Severed Justice (Severed MC Book 3) (5 page)

It’s been a couple of days since my visit to the tattoo shop and
I’ve had enough of sitting around thinking about her. I need to get the fuck out of this clubhouse and go for a ride on my bike.

When I pull up outside Ink’s tattoo studio, I can see Emma through the large glass window. She’s on the phone, laughing. I clench my fists, hoping that it’s not a guy, because she looks pretty fucking happy.

I’m making my way to the door, but just as I open it I hear Ink’s voice behind me. “Back again brother?”

I turn to see him leaning against the building, having a smoke. “Couldn’t help myself.”

He smiles as he puts out his cigarette. “I have the feeling you’re not here to see me.”

“You got that right.”

He nods his head. “Just be careful.”

I frown. “Why are you so bothered?”

“Because she’s a friend, and as much as my old lady hates her, I can’t help but look out for her. So be careful.”

I nod my head. “Got it loud and clear brother.”

“Go knock yourself out then. “ He laughs as he passes me, walking into the front of the shop. As he passes by Emma at the reception desk he gives her a wave. “You have a guest Em.”

Fuck. I could kill him.

Emma looks towards the door as I step in, her eyes widen for a fraction of a second before her face falls expressionless. She straightens her back as she types away on the laptop, not looking at me.

“Are you really working, or are you just chatting on Facebook?” I ask.

She looks up at me before looking back down at the computer screen. Great, that question fell flat.

I sigh heavily, leaning my elbows on the large black counter. I watch her for a few minutes before she snaps.

“Are you here for a reason, or are you just planning to stand there all day?”

“I’m here to talk to you babe.”

“I’m okay thanks.”

“I’m interested in you babe, can’t you tell when a man’s desperate?”

“You’re not interested in me, only what’s between my legs.” She snaps, not bothering to look at me.

Damn she has a tough side. I am fucking loving it! Her words make my cock twitch, as I picture what’s between those luscious legs of hers. I fight back a groan of approval. She wouldn’t appreciate that at all.

“That’s not entirely true babe.” She frowns at me and I hold my hands up in surrender. “Hear me out. Since I saw you the other day I can’t get you out of my head. I just want to get to know you a little better is all.”

“I can’t, I’m sorry.”

“Just give me a chance?”

She sighs. “Look, you seem nice and all, but from what I know of bikers like you and Ink, I’m not interested.”

“You got it all wrong, me and Danni aren’t together.”

“That’s not what Ink said yesterday.”

“Yeah well he doesn’t know shit. I’m free and single baby, give me a chance.”

She stops her typing to look up at me. “So if Danni saw us together in an intimate way she wouldn’t be bothered?”

I don’t answer. I can’t because I don’t know the answer.  Danni knows I don’t want anyone else in her bed, but I never said she’d be the only woman in mine. Not to mention the thought of being caught with Emma in an intimate position is doing crazy shit to my head.

I hear Emma scoff and she shakes her head. She gets up from her chair and begins to walk away.  Before she can escape from behind her desk I stand in front of her.

“Where are you going?”

“Leaving, if you don’t mind I’d like you to go now so I can do my job in peace.”

“Why? I didn’t say anything.”

She raises her eyebrows at me. “Exactly Justice. Your silence was enough of an answer for me.”

That’s the first time she’s said my name and I fucking love the way
it sounds on her lips. I want to hear her scream my name.

“I just didn’t know what to say. If she gets upset, it’s not my fault. We’re not together like that.”

“The way I see it, you’re spoken for. I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t be with a man I’ve only just met, for all I know he could already be taken and I’m not going through that shit again.”

***

Justice is staring at me. He’s got a look of desperation on his face. He’s gorgeous and dangerous, both things I look for in a man, but I can’t. Not this time.

He’s already taken. If I let myself be with him, that would be cheating in my book. I won’t hurt another woman because of my poor judgment. No matter how hot and sexy he is.

“Just wait here, okay?”  I watch as Justice pulls out his phone.

“I’m not going anywhere.” I assure him. I am supposed to be at work after all.

Justice types a number into his phone and starts to walk outside. “Just don’t leave until I get back.”

I watch him from my desk as he talks on the phone. I think he must be ringing Danni; he looks too happy to be talking to someone from the club. He’s smiling and laughing; exactly how I think he’d behave if he were talking to a girlfriend.

While he’s out there a client walks in and I ring Ink to let him know. When he comes out he walks up over to me instead of his client. “Where’s Justice?”

“Outside.” I incline my head to where he’s talking.

“Haven’t scared him off already then?”

I frown at his mocking smile. “Believe me, I’ve tried.”

He looks at me seriously. “Look, I haven’t known him long but what I do know is he’s a good guy. He’s got Danni but he says they’re not serious. Whatever the situation is, she’s there. Just wanted to give you a heads up.”

“Thanks.” I smile.

He turns to leave, but before he does he looks over his shoulder at me. “There’s no harm in having some hot sex though.”

Winking, he walks over to his next client. When Justice walks back in I’m still laughing.

“You seem in a better mood?”

I just smile at him because there’s no way I’m going to tell him what Ink just suggested.

“I spoke to Danni.”

My head snaps up in shock. “You did?”

“Yep. She said she’s fine with me and you getting together I told you she would be.”

I’m in shock. I can’t believe any girl would say that! Especially
when they could have a man like Justice all to themself.

“I’m allowed to satisfy my needs with whoever I like babe.” He leans on the desk with his elbows, invading my space. “So how about that drink?”

“I don’t know. I just can’t believe a girl would say that when you’re sleeping with her.”

He shrugs his shoulders. “Danni’s passive in the sack, I love how responsive she is, but sometimes I’d just like her to take control. I love sex with her, but sometimes I just want a bit more of a challenge, to not always be the one in charge.”

I listen with fascination; I haven’t met a guy who likes that type of sex. I also feel like I’ve just seen an honest side to Justice as he speaks about wanting to be himself in the bedroom, not the one in control all the time. I get that. I suppose it can get tiring.

“So? That drink?” He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively at me, making me laugh. “Look, I promise I’m not going to push you to do anything you don’t want or take part in some threesome okay? It will be just us, getting to know each other.”

I nod my head. “Okay fine, one drink.” I agree.

A huge grin lights up his face. “Fucking fantastic.”

I laugh at his words, trying to ignore the weird sense of disappointment at the mention of no threesomes. That sure as hell would be one hot experience I wouldn’t necessarily say no to.

I’m still laughing with Justice when I hear the shop
’s front door open. I turn and see Elle walking in. Shit. 

The look on her face when she sees the two of us together is not pleasant.

“Well, I see once a whore, always a whore.” She spits out at me in greeting.  “And I thought better of you Justice. What would Danni say?” She lashes out at him verbally.

“None of your fucking business Elle.” He snaps back. 

The normally roomy shop front suddenly feels claustrophobic.  I don’t want to be here. I’m not one to back down in a fight, but Elle deserves her anger.  I shouldn’t have slept with Ink.  I should have made sure he was free first.  I’m no better than the whore she’s calling me. I feel dirty under her cold gaze.

I gather my resolve, looking her right in the eye. “Elle, I’m so sorry about what happened.  I promise you that I didn’t know.” I apologize.  That seems to take the wind out of her sails a little. I suspect the last thing she expected to hear from me was an apology.  “I promise you it won’t happen again.”

Elle huffs and heads off to the back of the shop and Ink’s room.  I didn’t expect it would be easy with her, but I guess I didn’t expect it to be this hard either.

“So, this drink, when’s it happening?” Justice purrs. Typical man, he’s totally oblivious to the change in atmosphere now Elle’s arrived.  I can’t do this right now. Maybe this is a mistake.

“Call me later. I need to get back to work.” I’m a little short with him, that’s unfair of me, but I need to distract myself with work right now.  I’m not a whore, but whenever I see Elle, I always end up feeling like one.

***

Ink left to go back to the clubhouse with Elle, and with Justice distracting me I forgot to get him to sign the payroll and bills. It’s not something that can be left, so Joe offered to watch the reception desk for me while I drive to the club.  When I pull up at the gates, I wish I’d phoned ahead. Maybe this wasn’t such a hot idea.

I explain the reason for my visit to the prospect on the gates. As soon as I mention my name I get ‘the look’. Shit. Does everyone here know what happened between me and Ink? I might as well have taken out a full-page ad in the bloody paper.  He phones ahead to let Ink know I’m on my way and before I’ve fully parked the car the front door opens and Justice walks out.

“Hey babe, couldn’t keep away from me I see.” He smirks at me, his arms outstretched as I get out of my car. 

“Not now Justice, please. I just want to get this paperwork signed and get back to the shop. Sooner I’m out of here the better.” I plead, clutching the file to my chest.

He walks over and puts his arm around my shoulder, guiding me to the front door when it flies open revealing a rather irate Elle.  Double shit. She glares at me and I feel the anger radiating from her.

“You fucking whore!” She screams at me, taking a step towards me.  “How dare you set foot here, in my home! Take your skanky fucking ass and get the fuck out of here.” She’s so angry she’s turned red in the face.

“But… I … I need Ink to sign this paperwork, it’s important.” I finally get out, showing her the file in my hands.  She slaps it away, scattering the papers over the yard.

“You are not to set foot anywhere near my home. Do you understand me whore? It’s bad enough I have to know you’re sitting there working in the same building as Ink, but you sure as fuck ain’t invading my home as well.” She snarls, nose to nose with me now. “Get that through your head bitch.” With those last words she shoves me back.

I may understand her hatred, but no one pushes me like that.  I stand taller, staring her down.

“Touch me again bitch and you’ll be eating that floor.” I threaten her.

“Give her a slap Elle, fucking bitch deserves it.” Someone yells.  There appears to be a crowd of onlookers.

Before I have time to process what’s happening, Elle slaps me across my cheek. Fuck, that stings. I look at her in shock. I can’t believe she just did that. I don’t even think about what I do next, it’s an automatic reaction.  I lash out, knocking her to the floor as I promised. I revel in the groan she makes when her ass hits the deck.  That’ll teach the bitch to start on me.  I may look sweet and innocent, but I’m a tough cookie when I need to be.

Before I know it Elle is back up and on me.  She’s biting, clawing and yanking on my hair.  I’m too busy doing the same to her to think about what we’re doing. Our screams merge as we take our anger out on each other. Elle hates me for what I did with Ink, and I retaliate because she won’t let me fucking forget it, calling me a whore every opportunity she gets.

I can vaguely register catcalls and cheers from the surrounding crowd.  At one point I catch sight of Justice, he’s just standing there fucking smirking as we fight.  Prick.

Elle gets in a slap that makes my head ring.  Bloody hell that woman has a hell of an arm on her.

I’m about to return the favor when I feel strong arms dragging me away.  I’ve no idea who it is, but I see Ink trying to pull Elle back from me.  She’s putting up one hell of a fight though as he tries his best not to hurt her.

A petite brunette steps in between us and holds her arms out to separate us.

“Come on Elle, she’s not worth it.” She soothes.  “You’re better than this. This is how the club whores behave, you wanna act like a club whore?” That works. Elle instantly calms herself, although it doesn’t stop her throwing a look of pure hatred over at me.

“Calm it babe.” A voice croons in my ear.  I realize I’m being held against a firm male body.  I register the voice about the same time I register his hard length pressing into my ass.  It’s Justice.  I can’t believe the prick got excited over a bloody catfight. Damn that thing feels huge!

The brunette is whispering in Elle’s ear now and I can’t hear Elle’s reply, but they both look at me.  Elle with hatred still in her eyes, and the brunette with sympathy.  What the fuck? 

Ink manages to persuade a rather reluctant Elle back into the clubhouse.  Most of the crowd has dispersed now, just a few stragglers staying on to watch.  The brunette moves over to me.

“Sorry about that Emma. Elle’s still a little pissed about what happened with you and Ink, as you probably know already.” She reaches up to my face; her hand comes away with blood on it.  “Looks like a nasty cut you’ve got there, come on in and let me get that patched up for you.”

I’m still on an adrenalin high and can’t feel the sting of the cut.  I start to follow her back to the front door when she stops and turns back to me.

“Sorry. I didn’t introduce myself.” She looks back at Justice before giving me a warm smile. “I’m Danni. It’s a pleasure to meet you.” Double shit. Can this day get any worse?

I follow her up the steps and into the large open room; Justice still has his arm thrown casually over my shoulder.  Why does it feel like I’m about to enter the lion’s den?

***

Danni

I won’t say I wasn’t hurt by Justice’s phone call earlier because I was.  I can’t believe he wants to sleep with someone else.  It’s not like I have any real say in the matter, he’s a biker, he’ll do whatever he wants whether I give him permission to or not. I’d hoped I meant more to him than that.  I guess it means something that he rang me and told me what he was planning though.  Most of the guys wouldn’t bother to do that. He’s never mentioned making me his old lady, although he’s made it clear to everyone that he won’t share me.  I’m somewhere in limbo, neither a club whore nor an old lady and it’s confusing the hell out of me.

I don’t live here at the clubhouse with Justice. I’ve got my own apartment in town.  It took a while for him to bring me here and introduce me to everyone.  I felt a little like a guilty secret, but now I get on well with everyone.  They all look out for me and I love them. They’ve become my extended family.  Cowboy calls me ‘Little Sis’, he takes any opportunity he can to remind me how petite and tiny I am.  I miss Holly, but the women here have become friends. They include me in their social nights, I help out at club events and I see a lot of the guys when I’m working at the bar in town.

Justice telling me he wants to sleep with Emma feels like it’s going to change all that, although he’s assured me it won’t.  He tried explaining it this afternoon when he got back, but I’m not sure I get it.  He kept going on about needing something different, something challenging in the bedroom.  He needs something different to what I give him, but he still needs me.  I’m confused to hell and back.  I don’t understand what he’s trying to explain.  What I do know is that if all I can have is a part of him, then I’ll take it.  I’d rather have a half share than lose him altogether.

I wasn’t overly impressed when he told me it was Emma he wanted to sleep with.  Condoning that feels like I’m betraying my friend Elle.  I know how hard it’s been for her to forgive Ink.  I also know that Emma was clueless that Ink was in a relationship. It wasn’t Emma’s fault and she doesn’t deserve Elle’s hatred.  Unfortunately having forgiven Ink, Elle needs a focus for her anger and Emma’s her target.

When I walked outside and saw them fighting I realized Elle has met her match in Emma.  That girl isn’t going to stand for any of her shit. She was putting up a hell of a fight until Ink and Justice pulled them apart.  I kind of admire her for that. You have to be tough to survive around here.

I don’t think it was a good idea for her to come here to the clubhouse though. I hope to God that Justice didn’t invite her knowing I was here.  That would just rub salt into an already painful wound. 

I grab the first aid box from behind the bar and start to tend to Emma’s face.  Elle’s left a long scratch mark down the side of Emma’s eye. She’s lucky it wasn’t any further over or she could have damaged her sight.  We chat and make small talk while I clean the blood away and apply some antiseptic cream. It actually doesn’t look as bad as I feared it would.

We talk about music; about people we know in common, anything as long as it’s a safe subject.  Anything
but
Justice.  Then it happens.

“So you’re Danni.” She whispers.  She looks as uncomfortable as I feel.  I can tell she wants to say something but she’s struggling to find the words. I decide to help her out.

“Yes, I’m Danni.  And you’re Emma.  I guess you’re as confused over this thing with Justice as much as I am.” She nods her head a little. “Look Emma, I don’t really want to share Justice, but he never said he was exclusive to me.  I get that.  I’d rather have a part of him than none of him at all.” I pause, unsure how to put these feelings into words.  “I know you’re not the bad guy here.  He told me you wouldn’t go out for a drink with him even.” I laugh nervously. “If this whole situation wasn’t quite so fucked up I think we could be friends.”

“Yeah, I know what you mean.” Emma smiles.  There’s a connection between us.  From the little we’ve said to each other whilst I fixed her up I know we have a lot of things in common.  We like the same music, we share a similar sense of humor, and of course, we’re both attracted to the same hot biker.

I let out a deep breath before I speak my next words. “If you really need my permission then you have it.” Those are the hardest words I’ve ever spoken.  I draw her up from the bench and it feels like she towers over me, especially when she’s wearing heels and my five feet nothing is in flip-flops.  My head just about reaches her shoulder.  “Come on, let’s go get that paperwork you need signing. Might be a good idea if I take it into Ink for you.” I laugh again.  “Might be a good idea to give Elle a little space.” 

Justice looks over
at us from the bar where he’s been sitting watching the exchange, giving us room to sort out this whole weird situation.

“Get the drinks in big guy.” I call over. “We’re off to rescue this paperwork then I think us three need a chat don’t you?” He looks slightly nervous, not something I’m used to seeing, but nods his head in agreement.