Cherry Read online

  His huge palm runs over his face, moving to stroke his beard as he speaks. “He’s still not one hundred.”

  “Motherfucker,” Blaze grumbles, obviously worried about his cousin and the fact that he’s alone. Yes, Viking’s a big, bad motherfucker, but he’s also our family and we have many enemies who’d relish in catching him that vulnerable.

  “But,” Nightmare holds his palm up to stop the onslaught of frustrated comments from the brothers. “He has a fuckin’ plan.”

  I think we all sit back in our seats and release a relieved breath.

  “He’s on his way home.”

  Definitely released a breath at that one.

  Sinner shakes his head. “And then what? Coming home is only one foot in the direction he needs to be.”

  “I fuckin’ know that,” Nightmare scowls. “If you’d all give me two fuckin’ minutes to talk, I’d tell you.”

  Sinner crosses his arms over his chest as Saint inclines in his direction. Torch glowers at Night, a touch of possessiveness and jealousy floating between my brothers’ two best friends.

  “He’s on his way home,” he begins again and this time we all hold our comments back. Smokey takes a long pull from his cigarette while Mercenary holds his rocks glass in what seems to be a death grip. He must be torn; having finally been sent to a club not full of pussies to be dealing with the first upset inside club doors. “And, he’s comin’ for his ol’ lady. Seems he’s still fucked in his head a bit, but he’s done losing his wife. Vike’s had his fill of letting shit get to him. He’s given it time as suggested, drinking and riding it out of his system. Says it’s time to leave it with the wind and get back to where he belongs.”

  “Fucking-fuckity-fuck!” Blaze yanks at his hair. He’s always the protector—the henchman and dog to my brother and father.

  “Glad he’s making peace with it,” Chaos comments and I agree wholeheartedly. While I love being VP for the Oath Keepers, I damn sure don’t want to be the Prez. Maybe someday if Viking wants to retire to the road and the brothers vote me in to the spot, but not anytime soon.

  “Did he say what day he’d be getting in?” Smokey asks on an exhale, clouding the room further in smoke.

  “Tomorrow.”

  My eyes lock with Torch’s, our Death Dealer. No doubt we’re both thinking it’ll be a shit show when Princess finally sees my brother. “He needs to take that shit to his house. We’ve been holding it together with him not being here with us, but he and his ol’ lady need to hash that fight out between the two of them, privately.”

  “Agreed.” Torch nods. At least he has my back on this. I’m sure he’s feeling a touch pissed off about not being contacted by my brother as well. If Viking had any sense of the loyalty, he pulls from this club he’d have sent a group text to all of us so none of us felt like a leftover, sour pussy.

  Flicking my gaze to Blaze next, I order, “You’ll be at the house. Stay out of it, but don’t let them hurt each other. You know as well as any of us, that those two pissed off means heads will roll double time. They can scream and throw shit until they can’t lift their arms or their voices dry up, but for fuck’s sake don’t let Princess shoot his stubborn ass and don’t let him leave her dramatic ass for good. Be on your game, Blaze. P hits quicker than she speaks, and Viking won’t put up with it for too long. They’ll both regret it for the rest of their lives; their bond is too deep to break. Hell, this club wouldn’t fully recover if something happened to the two of them.”

  He nods, blowing out a long breath. I wouldn’t be excited with the task either. He’ll most likely get his ass chewed and shit thrown at him just for being in the same place as those two stubborn asses.

  “We can help them through this; we have to, and without them knowing anything about it.”

  The brothers each murmur their agreement.

  “Anything else?” No one voices shit, so I slam the gavel down. “I think I speak for everyone when I say we could use a few shots after this discussion. Now, get the fuck out.” I also want to go check on Cherry, but that’s no one’s business but my own.

  “I need to know something.” I grumble when I finally hunt the sexy female down. She was supposed to be taking it easy. Instead, Cherry was busy making all these assholes—me included—a small feast for dinner. It’s hard to be irritated when the food smells so damn good and when her ass looks like it does. Jesus, this woman will be my end.

  She jumps, her hand flying to sit over her heart when she hears my voice and I smirk. I’m a dick, but I enjoy keeping this woman on her toes. I always have. “Shit! You startled me. What do you need to know?” She looks me over, a bit wearily at that.

  Should I get so much enjoyment out of seeing her jump? Does she think I’m a dumbass for always demanding shit and acting like I do? It never crossed my mind much in the past, but does she think I’m too young for her? I can’t help but wonder if she’s always fucked me because of who my brother is and now continues to do so because of my patch? For some reason that thought fucking bothers me. I want her to desire me for the man I am, not any other reason.

  With those random pussy ass thoughts thrumming through my head on repeat, I clear my throat before speaking again. “Uh, right...” My hands fist at my sides, not liking how I’m suddenly feeling all choked up inside. Where the fuck did this come from, anyhow? I’ve never given two shits about what Cherry may think of me. I’ve just taken my pleasure from her and kept going. That’s how it’s supposed to be. Instead I’m babbling on like some idiot who’s never had his cock sucked.

  The stove beeps behind her, stealing her attention for a minute. It’s a glorious reprieve with just enough time for my balls to grow back. She puts a dish in the oven, sets the timer and turns back to face me. With her hand on her hip, Cherry’s put all her attention back on me and now I must cough out what I was going to say.

  “You, uh, in love with Chaos?” So maybe my nuts weren’t fully on board as that sounded pathetic coming from my lips.

  Her mouth drops open, eyes wide; it’s not what she was expecting out of me. “Chaos?” she asks with a squeak, shock laced in her voice.

  I nod, and she tucks her long wavy hair behind her ear. I find myself following the movement and wishing I’d thought to do it before she’d had the chance to.

  “You think I’m in love with him, or did someone else ask that?”

  “I’m asking.” My voice grows gruff.

  “Y-you think I’m in love with Chaos?”

  She’s avoiding answering and it’s making my throat swell tighter and tighter it seems. “Are you?” I work free, my voice an even deeper grumble.

  Her mouth turns up into a bright smile. “No. He’s my best friend.”

  “Not even a little bit? Best friends fall in love all the time. Men and women can’t be true friends like that often. I wouldn’t want to be friends like that with a chick.”

  “I love him, but not like that. I love all the guys, but they’re all my friends and family. You’re right though, I couldn’t picture you being friends with a woman like that.”

  “Friends and family?” I mutter, dejected. I’m not sure if it pisses me off thinking about her loving us all as friends or as fucking blood brothers more than if she was in love with Chaos. All three options are not what I was expecting nor wanting to hear leave her pretty, pouty mouth.

  She nods, and I manage to keep my disappointment to myself. It’s rare. I’m usually one to let it be known if I don’t like something, but right now I keep my mouth shut. Last thing I need is to be rejected by the one woman I find myself looking forward to seeing each day.

  “I must get the friends with benefits perk then.” Smiling I shrug and attempt to be charming. I’m not very good at it though, never had to be. If I want pussy, well, pussy just comes to me. It’s never been any different with Cherry in that department either.

  “You definitely get the perks.” She winks and steps to me. Cherry’s small hand runs up my chest, her short nails lightl
y scratching over my solid pecs. For some reason her touch has my chest tightening up as well as my groin. That’s fucking new. Started happening recently and even more so when I saw her in Chaos’s arms. Not that I want to think of that or her in anyone else’s arms for that matter. I must be spending too much time in bed with only her for me to be feeling territorial over her ass.

  “You fuck anybody else recently?”

  “Wha-what?” Her voice falters, the smile dropping away. Her hand stays planted against my pec, which is good. I’d have been a bit pissed if she backed off all together.

  “You fuckin’ anyone other than me this week?” I can’t help but be curious and want her pussy to only have my cock filling it up. I can satisfy her enough that she doesn’t need to go elsewhere; I know it. Maybe I should start fucking her a few more times a day, just to make sure she’s too whipped out to be with anyone else.

  Her head quickly moves side to side. The shake telling me what I want to know. About fucking time, I get one answer I want since coming in here. Well, besides knowing she’s not in love with one of my brothers. I sound like a crazy possessive asshole even to myself, no wonder she’s nervous, damn near stuttering out replies.

  “Good, I don’t want you on anyone else’s dick while you’re on mine,” I claim and watch her nibble her lower lip, clearly thinking over my demand. There’s not shit to contemplate, though. I’ll get my way, even if I have to cave a brother’s nose in to prove my point.

  “I won’t initiate anything…you have my word. However, I can’t turn the other brothers down…you know how things work, Odin,” Cherry replies softly.

  Damn it. I do know how things are supposed to be when she’s a club whore. I have no right to tell her to stay out of my brothers’ beds. Rather than let it fuck with me too much right now and throw a fit, I let the thoughts go. I have too much on my damn plate now to be getting worked up over my “fuck buddy.” In the end, that’s what she says we are, so I gotta respect that and stop acting like my nuts have shriveled up.

  “You’re right, I shouldn’t have said that. You do what you gotta do, I get it.” With a grin, I tuck her hair behind her ear again. The locks fell free and I prefer it out of her face. I love seeing her perfect lips and sparkling irises when he stares at me. “What are you making anyhow?”

  She begins to speak the same time I do but stops with my question. “Oh! Dinner, are you hungry?”

  “Not yet. I was gonna bitch at you for being on that ankle though. However, you seem to be walking better already, you got lucky. Be careful woman, and yell at us if you need anything at all.”

  “I will. Thank you.” As I turn away, she asks, “You’re leaving?”

  Squeezing her hip, my smile drops, thinking of what I must do. “Yeah, I’m going to see if Viking has made it back yet. If not, I want to check out the state of the house at least. There’s no telling what that place may look like after they were both pissed. I have no doubt Viking or Princess broke plenty of shit when they were fighting. I don’t want either of them to come home to find a fucked-up place when they need to be able to concentrate on working through their shit.”

  “You’re a good brother.”

  I shrug at her comment. I do try to be sometimes, but I must not be the best if Viking can’t even find it in himself to talk to me about some problems he’s dealing with. “I try,” I murmur, ignoring the ping of emotion hitting my chest at the thoughts.

  “Well, you are. You’re a pretty great guy, Odin. You’re always looking out for everyone else, but I don’t think many catch on to it.”

  “Nah, I just watch their backs; they’d do the same for me. I’ll catch you later, beautiful.”

  She blushes, her hand moving from my chest. “All right, see ya.”

  As I’m walking out of the kitchen, I swear I hear her mutter, “You have no idea how amazing you really are.”

  But I could be wrong. Either way, it doesn’t mean what I’m suddenly wanting it to...she says she loves us all—including me—like a brother, when I want her to think of her feelings toward me as a lover.

  It’s another four days before Viking makes it back home, much to the members’ relief, but even then, he doesn’t come to the clubhouse. It’s weird, being at the compound without him here and knowing he’s not on a run or something, but that there’s an issue he’s dealing with. I live here, so I got used to seeing him walk through the entire building each morning with a strong cup of coffee, checking things over. He’s a proud president and treats the compound as a leader should. This isn’t the same feeling as when the brothers go on a run. It feels more like we’re in mourning in a sense. A vital part of the hybrid chapter isn’t here at the top and it’s throwing everyone in the place a little off kilter.

  Another week passes, with Odin being distant, but I get it. His brother’s finally home and he wants to be there for him. It must hurt knowing that Viking kept something this significant from him and didn’t seek him out, even when he’d finally hit his own sort of rock bottom. If I’d been in his place, I’d have been upset. I wish I could work it all out for all of them somehow. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to help, besides offer to listen if anyone ever wants to talk about anything.

  Waking up today and seeing that dark, steaming pot of coffee already made in the kitchen felt good. I know Viking most likely won’t be his usual self, just yet, but it is no doubt a start in the right direction. He’s had his morning coffee and is here bright and early, so that means he mmust be ready to get back to club business.

  I may only be another club slut around here to the members, but I still care about everyone being okay. I don’t want the brothers or their ol’ ladies going through tough times; they’ve seen enough hardships in the past already. They’ve each tasted their own bit of torment and hell, and you’d think it’d all be smooth sailing from here on. Sadly, that’s not a reality when you’re in a motorcycle club or out in the world in general. There’s always something happening it seems. I’ve seen it over the years from hanging around here and it almost makes you feel helpless. They hide most things from me, but I catch glimpses here and there.

  Heading through the bar area, I find the President behind the long bar top poking through stuff. It looks like he’s taking stock of everything...he must be busying his mind with random tasks. “Morning,” I make my presence known, not wanting him to think I’m creeping around or anything. I’m sure he’s a bit leery of club whores now, even if I had nothing to do with it.

  He glances over, tilting his head in a nod. “Hey, Cherry.”

  “Are you hungry or anything? I could make a batch of Princess’s cinnamon rolls. I know all the brothers enjoy them too.”

  “Ah, Mom’s recipe…damn, those are good.” His face relaxes, thinking of the sweet icing and cinnamon goodness all mixed together. Princess’s mom, Mona’s recipe calls for adding sweetened cream cheese into the roll mixture. They’re moist and absolutely divine. “I don’t want you to go to the trouble.”

  “It’s not, really. I don’t mind.” His face is tan, no doubt from his ride, but his angles are just a touch sharper. If I had to guess, I’d say this man has drunk far too much and eaten far too little during this stressful time.

  He nods, writing something on the paper placed on the bar top. Not sure what he wants added. Blaze and Chaos are good about taking care of the bar and the groceries around the club.

  “It’s good to have you home, Viking,” I eventually say, not being able to hold back from letting him know in some way that he was missed around here.

  His eyes slam shut in a wince. It’s quick, but I still catch it. “Yeah, I’m glad to be back.”

  “I know it’s not my business and I’m not trying to piss you off, but there’s a club full of people here that care about you and Princess both. If you ever need an ear or something, I know any of us—especially Odin—would be there for you in an instant.”

  He swallows before acknowledging my offer. “I appreciate that.” The ma
ssive biker clears his throat before muttering, “I heard Mercy stopped through.”

  It’s my turn to nod and swallow thickly at the mention of a woman I’ve grown to not care for immensely. Why as women, do we always blame the other woman rather than the man when shit gets complicated? Not that it matters in my case, as I am and always will be the other woman when it comes to Odin.

  “You keep doin’ you,” he continues, “and treating O well. You won’t have shit to worry about where she’s concerned.”

  This is the last conversation I ever would’ve expected to have with this man. The club Prez, offering up advice on my own woman and man problems. How weird is this morning going to get?

  “You think so?” Not only is it out of place, but it’s also the longest conversation I’ve ever had with Viking, minus the time he’d laid down the law as far as being a whore in his club. That chat was simply about what all was expected and such.

  “I’ve known my brother his whole life. He has a soft spot for you and you’re a loyal female. That means something to him. It’s more important than he lets on.”

  Biting my bottom lip, I keep my mouth shut, unsure of what on earth to say. Do I flat out admit that I’m in love with Odin? Viking’s the club president and it’d easily be grounds for him to give me the boot. We can fuck the members, but we can’t fall for them or cause drama over it. Those are the first damn rules I agreed to when I was accepted and allowed to become a permanent live in around here.

  He takes a drink from his big cup of coffee and I offer up a quick thank you, excusing myself to the kitchen. I know Honey damn sure won’t wake her lazy ass up to make the guys any food or even grab some pastries. I always end up doing it instead, not wanting anyone to go hungry. Sometimes the guys will pick up some donuts or Princess will cook a big spread, like for the holidays and what not. Otherwise, it’s usually me or one of the brothers frying up some eggs and baking biscuits.

  Viking’s finally back, so I know he’ll be calling church to catch up on club business with everyone. His President patch was still torn from his cut as well, I noticed. I’m assuming he plans to get that back today also which may end up being interesting. Odin’s fortunate that Viking loves him so much. If that weren’t the circumstance, I could easily see Viking killing him for taking the patch in the first place. Thankfully, I don’t have to worry about anything happening to Odin where Viking is concerned. Not that it’s my place to be concerned anyhow, but I can’t help that my heart worries after the man who’s captured it.