee’ and I parted ways almost as quickly as we began.  So, it’s also been almost seven weeks since I’ve fucked.  Although I’m not Rex, this has been a long fucking dry spell.

Pulling into my drop off point, I unhitch the trailer.  Finding my hotel for the night, it’s after eleven, and a bed’s never been more inviting.  Well, any bed with Doll is more inviting, but that’s done.  I fall into the same restless sleep I have every night.  Consumed in dreams of her smile, her kiss, and each one ending in her walking away, it’s the same dream night after night. 

Getting up the next morning, I shower to try and bring life back into my exhausted body.  Sitting on the bed, I turn my phone on so I can check in with Rex back home.  The phone lights up as her name appears on my screen.  Well, fuck me, she sent a message yesterday.  Sending a quick reply, I type.

U need something?

What do I say?  The only reason she should be reaching out to me is because she wants something.  Before I have a chance to finish gathering my stuff, my phone pings alerting me to a new message, I look down to see it’s her.

I need 2 know ur ok <3 Doll

Fine. U good? 

I reply.  And so it begins.  We spend the rest of the day texting here and there.  Soon, one day turns into one week.  One week turns into one month, and now two months.

It’s been almost four months since I’ve seen her now, and for the last three weeks, we’ve talked daily after we’ve been texting regularly.  Tank is stable, but there is no guarantee he will ever wake up from the coma.  Sass visits him all the time according to Doll. 

Listening to her tell me about her day makes the long hours on the road manageable.  I’ve never looked forward to talking to someone before.  I’m heading back home tonight and Doll is supposed to be there when I pull in.  I don’t know where we go from here.  Tonight though, she’s gonna be in my bed where she belongs.  In the morning we can sort out our shit once and for all.

Not Enough

Having had enough of only having phone time, I want to see Tripp.  He’s on his way in from a transport.  I agreed to be at his house when he arrives home.  Making the five hour drive wasn’t terrible.  Stopping by his office, I plan to run in real quick and get the house key from Rex.

“Doll,” he greets, stepping from behind the desk.  Standing in front of me, he hands me the key.  “I’ll be out for the night so the house is yours.”  He adds with a wink.

“Thanks, Rex.  It’s good to see you.”  I say, getting ready to leave. 

Something in Rex’s face changes as I turn to see what has his attention.  I’m lost on the little woman in front of me.  Time has not treated her well, her skin looks like leather that hasn’t been oiled.  She’s shorter than me, around five feet tall.  Her clothing is well worn, having seen better days.  Her hair is shoulder length golden color that looks brittle.  Everything about this woman looks easy to break.  She smells like alcohol and stale cigarettes.  It’s the middle of the day, why does she smell like she’s spent her time in a night club or bar?  My eyes come to meet hers.  One look, my chest tightens as I recognize those eyes. 

“Rex, when is Talon due back?”  She asks.  Her voice gravelling from what I assume to be too many years of smoking. 

“Lucy, I can’t tell you that.”  Rex says stiffening beside me.

“Then I’ll just sit on the front porch of your house until he returns.”  Moving in closer to Rex and me as she speaks, I’m at a loss as to what to say or do.  Tripp didn’t tell me his mom was in town.

“Lucy now’s not a good time.  I’ll talk to Tripp for you, but honestly, you need to give him space.”  Rex says, as he’s guiding her by the elbow to the door.

“No, I’m not leaving Drexel Devon Crews and you can’t make me.  Talon needs to talk to me.  If I can fix this with him, then I can fix me, Rex.  Y’all don’t understand.  I have to fix things with my son before I can fix myself.”  She pleads, now crying.

My heart breaking for her and for the man I love.  His mom is a mess.  The years of drinking and obvious guilt have made their marks.

“Give it time.  Tripp will open up.  You being around and wanting this is still fresh.”  I find myself saying before I realize it. 

Shit!  I’ve stuck my nose in something I shouldn’t have once again.  The look on Rex’s face lets me know I crossed an unspoken boundary and Tripp will not like this.

“You Talon’s woman?”  She turns around to face me coming back toward me and away from the door.

“Doll, don’t go there.  This is between the two of them.”  Rex warns, reaching out to turn Lucy around to the door again.

Jerking out of his grasp, she faces me once again.  “You tell my son, I love him.  I’m sorry.  I want to fix this.  I’m sorry.  Tell him that please.  I’m sorry.  I can’t say it enough.”  Her words feel like they are more than drunken ramblings.  They feel heartfelt and real.

Unable to control the tears now freely falling from my face, I can only nod my head in agreement.  I hear Rex muttering cuss words under his breath as Lucy finally leaves.  If only I could have a second chance to be with my mom.  She’s gone.  I can’t forgive anything even if she was to mess.  Surely, Tripp can see that nothing can be that unforgivable.  She’s making the effort to be here that should count for something.  He’s got to talk to her.

Parking the truck in the back lot, I enter the office.  Rex let me know earlier that Doll arrived safely.  Walking in my office, I’m ready to sign off on this transport and get the hell home. 

“Rex, you got everything covered for tomorrow?”  I ask, signing the paperwork on my desk.

“Yeah man.  Tripp, you need to know.  Lucy was here today.”  Suddenly, carefree Rex is serious.

“What’s she got to do with anything?” 

“She was here while Doll was here.”  He says meeting my stare.

“Was she wasted?” 

His face gave me all the confirmation I need.  My mom can’t lay off the booze.  She’s been out of control since I was born.  According to Aunt Jolene, she was so young.  Having a baby was overwhelming.  My dad bailed on her.  She was lost and went wild.  Being too young to be responsible she blamed me, an innocent child, for every problem she had.  When she started taking her frustrations and anger out on me, my Pop’s stepped in and sent her packing.  She had nowhere to go and sunk into a deeper hole.  She’s trying to get her life together, but feels like she can’t do that without me.  All these years later, she’s still blaming me.  Her problems still rest on my shoulders.  Without my forgiveness, she can’t move forward and get sober, she claims.  At what point will she own her shit and fix herself?

“Doll react to it?”  I ask as the tension builds inside of me.  Doll had her mom when she was young.  Maybe not long enough, but she had her from the beginning.  Doll has always had Roundman.  He’s a rock, someone you can depend on. 

“She’s gonna try to fix it knowing Doll.  Head’s up man, she was cryin’.  I tried to explain it, but Doll was muttering about her own momma.  I don’t know what you’re walkin’ in on at home.  I’ll be at Tessie’s tonight if you need me.”

Shocked by his choice of sleep arrangements, I’m quickly drawn out of my own problems.

“Man, why the fuck are you going to Tessie’s?  She’s got Axel. He doesn’t need to see you there.  Tessie ain’t like that, bringing men around her boy. You got her wrapped, damn it.  She’s incapable of tellin’ you no, and has been for years.  So, she ain’t gonna tell you not to be around her boy.  Pick a bar fly.  Hell, get a hotel.  Don’t go to Tessie’s house.”

“It’s all good, Tripp.  Axel will be at her mom’s tonight.  You know Tessie won’t let me or anyone else near her kid.  She knows the deal, it’s all good.  You get your ass outta here, your woman’s home waitin’.”

Rex and Tessie is something I’m not getting involved in.  He’s gonna fuck her over.  That’s their deal, I’ll always be there to throw her an extra few bucks, but she gets her head and heart wrapped up in Rex, that’s on her.  We’ve known Tessie for a while now.  She knows Rex better than most.  This dance they’re playing though, it ain’t gonna end well for her.

Leaving the office, my excitement from earlier is now turning to anger.  Lucy won’t go away.  Doll met my mess up of a mother.  What am I coming home to?

Pulling up, my irritation is building more.  Walking in, I’m expecting weird tension between us.  I haven’t seen Doll since she left without saying goodbye.  Entering through my kitchen, she meets me at the entry to the living room.  She looks amazing.  She’s in a navy blue, knee length dress with these red, fuck me heels.  Her blonde hair is down with one side pinned back with a flower.  The gloss on her lips makes me lose focus on everything but kissing her.  Leaning down, I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her into me.  My other hand snakes through her hair as I crush my lips down on her.  She moans against me, her body relaxing into my hold.  Our tongues and lips in a tango, the passion is burning between us as I pull away.

“Hello Darlin’, miss me?”  The smile that comes across my face causes my breath to hitch.  Damn, she’s everything.  Her hands come up on my t-shirt as she pulls at me.

“Kiss me, Tripp.”  She says looking up at me. 

Leaning down, I whisper against her ear. “Say it.” 

“Kiss me, damn it.”  Doll demands.

“Not till you say you missed me.”  I say running my nose along her jawline. 

“I missed you.  Kiss me, damn it.”  Laughing, I take her head in both of my hands now. 

Brushing my lips against hers, I slowly tease her.  When she stomps her foot down in frustration, I devour her mouth.  Pulling her out of the entryway and into the kitchen, I push her up against the kitchen wall.  Having the wall behind her, she wraps one leg around me as she tries to climb up my body.  My hands roam, cupping her ass as I rock her into my ever growing erection.  I want nothing more than to take her to my room and fuck her until she can’t walk in those fuckin’ shoes.  Gathering my self-control, I pull away.  We’re both breathing heavy as Doll looks at me.  My forehead resting on hers, the depths of those crystal blue eyes consume me. 

“Babe, I’ve been on the road.  I need a shower and a meal.  Then I’ll give you everything you want, okay?”

She bites her bottom lip.  Sexy as hell, I’m fucked.  One of her legs still wrapped around mine and her hands fisted into my shirt.  She’s not letting go.  Her face flushed in her want.  Unable to resist, I use my tongue to sweep across her lips causing her to stop biting at her bottom lip so I could suck on it.  When I pull away this time, she’s smiling at me.

Fuck it.  I lift her up as she wraps her legs around me.  She’s kissing my neck, reaching my ear she tugs at it gently with her teeth.  Laying her back on my kitchen table, I push the bottom of her dress up and pull her panties off.  My fingers immediately begin moving between her wet folds as she rocks into me moaning for more.  She pushes herself to the edge of the table, and reaches for my belt.  Quickly, she’s released me.  The look in her eyes, as I stare down at her, is one of heated, irresistible desire.  She’s taking another piece of me with her as I join my body to hers.  Her tight cunt squeezing around me after so long is the real homecoming for me.  Never breaking eye contact, I look down at her.  Watching as she tries to control her body and hold out.  Reaching between us, I rub circles over her clit sending her over the edge.  Unable to hold back any further, I release into her.  Something about watching her lose all control under me pulls at my emotions.  She’s mine.  For a moment, I keep us connected as I come down and kiss her with all the unsaid feelings between us.  Pulling out, I tuck my dick in my jeans and bend down to retrieve her panties. 

“Do you want me to cook for you?”  She asks shyly, putting her panties back on and sliding off the table.

“No babe, we’ll go out for dinner.  You cookin’ in my kitchen in those shoes will not motivate me to get a shower or get us fed.”