Bella Chapter 12

The past couple of weeks have been filled with many things. Boomer and I spent time together every day. We talked and discovered so many things about each other. It was wonderful. It was the first time I ever resented having to work because I loved my horses, but I had to pay the bills, so I did. He came during the day to watch a few times and even got back on Geralt after he was healed. Geralt seemed to be his favorite. In addition, Boomer asked to learn the various things I did to take care of them and the stables, which included having a big tattooed biker shoveling horse shit. I told him I'd do it, but he insisted. God, he even looked hot and sexy doing it. The man was a menace to women's hearts and bodies.

Those two weeks were also filled with my desire to be intimate with him. It grew by the day. It was all I could do not to attack him, which was so not like me. I was sexually frustrated, and no amount of using my vibrator was helping. I wanted to ask him if he was fully healed and functional yet, but I hesitated. Surely, if he were, he'd say something or make a move.

All we'd done was have some heavy kissing sessions. I thought a couple of times he was hard, but he'd move, and then I was left wondering. Was he not able to get hard and afraid to tell me? Had the kick done damage? I was worried and frustrated, and on top of that, I was anxious.

My anxiety was due to the other four guys. I'd seen them more than a few times since we spent time in the clubhouse and at Boomer's place. It was unavoidable. They were polite but distant. I hated it and worried they'd never forgive me, and they'd hold it against Boomer. I didn't want it to affect his relationships with them, but I didn't know what to do. He told me not to worry, but it was impossible. I knew he and Vicious still hadn't spoken about the incident, and they avoided each other. The tension was mounting.

Tonight, we were going to hang out at the clubhouse. It was Saturday night, and they would be partying. So far, I hadn't been there when it got really going. Boomer had tried to prepare me for what to expect, including explaining bunnies and hanging arounds. To say the least, I wasn't thrilled with what I learned. Recalling that conversation still made me feel unsure.

"Bombshell, I need to talk to you about what to expect Saturday night at the clubhouse," Boomer said out of the blue. We were at my place watching a movie. I stopped the show and faced him.

"What's there to tell me? I know it'll be the guys, ladies, and probably kids until later. You guys drink, play music, and maybe play pool or darts. What else is there?"

He appeared uncomfortable, then he answered me, and when he did, my world was knocked a bit askew. "Have you ever read books or watched shows and movies about bikers? I heard they had a show about them a few years back, although I don't know how accurate it was."

I knew which show he meant. I'd even watched a few episodes. It had been crazy, and there were wild things happening, but I assumed it was all fiction to get ratings. Was he saying it wasn't?

"I saw a few of those shows. Why? Are you saying the club wars with other clubs, kills people, runs drugs and guns, and has women whom they have sex with, even if they have old ladies?" I asked aghast. I couldn't see Londyn and the others putting up with it, but maybe it was considered club business, and they were forbidden to talk about it, although I thought Londyn would tell me.

"We don't run drugs or guns, and as for warring with other MCs, not yet. We don't run with the one-percenter MC crowd, so we're not competition, though some might want to take over Tenillo one day. It's always a risk, but you saw with Sadie that we protect our own. For sure, none of my brothers with an old lady would cheat."

"What about the sex they showed? They had women who would hang out all the time, and they would have sex with any of them."

"We don't have the ones who hang all the time. They're called club bunnies, among other names. There are women who come from Tenillo and surrounding towns who like to party and have a good time. They do want sex, and they may have sex with different guys."

I didn't like his answer, but the way he said club bunnies and his expression made me push. "You say there's no club bunnies, but did you ever have them? And if you did, what did they get out of it besides sex? Why do it?"

He sighed. "We did, and after we started getting old ladies, we saw how it wasn't a good idea. Ember made us realize those women might be here for other reasons than they like sex. They lived here, and we took care of them. That apartment-like building I showed you. It was theirs. It is there now for guests like I said, but it wasn't originally used for them."

I was quiet as I considered what he said. I must have been quiet too long because eventually, he prodded me: "Babe, tell me what you're thinking. It's killing me."

"I'm wrapping my head around the fact you had sex with women like that because I know you weren't celibate, so you were having sex with women. I just didn't expect it to be exactly like the way you just explained or the bunnies. I'm not comfortable with the idea you'll still be around women you've slept with or that I'll likely see and meet them. Would you want the guys I've slept with to be here?"

His reaction was instant. "Hell no, I don't want them here! I get it. I do. Every single one of the old ladies hates it, but they've found ways to deal with it. You'd have to ask them what helps. If I could stop it, I would, but there are still four single guys here. We can't ask them to keep women away from here. It's not fair. They should be able to party in their home."

"I agree, they should. It's just not something I've had to deal with. It'll take getting used to."

We'd talked a bit more about it, then left it alone. I'd have to see how I reacted when faced with them, which would happen tonight. Maybe it was the thought of him seeing them that prompted me to beg Londyn to help me dress for the occasion. Yes, it was a total woman's thing to want to look better than other women, especially if they were competition, so to speak. For some reason, I was confident he wouldn't cheat on me with anyone. I don't know why, but I was. I guess I just didn't want him to recall anything good about them, not their looks or what they may have done in bed. He was mine now, even if we hadn't slept together. I was territorial, another new thing for me.

When I got to the compound, I told him I was spending time with Londyn before we went to the clubhouse. In fact, I said I'd come over with her. He kissed me and told me to enjoy my girl time, but he couldn't wait to get me back. I thought it was sweet as hell. He made me smile and feel good. I promised I wouldn't be gone too long.

Over an hour later, I was staring into the mirror. We'd gossiped and caught up as we got ready. Londyn banned Torpedo to the clubhouse, so we could do it when I got there. He grumbled some, but he wasn't really upset. He winked at us and told us to behave. Londyn told him not to hold his breath.

I wished I was more outgoing like her. I could be vocal, but she was on a completely different level. I didn't think anything or anyone scared her. She was the badass I wanted to grow up to be, though I was discovering the other old ladies had their badass traits, too. A mix of all of them would be great.

I studied myself critically. I'd never dressed like this. The clothes I had on were ones Londyn insisted I wear of hers. We were almost the same height, and where our bodies were different, it didn't seem to matter, which was how I found myself in skintight leather leggings. I had to admit, they molded my ass and legs in a good way. I was toned from all the horseback riding. As if the pants weren't enough, the top she put on me was way out of my usual style too.

It was a long-sleeved black top that bared a strip of skin above my pants so you could see my belly button. A diagonal slash ran from below the left shoulder to almost the bottom. It was held together by criss crossing strings. It ran perfectly between my breasts so you could see the inner curves. It meant no bra. I was thankful my breasts were still perky, though not like they were when I was eighteen.

"Londyn. I can't wear this! Boomer will lose his mind. I don't want to look like those women."

"Yes, you can. It's not trashy-looking, and believe me, they are. You look hot and sexy. I guarantee you that he"ll love it even if he doesn't want others to see you like this. If he doesn't jump your bones tonight, then there's no hope for him. Hell, I'd do you in a second," she said with a mock growl. I had to laugh.

"God, you're crazy. You know, if you say that to him along with what we said that one night coming out of the bathroom, he'll be convinced we're at least bi."

"Good, let him. You're attractive to both sexes, and don't let anyone tell you differently. You need to own your sexuality. You keep it hidden. There's nothing wrong with showing it. You said you wanted to go biker babe, and this is it. None of those women hold a candle to you, to begin with, but this will make you a goddess. You're wearing it."

I knew she'd never let it go unless I did, and deep down, I loved how I looked and wanted to see how he'd react. Finally, I nodded, and the nut clapped her hands and squealed. To complete the look, I wore strappy black high heels that gave me three or so more inches of height. It was much needed with Boomer, the giant. Those were mine. My hair was in tousled waves, which showed the black underside mixed with the red, which was my favorite look. Though not garish, my makeup was more dramatic, with darker eyes and lips.

Of course, Londyn looked amazing in her own sexy outfit and property cut, but that was no surprise. She always did. If she wasn't my best friend, I might hate her. What would make it complete was if Diane were here, but she couldn't come. She was out of town with Sadie. They were trying to give Sadie a change in scenery to see if it helped with her lingering anxiety, not that any of us could blame her. It had been traumatic.

It took Londyn threatening to call the other old ladies to get me to go to the clubhouse. My hands were sweating as we opened the back door and walked up the long hallway. You could hear the loud voices mixed with music. It was seven o'clock, so I knew kids would still be there, though I heard the club had gotten sitters they trusted to come so all the couples could stay and have a good time.

When we hit the entry to the common room, it was seconds before I heard a loud whistle, and someone yelled, "Goddamn Boomer and Torpedo, you'd better claim them before someone else does." I looked around and saw it was Talon. He was grinning with his arm around Lorelei.

This got others looking, and the number of comments increased. I tried not to blush, but it was hard. Suddenly, I saw Boomer and Torpedo pushing through people headed our way. They both had intense expressions on their faces. I watched Boomer's to see if he was upset with me. When they reached us, I was grabbed and pulled flush against his hard body. Without a word, he lowered his head and kissed me. It was the kiss of a starved man. It was thorough and long. When he stopped, I was slightly dizzy. He put his mouth to my ear and growled. I mean, he actually growled and then spoke.

"That fucking outfit is, Jesus, I don't know what to say."

"You don't like it?"

"Like it? No, I love and hate it. I love it because it shows even more how lucky I am and how gorgeous you are, but I hate it because others get to see it. I swear if Daredevil or the prospects don't watch themselves, I'll have to kill them. Or any of the others. We have some friends and employees coming tonight. Can we just go to the trailer?" He pressed his lower body into me. I felt his hard-on this time. My eyes widened. God, he felt huge. I gulped and tightened my legs together, hoping it would help the burn that was starting there. My nipples hardened. Shit. No bra, what should I do?

"Don't say stuff like that," I pleaded.

He eased back, and as he looked down, I knew the instant he saw my nipples. He groaned, slid up a hand, and rubbed his thumb over one distended nipple and then the other. I moaned. "Brayden, don't. I can't walk around with my nipples showing, and you're not helping," I hissed.

"Bombshell, who cares? I hate to tell you, but as a man, I don't want you wearing a damn bra ever. To see my woman with her nipples showing like this, it's a fucking turn-on. It tells me I got you excited."

"You did, but we don't need to tell the whole place."

"Fine, I'll stop, but later, you'd better let me do it again when we're alone. Deal?"

Since I hoped to get him and me totally naked tonight, it was no big deal to agree. "Deal, now let me calm down, and then we can mingle. Who are your friends and employees here?"

It took us a few minutes to both calm down. While we did, he pointed out a few people he saw who I didn't know. I was looking forward to meeting them but also anxious in case they didn't like me. My friends totaled two, and the club had a slew of them.

As we began to mingle, I tried to accept the compliments, but I still blushed and stuttered out my thank yous. They were coming not only from the ladies but the guys. They had fun telling Boomer he'd better hide me. He would tell them he was prepared to fight to the death for me. I didn't want anyone to do that, but I found the sentiment sweet as hell. I was even more in danger of him stealing my heart than I was two weeks ago. Yeah, he had asshole moments, and when he did, I told him. He did work to get over them. At least he could apologize and learn. We'd had a couple of fights, as you'd call them, but we got over those.

The people he introduced to me who were friends or employees were turning out to be nice. First, I met Edward, Ember's dad. Next were Lucas and Helen. I found out Lucas was a cover model and worked with Sara a lot. I could see it easily. He was gorgeous but so sweet. I liked him instantly. Helen was Sara's friend. They were a riot.

"Well, hello, handsome, I see I lost my chance with you. You know, if you ever change your mind, I'll take you," Lucas told Boomer.

I wondered how Boomer would react. To my surprise, he just laughed. "Lucas, no matter how many times you try, the answer will always be no. I love pussy, not cock. You gotta accept it. I'm sorry. I know, I know, but I'm such a catch."

I gasped and smacked his stomach, which was like hitting a brick wall. "Boomer, don't say that!"

"Why not? They don't care, and none of the little ankle biters are here."

"Ankle biters! That's what you call those precious kids and babies?"

"Yep. It doesn't mean I don't love ‘em. I do. And I want some of our own, but they'll still be ankle biters."

His revelation of wanting kids surprised me despite his prior mention of wanting some since it so easily came out. I wanted them, too. I just didn't expect him to say something again this soon when we hadn't even slept together. The man was a force of nature.

"Not if I'm their mother, you won't."

"Babe, you will be their mother, and we'll see. It'll be fun to see how you correct me." He winked as he said it. I knew he was thinking sexual thoughts. Damn him.

"Boomer, you're making her blush. Stop before she smacks you for real. Honey, ignore these barbarians. Sara and her boys take some getting used to," Helen came to my rescue.

"Helen, you wound me. I'm not a barbarian," Boomer protested as he held his heart.

She laughed at him and shook her head as she said, "Yes, you are. Accept it. Lucas and I want to know all about the woman who tamed this one. Spill. How did you do it?"

The next ten minutes or so was an animated conversation where I told them about myself and denied taming him, which they refused to believe, and they told me about themselves. I hated to move on, but there were others to meet. They promised we'd chat again soon. Lucas spied Trident and said he had to go talk to his main man. As they left, Boomer explained his remark. I was surprised Trident was so accepting of Lucas. Sadly, a lot of people weren't. I was happy to see the club wasn't like them.

The next couple of people were employees. Ethan worked for Phantom at his tattoo shop. He was very nice to talk to. The next one was a good repeat customer of Phantom's named Bruiser. I could see why he had that nickname. He was huge, full of muscles, and tattooed. I wondered why he wasn't in the club. He appeared ferocious. I got the courage to ask him.

"Bruiser, I don't mean to pry, but I have to ask. You seem like you'd be a perfect biker. May I ask why you're not in the club, or is that something I shouldn't ask? If it is, just tell me. I'm still learning."

He smiled and winked, then he addressed Boomer first. "Goddamn, she's too damn cute. Then add to it she's beautiful and sexy. Where the hell did you find her, and why didn't I find her first?"

"Bruiser, I appreciate you like her, but no more comments on her sexiness, or I might get mean. As for where she was, she hides out at her stables."

"Damn it, I should've been riding horses. Darlin', you can ask me anything. I do ride a bike, but I'm not in a club because, growing up, my mom saw only the bad ones. She always begged me not to join one as long as she was alive. I've honored that. Who knows what'll happen one day? I'm not in a hurry to lose her."

"Bruiser, that's so sweet, and I love your answer. I think you and I are gonna be friends. You should come out to my stables. I can teach you how to ride horses. I do it for a living. General instruction and equine therapy are my thing."

That sent him off asking all kinds of questions about what equine therapy was. I explained it. As I did, more people joined us to listen. They all seemed interested. We'd been at it for thirty minutes or more before the crowd broke up. I was feeling so much more comfortable. Maybe it was because, so far, none of those hang arounds were here. Or if they were, they weren't flaunting themselves like Londyn told me about while we got ready. I found my nerves had settled, and I had to pee.

"Honey, I'll be back. I need to go to the bathroom," I whispered to him.

"I'll go with you."

"No need, I know where it is. Stay and talk. I'll be fine."

"You sure? I know it's crowded, and you were nervous about people."

"I was, but I'm much better. I'll be fine."

"Okay then, see you when you get back." He gave me a quick hard kiss then, as I walked away, he patted my ass. I didn't get upset. Instead, I winked and blew him a kiss. He let out a growl, which made me giggle.

In the bathroom, I did my business and then made sure my makeup and everything was still good. I was feeling good and much more at ease. As I exited the bathroom, I ran into Londyn coming up the hall. I wondered where she'd been. She gave me a huge smile and latched onto my arm.

"You seem to be doing well. See, they aren't that scary. I saw you talking to Bruiser. Isn't he gorgeous with those tats? Don't tell Torpedo I said that."

"Why, you don't want him to spank you again?"

"God, yes, I do. Go ahead and tell him. Whew, my man, he's amazing," she said dreamily.

"Stop right there. I don't need to know more. I have to look him in the face, you know."

"Yeah, well, try to stay quiet after you and Boomer do the deed. Speaking of which, are you making a move tonight?"

She knew of my frustration. I was praying he wasn't still injured, but if he wasn't, why hadn't he made a move on me? I'd been driving myself crazy, asking, so I was diving in and seeing what happened.

"Yes, I do plan to make my move. Shh, don't tell everyone."

"Don't tell everyone what, ladies? Damn, you are so fucking fine." I heard behind us, but it wasn't a voice I recognized. We both turned toward him. Standing there was an attractive guy in his thirties, I guessed. He was smirking and eye fucking both of us.

"Excuse me, but who are you?" Londyn asked. I caught her frown. Boy, he had no idea the crazy woman she could become. He'd be better off moving along. It would be safer for him.

"I'm the man who can rock both your worlds. Tell me where we can go to have a bit of fun," he slurred. God, it wasn't that late, and he was already drunk.

"I think you need to either go sleep this off on a couch or have someone take you home. Now excuse us," I told him.

Not saying another word, Londyn and I walked past him. I didn't expect him to reach out and grab my arm as we did. He spun me around. He swayed, but his grip was a hard one. "Bitches don't tell me what to do. You're here to service whoever wants it. I want it from both of you."

I yanked and twisted my arm, breaking his hold. As I did, Londyn was in his face, and she had him by the throat. Not that I couldn't protect myself, but she could handle herself even better. It was the former Marine in her. He was sputtering, and whatever she was doing, he couldn't raise his arms.

"You don't grab women, asshole. Do you know what would've happened if our men heard and saw what you did? You'd be getting your ass kicked. We're not here for entertainment. We're old ladies. Do you know what those are?" she snapped.

He wasn't too drunk for it to register based on how pale he got and the sick look that spread across his face. I was secretly pleased. He went even paler and sick-looking when there was a roar behind us. I turned to find Boomer approaching us, and Torpedo was not far behind him. God, why now? Their faces told me they heard what Londyn said.

As Boomer went to pass me, he ran his eyes up and down me. Wouldn't you know it, he zeroed in on the arm this idiot grabbed? I glanced down to see it was red. A deeper growl came out of him. An instant later, Londyn let go of her captive, and Boomer had him by the neck, and he was in his face shouting at him. Torpedo was whispering to Londyn.

"You grabbed my fucking woman, fucker. I saw the mark on her arm. Do you have a death wish? They're not sluts or here for you to have fun with! Tell me what you said to them."

"Honey, calm down," I pleaded.

"Babe, don't. He touched you, and by the looks of your arm, it hurt. Londyn wouldn't have him by the throat if he hadn't done something. I want to know what. Step away, please. I don't want you to get hurt."

The guy whimpered. Torpedo then got in on the action, at least verbally.

"When you're done, I want my turn. Londyn told me what he said and did. He wanted them to go with him and have sex. They went to walk away, he grabbed Bella and called them bitches. Londyn told him they were old ladies, but it made no difference. That's why my woman had him by the throat."

Boomer pulled the guy toward him by the said throat, then slammed him hard into the wall. "You did what? And after you knew they were taken, protected? Who the hell are you? How did you get in here?"

Boomer must've eased up on his throat because the guy spoke, but it was raspy. "I'm sorry. I'm drunk. I didn't mean any harm. I came with Julian. He's my friend. Please, I'll leave. Just let me go."

"Julian, you say. Torpedo, will you go get him and bring him here?"

"Sure thing, brother. Don't have any fun until I get back," he said with a dark chuckle.

As he walked off, the guy whimpered again. I knew asking Boomer to let him go was out of the question. I jumped when Londyn put her arm around me. "Let them handle it. If we don't, they'll stew on it. They hate not protecting us even when we can do it ourselves," she whispered in my ear. I nodded to show I heard her and would do it.

The guy babbled some more, not that it did him any good. It wasn't long before Torpedo was back, and he had another guy with him. This must be Julian. He appeared wary and pissed all at once. When he got to us, he addressed the guy.

"Paul, what the fuck did you do? I told you to behave if you came with me. This isn't the place to act like a jackass. Why does Boomer have you by the neck?"

"B-B-Boomer? Your Boomer?" the guy asked, aghast.

"Yeah, my Boomer. My goddamn boss, you stupid shit! I'm sorry, guys. I thought he could behave. What did he do?" Julian asked wearily.

Again, Torpedo explained to him like he did to Boomer. My man remained there, holding Paul by the neck. Paul was shaking even more than before. Finding out Julian worked for Boomer had made him more fearful. I sidled up to my pissed-off biker. He tilted his head down when I gestured for him to come to me.

"Don't fire Julian because of his stupid friend, please. It's not his fault. Paul is an adult. He made his choice," I said softly.

"Bella, I won't fire Julian. He's a good guy. He just sucked at picking a friend. No worries. Now, give me a kiss, then step back, okay?" he asked sweetly. I gave him what he wanted because it was no hardship, and then I stepped away. By then, Torpedo was finished.

"I can't believe you! You propositioned two old ladies, you grabbed one and called them bitches, and then when they told you they were old ladies, you still didn't back off! You're beyond stupid and must have a death wish. I can't help you. You'll have to take your punishment. Maybe you'll learn something. All I ask, guys, is not to permanently cripple him. He has a disabled mom who relies on him a lot." Julian said in disgust as he shook his head.

"Please, don't. I won't do it again. I'm sorry. It was the cocaine and the alcohol talking," he blubbered.

"Cocaine? Since when do you use drugs?" Julian shouted. He had a look of disdain on his face.

"It's just recreational. No big deal, I don't do it all the time."

"No more. I can't hear this. Boomer, Torpedo, you have my sincere apology for bringing him here."

"He's an adult. He should've behaved. We're cool, Julian," Boomer told him. Torpedo was nodding in agreement. I saw Julian sag in relief.

"Do whatever, then I'll take his dumb ass home. He rode with me."

Next thing I knew, Boomer was dragging Paul toward the common room, and Torpedo and Londyn were ahead of him to clear the way. I walked behind Boomer and Paul with Julian. He held out his hand to me.

"Hi, I'm Julian, and I work for Boomer. Sorry we're meeting like this, but it's a pleasure to meet you."

"It's nice to meet you, too, even if it is a crappy way. I'm Bella."

We kept talking as we hit the common room, where the loud voices quickly died down. Oh shit. I gulped at all the eyes on us.