Daydream (Oath Keepers MC) Read online

  “Appreciate it.” Nodding my thanks, I leave him to his business.

  He shakes my hand. “Good luck.”

  I have a feeling I need more than luck this time. One thing that running into Bethany has showed me, is that she wasn’t happy to see me. She was surprised, but not pleased, and that’s a problem.

  I head back toward the other brothers, grabbing a beer on my way. Viking will give it to me straight if he thinks I’m stupid for asking about her. I can trust him. He didn’t mention anything about me being a fool or that I should keep my space, so that’s something.

  Do I really want to get involved with her again, though, now that she has a kid? Baby daddy drama and all that shit in tow. I’d end up throwing the bastard in a dumpster and lighting it up if he gave her any kind of grief with me around. Not sure she wants that sorta shitshow in her life.

  It could be my chance at having a brat, though, if it were to work out. One thing that’s always ate away at me was not being able to have kids someday. I enjoy my freedom a lot; but hell, I want to have my own family eventually.

  I usually fall back on it as a way to push people away. You’re less likely to get hurt by anyone if they think you never want anything with them more than a quick fuck. I’ll be real, for a while tapping pussy and riding was exactly what I wanted. I’m getting older now and am no longer a Nomad, and having a family isn’t looking like a hindrance anymore. Quick fucks are great. I love that shit, but I want to have a son to carry on my name and my blood. I want to have the chance to be a good father, unlike my own old man.

  Princess has everything set up all nice and organized so everyone can load up their plates. She stands on the opposite side, helping the younger kids pick out what they want to eat. She’s always around the club, helping out and making sure everyone has what they need. Except for me, she usually pretty well ignores me. I don’t know why. I’ve never wronged her in any way, and I’d like to think of myself as being close with her ol’ man.

  Grabbing a plate, I fall into line behind the kids. Sure, I could grab what I want and go around them, but I need to speak with her, so I not-so-patiently wait until she’s free and it’s my turn. Of course, she instantly busies herself stirring the foods in each of the bowls, so she won’t have to acknowledge me.

  “Where’d your friend take off to?”

  Her irritated gaze meets mine. “Why do you care?” She’s straight to the point, as always. One thing I admire about her. Nothing scares or intimidates her, and if it does, she hides it well like her father.

  “Just curious, haven’t seen her around in a whole minute. Wanted to catch up.” And reacquaint myself with her body while I’m at it.

  “You wanted to sleep with her again, you mean?” She damn well knows that isn’t her business. My personal life is no concern of hers, but I let her get away with it since it’s her best friend and all. I need to play nice if I want her to give me the information I’m looking for.

  “Of course I do. Still, haven’t forgotten that sweet pussy sitting between those thighs. But no, I wanted to actually find out what all she’s been up to.”

  “Hmph,” she snorts and rolls her eyes. She’s lucky I’m a decent man. Back in the day; she’d get put in her place quick.

  “Where is she?” I’m done with the pleasantries. I asked her a fucking question, and if I have to talk to her ol’ man about her mouth, I will.

  She’s quiet a minute, being stubborn, but eventually, caves with a deep sigh. “She went to my house.”

  “Oh, yeah?”

  “Yeah, but she wasn’t feeling well. With the heat, the alcohol made her sick. She was going to rest up.” She follows her confession quickly. Obviously, B wanted some space if Princess is going to lengths explaining, to make sure I don’t head to her place searching out Bethany.

  “That’s shitty.”

  “She’ll be around once she’s feeling better.”

  “Hope so, hate to have to disturb her and all, just to get some time with her.”

  “No need. Let her rest, please. Once Bethany’s back, I’ll tell her you wanted to talk to her.”

  I watch her closely as I reply, so she knows I’m dead serious on seeing her again. “Bet, appreciate it, I’ll keep my eyes open for her then.”

  She nods, and as soon as I leave her be, I watch her take her cell out of her pocket. She types a text quickly and then stuffs it in her back pocket, glancing at me. I meet her eyes straight on, making her turn away immediately.

  She knows I saw her type that message, and I’d bet every penny in my wallet she was warning her friend right now that I was looking for her. I just can’t figure out why she’d need to. I thought Bethany and I left things on good terms. One day she was in my room letting me fuck her like a madman and the next she was gone. If anyone’s upset, it should be me. She left me high and dry, not so much as a ‘fuck you, I’m moving.’ Nothing.

  Women are confusing to me; they always have been. Should I show up at Viking’s house and surprise Bethany? As much as I want to, it’s probably not a good idea to pop up unannounced and all. She has a kid now; I have to watch how I handle this. The caveman approach Viking used on Princess won’t work for me, as much as I wish that were the case.

  I can’t believe she even has a kid. And that I’m still interested in her after all this time as well. Of course, I thought about her randomly over the years, but now that I’ve seen her, it’s like I’ve missed her.

  Did I really miss her? How is that even possible? We had a few fun times, nothing to get hung up on. I think it’s the fact that she took off and then years later shows up, kid in tow and isn’t instantly sprung on me like she was in the past. It’s fucking with my head.

  “You good?” Exterminator mutters as I post up next to him and survey the people spread out around the compound. All these people here and I’d bet Princess is nice to every damn one of ‘em except me. Wonder if any of these fuckers hit on B?

  “Fine.”

  “Princess?”

  “Damn Ice Queen.” I shrug, and he chuckles to himself.

  They find it entertaining that she doesn’t like me. I’m starting to wonder if her little friend has anything to do with that and what the hell Bethany would say to turn Princess against me.

  I mean, I never called the bitch after we were together, not like I could anyhow. I didn’t have her number. I could’ve asked Princess for it, but I don’t like people in my shit, and I was attacked by a lion right after that for fuck’s sake. I’m pretty sure lion attack pulls the trump card in anything.

  Clearly, I had my own shit to deal with. Bethany would’ve ended up hating me if she would’ve stuck around here anyhow. I was so damn angry after my attack happened, I couldn’t be near a woman anyhow. Not just because I was miserable, but I wouldn’t have let her see me so fucking weak and hurt.

  Nobody witnessed my struggle—not a single fucking person from this club. No one knew I went to specialists or spent hours upon hours in physical therapy, choking down orders from some dumb preppy fuck griping at me to ‘keep going.’ Christ, I wanted to kick his goddamn teeth in, but I didn’t. Preppy fuck still has every gleaming white tooth, probably thanks to some rich parents.

  It was all so I could get my leg to be in the best condition it could be and ride again. There was no way in hell I was giving up riding for the rest of my life like the doctors wanted. Fuck them and fuck that lion. I overcame the struggle just like I knew I would.

  I’m good now, I think. I’ve had years to heal and calm my anger. Now, it’s time I find me a good woman to settle down with. Bethany just doesn’t realize it yet, that it’s gonna be her I choose. She’ll figure it out soon enough, and just like riding, I’ll get what I want.

  I won’t stop until I do.

  “I don’t believe in magic.”

  The young boy said.

  The old man smiled.

  “You will, when you see her.”

  - Atticus

  Glancing at my phon
e, I read the text again for the fifth time since I’ve woken up. My dreams sucked, but I survived as usual. Maybe one day I’ll be able to push the memories so far down that they’ll stop finding me each time I dare to close my eyes.

  When you’re abused by someone who you love and is supposed to love and care for you in return, well, it screws you up inside. I’ll never be like everyone else—normal. Probably why Nightmare draws me in so easily; his darkness soothes my own in a sense.

  Princess messaged me while Maverick and I were taking a nap. Her text said that Nightmare was asking about me, wondering if I’d be back to the barbecue. She said he’s waiting.

  Should I go back? Why does he even care? I can’t stop thinking of how it felt when he touched me. His presence is so large, it’s impossible not to feel him on absolutely every part of my body.

  The doorbell rings and I jump—startled a bit—secretly hoping it’s Night, but dreading it in the same breath. If it’s him, I’ll most likely shit my pants, being alone with him and our son. Shit, I’ve dug myself a deep hole.

  Checking the peephole, I find London on the other side and let loose the breath I’d been holding.

  Opening it with a smile, I greet her with a “Hi,” and gaze at her curiously.

  “Hey, chica. I asked Princess where you ran off to, and when she said you weren’t feeling well, I wanted to stop over to check on you.”

  “Oh, wow. That’s nice of you, thanks.”

  “I know what it’s like to have a little one and feel like ass. Can I get you anything or help out?”

  I let her in and shut the door quickly, like Nightmare’s hiding out in the bushes or something. I know he’s not, but seeing him earlier has me semi-paranoid.

  I don’t really know what to say. Part of me wants to throw my arms around her and hug her. There’ve been many times, I’ve been sick and had to carry a trash bin around with me in case I randomly had to puke while trying to take care of a baby on my own. It was hard and every minute sucked, but I gritted and cried and puked my way through it. I never let anyone know it either, not even Princess. She would’ve been knocking down my door to help me, but I had to prove to myself that I could do it on my own. So far I have.

  “No. I appreciate it more than you know. I think it was just the heat that got to me. I don’t spend a lot of time outside anymore, and it wore me out quick.”

  “I know how that is. If it’s not spring or fall, I don’t attempt to be outside unless there’s a pool nearby.”

  “Gotta love Texas.”

  “I do, just not the summer heat,” she says seriously, and I grin.

  “Me too,” I agree and decide I really do like her.

  She was nice at the compound, but one thing I admire about London is she’s genuine. It’s hard to find that in a lot of people, especially when you first meet them. I discovered earlier she’s Cain’s wife. Cain belongs to Ares’ club, and he’s pretty wild according to Princess. He was busy grilling when I was there earlier, so I didn’t get a chance to speak to him.

  “So, are you feeling better now, then?”

  “Yeah, I am. I knocked out with Mav and got to recharge a bit.”

  “Awesome. You heading back to the festivities?”

  “I should. I’m supposed to be here supporting Princess. So far, I haven’t done a great job of it, either.”

  “Want to walk back with me then?”

  “You walked?”

  “Hell yeah, my mom’s coming to get my kids later. I’m having some delicious drinks tonight, namely anything with tequila in it.”

  “Nice.” Grabbing Maverick’s bag, I shuffle through it to make sure we have everything already.

  His toys and pack of cheese crackers are there, along with a twenty dollar bill. I doubt we’d need any money, but I stuck it in there earlier just in case. I’ve learned the hard way that being unprepared sucks, big time.

  “Let me go check on him and see if he’s fully awake.”

  “Okay.” She nods, and I make my way to the guest room.

  Maverick was awake earlier, but he was still in sleepy mode, plucking at his stuffed giraffe’s hair. It’s his routine until he fully wakes up and goes from zero to fifty with energy.

  “Hey buddy, are you awake yet?”

  “Hmmm?” he grumbles, turning toward me. He’s definitely Nightmare’s son; he can be so grouchy if you don’t let him have ‘his time.’ Same as in the mornings, too, when he needs cereal, cartoons, and quiet. Just like I need coffee to function and get myself going.

  Shit, maybe it’s me he’s like and not Nightmare.

  “Do you want to go back to Prissy’s barbecue and play with the other kids?” His pediatrician told me to speak to him in full sentences as much as possible. It’s supposed to help with his vocabulary development.

  “Ummm…yep.” He sits up, already more awake than two seconds ago. I’m glad he’ll have someone to play with again because he’s about to be bouncing off the walls.

  “Okay, I got our stuff ready. You go to the bathroom and then we’ll go back. Make sure you wash your hands.”

  “’Tay’, Momma,” he replies and I go out to wait with London.

  “He’s coming, just having him use the restroom.”

  “I get it; I’m a boy’s mom too. Mine’s just a bit older now. He’s off doing man shit and fishing with my brother. I’ve learned that girls are fun but dramatic.”

  I’m laughing when my own little man makes his way into the living room, and we take off for the compound again.

  I’m about to crack open a new beer when a large hand takes it from me, opens the top, and hands the cold beverage back.

  “Thank you, I could’ve opened it though.”

  He shrugs. “What kind of man would I be if I let you open it?”

  “Let me?” I mock, and Ruger grins devilishly, his eyes skimming over me from top to bottom.

  “You’ve gotten hotter.”

  “Well thanks, I think.” Laughing, I take a good-sized gulp of the beer. I need it after earlier. “I honestly didn’t think you’d remember me.”

  “Of course, I do, and I’m not the only one either.” His eyebrows go up, and he flicks his gaze to the side.

  Mine follow along and meet an irritated Nightmare’s dark glare. Well, shit. “He’s still charming, I see.”

  He snorts, smiling widely. “Brother or not, that’s not the word I’d use for him.”

  “Come on, Ruger, you know you follow his lead.” I giggle, and he laughs with me.

  “You’re gonna get me in trouble smiling like that, B, with him watching us. You know he still hasn’t forgiven me for going swimming with you guys. I’ve gotta stay hands off when it comes to you.”

  “What? That was years ago!”

  “I know.” He shakes his head. “Still, he had his eye on you, and I should’ve known better. Just like Viking with Princess.”

  “We’re nowhere near that level and never were. And I’m single, by the way, so he has no right whatsoever to be pissed at you for making me smile or being over here talking with me.”

  He snorts again. “Yeah, that’s what you think, sweetie. I just wanted to say what’s up, but I better go find someone to hit on before my brother decides he wants to beat my ass to show off in front of you. I happen to like this nose much better when it’s not broken.”

  “You’re just a flirt, no harm done. It was good seeing you, Ruger.”

  “You too.” He winks, flashes a quick look at Night again, and takes off toward another chick like his ass is on fire.

  That was weird, but I brush it off. Nightmare rarely said two words to me in front of his brothers back then. I don’t know what Ruger’s talking about, but I’m not going to argue with him. If he says Nightmare was territorial, then I’ll take his word for it. Clearly, I never received that memo.

  The sun’s beginning to set, so I shuffle Maverick closer. I don’t want to lose sight of him in the dark. I’d freak out. There’s so much land around here
, and God forbid he finds the pigs by himself. He’d try to touch them and end up hurt. I’d never forgive myself for it.

  Princess told me earlier that we could take Mav to go feed them, but I don’t want him out there at nighttime. Maybe I’ll surprise him, and we’ll walk over there tomorrow. My son seems to be infatuated with monster trucks and farm animals. I don’t know if it’s an age thing or what, but those two things garner his attention if he notices them.

  Princess comes over to my spot with two plates of strawberry pie. My guess is she made them yesterday before we arrived. Her mom had an amazing recipe she’d use when we were teenagers. “Hey, would you keep an eye on little man for a few so I can visit the ladies room?”

  “Of course, take your time.” She smiles, and I know she’s going to let him eat his weight in pie while I’m gone.

  “Save me some.” I point accusingly.

  “I make no promises.”

  Shaking my head, I go inside to take care of business and should’ve guessed that Nightmare would be there for me once I finished. P said he was waiting; I should’ve taken her seriously. I figured he was just speaking to her, being nosey.

  A strong arm wraps around me from behind, pulling me into a hard body. His warm breath hits my neck as his nose lightly brushes over my ear. He smells just like he used to—enrapturing.

  “You need to let me go.” And right this minute. Not only does he feel good, but it’s more difficult for me to protest with him touching me.

  “Why should I?” His deep voice grumbles, coating my skin in heat and my stomach flutters like I’m on a roller coaster. He’s always done this to me whenever he was near, made me feel as if I were falling.

  “I have to get back outside.”

  “You should just relax and come spend some time with me.”

  “I don’t need to be anywhere near you, and you have to stop touching me, Nightmare.”

  “Mmm, I love it when you say my name. Now let me make you scream it.”

  My breath catches, every nerve in my body waiting, practically salivating at feeling him. “Not happening.”

  “You never objected before.” His teeth bite into the soft spot where my neck and shoulder meet. Goose bumps flood my body. I want to grind my ass against him and make him pant, but I don’t. “I can make you tremble with need, make you crumble to pieces in my hands. Fuck, I missed your taste.”