Shain Chapter 6

Heading into work for my first shift in just over two weeks was hard. It wasn't due to still being hurt from the car accident. It was purely due to not wanting to leave Daredevil alone. My shifts were twenty-four hours and I did them in a twenty-four on, forty-eight off pattern, a twenty-four/forty-eight schedule. This meant I was on Saturday, Tuesday, and Friday this coming week. Only one of the days he'd be free all day. It sucked, but this was life. I never wished for my workdays to pass so much, though.

Pulling into the parking lot at the firehouse, I sighed. There was one other reason I wasn't looking forward to my shifts, although it wasn't nearly as big of a one as leaving Daredevil. I'd be facing Laz for the first time since he stormed out of the Infidels' clubhouse. I hadn't heard a peep out of him, which was unusual. Even when we were off, he would often send me random texts to see what I was up to or to get my response to his funny videos and memes.

I saw his truck in the lot. Gathering my courage, I grabbed my stuff and got out. As I walked up to the door, I gave myself a pep talk. Forget him. If he acts like an asshole, you'll know you were never really friends. It'll be sad, but he's not worth losing Daredevil over. If he's your friend, he'll be happy for you.

Filled with strength, I opened the door and strolled in as if I didn't have a care in the world. Several of my teammates greeted me warmly. I did the same back. Most asked how I was feeling. They were aware of my wreck from Laz I assumed. I assured them I was fine and ready to go.

Each of us had a personal locker and an assigned bunk. There weren't enough beds to go around so they were shared with someone on the opposite days than ours. I was lucky it was another woman, Etta. Most men were slobs and although sheets were supposed to be changed at the end of your shift, the guys were lax in doing it. Etta and I were okay to go for a week and we alternated taking our sheets home to wash. Whoever was on the last shift of the week, on Sundays, did the change and washing. We had our system down pat.

I had my things put in my locker and was in the kitchen when Laz wandered in. The look he gave me told me he was still pissed off. I chose to ignore him. If he wanted to talk to me, he'd have to be the one to speak first. I got a cup of coffee. I was praying someone who knew how to do it right made it. Some made it weak as hell, while others had it so strong it could be used as tar for the roads. A splash of creamer and a sip later told me I was in luck. I sighed.

"Hey Shain, how did you like your mini-vacation? You look pretty good. I see your bruises and cuts are healing. How is it you have those, and Laz has nothing?" Jamie asked. He was a firefighter like me.

I turned and nodded to acknowledge him. "I wouldn't call it a vacation but I'm almost healed. The bruises and cuts take a while. As for why I have them and Laz doesn't, no idea. It's nice to be back."

I noticed Laz was standing off to the side listening. When I was done talking, I heard Laz snort. No way was I letting his attitude pass. If he wanted to act like a child, let him but I'd say whatever the hell I pleased. I raised my brows and asked him point blank, "You have something to say? If so, spit it out."

He sneered before he answered. "Yeah, I do. First, you have more visible injuries due to the car hitting on your side. Second, I think you should call it a vacation. After all, while you were gone, you hooked up with some biker. You weren't too hurt to carry on with him." Our conversation had attracted the others to gather around us.

"If by hooked up, you mean I met someone then yes I did. It was unexpected and I was lucky his club was the one I stayed with after I got out of the hospital. The only way the doctors would let me leave is if someone competent could oversee my IV antibiotic. I told them I could but they were still hesitant. The VP was a medic in the Army and one of the other guys' wives is a nurse. It was the doctor who wouldn't sign off on me returning until I had two weeks off and my primary doctor saw me, which happened yesterday if you must know. There was no carrying on as you put it, not that I owe you an explanation. Just get your facts straight before you talk about my life."

Everyone's eyes were round as they observed us. Their eyes drifted to him. We didn't have long to wait for his response. His face was red and I could tell he was growing angrier. "It was embarrassing how you threw yourself at him. Bikers aren't good bets if you want a serious commitment. Of course if all you want is a good fuck then they're the ones to give it to you."

"I could say only good for a good fuck describes some firefighters I know. The same thing seems to be the consensus out there about us, especially the guys, however I've never been into stereotypes. Daredevil wants way more than a fuck, as you know since you were there when he told my cousin and his whole club. It's because of his intentions that he's come back with me. We're getting to know each other."

"Sounds like you're jealous, Laz. You've had the hots for Shain all this time," Mike, another firefighter, needled him.

"If I did, I sure wouldn't want her after she's been with a dirty biker."

The others gasped or drew in sharp breaths. My connection to the Regulators was well-known. They knew he was not only insulting me but the whole club. I smiled at him which I noticed bewildered him. As sweetly as possible I responded.

"No worries, I'd never go for a guy like you in a million years. But I'm sure Daredevil and the Regulators, especially Moose, will be very interested in your opinion of bikers. Maybe you should discuss it one time with them."

I enjoyed watching the color leech out of his face and a look of panic replace his sneer. The others found it funny and laughed.

"Now you did it. Nice knowing you," Quentin, our latest probationary firefighter told him. He'd been with us for six months. Most probies spent a year before they were made an actual firefighter. A few took longer. Overall, I thought he was doing well so he should only be six months away from becoming a full-fledged one.

"Shut the fuck up," Laz snapped.

"That'll be enough. No one's personal business is up for gossiping. We've got shit to do. Get yourselves ready. The calls could be rolling in at any time. Shain, I need to see you in my office. You need to sign some paperwork," Ricardo, our captain, said.

Forgetting Laz and his attitude, I followed my captain. I closed the door behind me. He gestured to one of the chairs in front of his desk. I felt my hands get clammy. Was he about to reprimand me for what I said to Laz? If so, he'd better call his ass in here too. Ricardo had always been fair, but there was always a first time. I'd never caused too much of a ruckus unless someone gave me shit for being a woman. I'd had that happen, but mostly outside the firehouse. The ones here knew I could do my job unless they were a newbie.

"When did this start with Laz? I thought you two were friends?"

I was startled by his questions. I scrambled to answer him. "He was supposed to drive me back on Monday from Texas, but when he found out about me and Daredevil at their compound, he said I was making a mistake and when Daredevil broke my heart, to come see him, then he left and it was the last I heard from him until just now. Honestly, I had no idea he liked me."

He sighed. "I thought he might but hoped not. Firefighters who are involved can't work together. It's against policy. I hate he seems to have taken it so badly that he's being an asshole. If it gets worse, I'll have to step in. I won't have a hostile work environment which means you need not to engage with him anymore. If he gives you trouble when I'm not around, let me know. Who you choose to date is no one's business but yours. I can't believe he was dumb enough to say what he did about bikers. Can you ask your cousin, his club, and your boyfriend not to kill him? I hate having to search for another employee. You're too hard to find as it is."

I grinned as I told him, "I'll tell them. Don't worry. I won't engage him, and if it gets too bad, I'll let you know. All I want to do is my job. Do you have paperwork for me to sign?"

"Nope, just wanted to get you in here without announcing what it was really about. Get outta here. It's good to have you back. By the way, before you go, should I be looking to replace you? If this works out with the boyfriend, I assume he won't be moving here since he's in a club in Texas."

"I-I can't say. We're just starting to see each other."

He nodded. "Got it. Okay, get out of my hair. I've got work to do." He winked as he said it, so there was no sting to it.

"Roger that, Captain."

When I got back to the kitchen, Laz was gone, but Jamie, Quentin, and Mike were still there. At our firehouse we ran with four firefighters, an engineer, who was the driver of the fire engine, and our captain. I doubled up as extra paramedic help outside the actual paramedics who dispatched to a fire with us in a squad. Lots of time I might get to render aid before they get there. This made us a close-knit bunch.

"Okay, what the fuck is up with Laz? He's so damn jealous he should be green," Jamie asked.

"Guys, don't feed into him. I promised Ricardo not to. If Laz is upset that's on him. He indicated when I was in Texas he thought I should date someone else, him. I was stunned. Just don't say anything to him. He'll either get over it or he won't. I don't want to talk about him and his shit."

"Fine, then tell us about your man, Daredevil. Sounds dangerous. You gotta picture? Wait until the other guys here and at the other stations hear this. Oh, and the cops, too," Mike said with glee.

"Why would they care?"

"Please, you're so oblivious. You have no clue how many want a piece of the Shain Train. They've been dying to sink their teeth into you. They've just been too chicken to ask," he said with a chuckle. I wanted to tell him he was nuts but Jamie and Quentin were nodding in agreement. What the hell?

"The Shain Train, really? Why would you call it that?"

"Because they all want to climb aboard your caboose," he cackled. This set them all off laughing.

I shoved him away. "You need medication. How does your wife stand you?"

"She's nuttier than me. We make a good match, made in hell," he replied with a shrug and a grin.

I met his wife many times. What he said was true. All three of them were married. On this shift only Laz and I were single. They all began to tease him and me. I was thankful when a call came in. I knew I'd have to tell them about Daredevil soon but for now, I liked keeping him to myself.

???

I was dragging by the time I got off my shift the next morning. It was all I could do to drive home. When I pulled into the parking lot, I did a double take. Sitting there on his bike was Daredevil. I smiled despite my fatigue. He gave me a jolt of pleasure and energy. He came over and opened my door then helped me out. I was immediately engulfed in his arms and he laid a kiss on me. I eagerly returned it. When he pulled away, I pouted.

"Come on, Mon Rêve. It's bedtime for you."

"You came all this way just to kiss me?"

"It wasn't that far but no. I came to make sure you got tucked in and rested before I go to work."

"That's so sweet. Tell me how your first day went." I asked as we walked to my townhouse.

He took my key and unlocked the door for me. As we walked in he answered. "I'll tell you later when I get off work. Right now, go shower. Did you eat this morning?"

"No, I was out on a call until right before quitting time. I'll eat later."

"When did you last eat?"

I had to think. "Around six last night."

"Baby, that's over twelve hours. You need fuel. Go get washed." He pushed me toward the stairs. I slogged up them slowly. I swear they seemed twice as many when I was tired. I took a long hot shower before calling it quits and doing the rest of my routine. When I came out of the bathroom, I smelled bacon. I followed my nose down to the kitchen. The table was set with plates of bacon, eggs and pancakes.

"You didn't need to do all this, Daredevil."

"Yes, I did. You're not going to bed on an empty stomach. Sit. Eat." He pulled out my chair and pressed me down into it. As he loaded my plate, he said more, "I think we're far enough into this for you to start using my name when we're alone. Don't you?"

Growing up in a club, I knew how significant this name thing was. "If you don't think it's too soon."

"It's not. It's Rome, Rome Torres."

"Rome. I like it. It suits you."

He dropped a kiss on my nose then sat to fill his plate. We ate in companionable silence. When I was done, he hustled me off to bed. Even going as far as to tuck me in and give me another toe-curling kiss. Before he left he told me, "I'll see you after work. Sleep. Don't worry about the dishes."

"Goodbye, Rome. Thank you."

"God, I love to hear you say my name. You're welcome. See you later." He closed the door. I was already drifting when I heard him shut the front door.

???

It was hours later before I surfaced. I usually would sleep about six hours then I was good. If we were lucky, we'd get some sleep in between calls but yesterday it had been almost nonstop calls. I got dressed and brushed my teeth again before going downstairs. In the kitchen on the table I found a note.

Don't you dare do these dishes or clean up. I'll do them when I get back. Kick back and relax. Rome

I giggled. The ornery part of me wanted to do them and see what he'd do. The commonsense side told me he'd have more than words to say. Was I ready to see what he would do? After thinking about it, the ornery side won and I cleaned the kitchen.

When I was done, I got started on dusting. My laundry was already finished. I did it before leaving Tenillo. I'd done what was at the house before I left to go to their party weekend. I was in the middle of busting out my sweeper when I heard the roar of a motorcycle. I went to the door, opened it and watched as he pulled into an open spot. I went to wait for him on my small porch.

He was smiling as he came ambling up to me. He picked me up so my feet were off the ground as he kissed me. I wrapped my arms around his neck and hung on. I was dizzy when he let go. That was my excuse for leading him inside and totally forgetting about the cleaning I did and was about to do. He came to an abrupt stop. His eyes were on my sweeper.

"Baby, tell me you weren't working."

"I was, but I always do it on my days off."

"You'd better not have touched the kitchen," he growled before moving in the kitchen's direction. I rushed after him.

"Rome, don't…" my words petered away as I heard his growl and saw his face.

"What did I tell you?"

"Not to touch them but I had time. It's no big deal," I protested.

"Oh, yes, it is. I said I'd do them. What part of ‘don't you dare' didn't you get? You've earned punishment for going against me."

I moved away. "Punishment? What do you mean by punishment?" Was he secretly one to hit a woman? I hadn't thought so but I didn't really know him.

He curled his finger at me and took a seat on my couch. "Come here, Shain. I promise it won't hurt more than a minute."

"I'm not a child, Daredevil."

"It's Rome and I know you're not. Come here. Trust me."

I might be an idiot but I went to him. This might be the only time I trusted him. If he got physical with me, I'd kick his ass and if there was anything left, I'd let Moose and the club have him. The key word being if. It was doubtful. I slowly and cautiously went over to him. He reached up and grasped my wrist. He didn't hurt me when he pulled me down. I found myself across his knees. I would've thought he was about to spank me except I was face up. I wasn't at all prepared for what he did next. It took my brain a few moments to catch up and react.

When I did I was shrieking. Except it wasn't shrieks of pain or horror. It was laughter. He had me pinned down with one arm and used the other to tickle me. I was thrashing around like a fish on a hook trying to get away. I was extremely ticklish. How in the world did he know? I was barely able to breathe by the time he stopped. He held me as I gasped for air. When I could talk again, I questioned him.

"How did you know I was ticklish? And just so you know, you're evil. I almost pissed myself. Hope you're into golden showers if you do it again. I won't hold back," I warned him.

He laughed. "Babe, I asked Moose what you really hated and he clued me in on the tickling. I had an inkling you'd do the kitchen and dishes. I'll never hit you. You can bank on it. That's not to say I won't find ways to get my point across. Spanking could be a punishment and a reward if you do it right," he smirked as he said it. I felt my skin warming at the thought.

"And if I want to get my point across, can I spank you or do something you dislike? Or is it a one-way street?"

"I've never been spanked, so we'd have to see. As for other things, sure."

I sat up. "Well then you've been warned. As for my cousin, I'll think of something to pay him back for betraying me."

He chuckled. "I bet you will. He told me how strong willed you are and you don't take shit. Why don't you tell me about your shift? How did it go other than being busy?"

I gave him a rundown of the various calls we made. One being the fire we were sure was arson. We'd been having those lately although the guys said they hadn't had any in a couple of weeks. They had hoped it meant whoever was doing it was done. No such luck. I didn't say anything about Laz. He was the one to bring him up.

"And how was Laz?"

I tried to hold in my grimace, but I guess I didn't do a good job of it. "Tell me," he ordered.

"Okay, but please, I don't want you to get mad. He was just being an asshole. He avoided me for the rest of the shift." I proceeded to tell him the shortened version of what Laz said and how I responded to him. He swore.

"That little cocksucker is messing with the wrong woman. Does he think I'll let him do this to you and not do something about it? Even if he does, he has to know Moose and the others won't."

"He has to know, but he's just showing his ass. If he continues, my captain will address it. He already told me to let him know if he says or does anything."

"While I'm glad your captain has your back, it's still my job to make sure Laz knows. Hope you don't mind but Moose said he was coming over tonight. He's bringing dinner. Wait until we tell him," he actually grinned and rubbed his hands together. I groaned.

"God help me. Why're you so happy? Do you wanna punch him so badly?"

"Punch, kick, bury, sure take your pick. If he fucks with you, he'll be on the receiving end of punishment and it won't be like your punishment."

Not wanting to egg him on more, I changed the subject. "How has your first two days of work been? Is it different from your place?"

From the way he smirked at me, he knew what I was doing but he went along with it. "Overall it's very similar as far as the work done and most of the setup. I did have a couple of suggestions they seemed to like. The new guys they want help mentoring seem alright. I'll see how they do once we move into more complicated work."

"I bet they're grateful for the help. I hear them complain about how hard it is to get skilled people.

"We have the same trouble, so I get it. Right now, we're fully staffed with a good bunch."

"Even with you gone?" I was worried about him taking time away to spend with me. The last thing I wanted was for his club to resent me.

"Even with me gone. It'll allow a few to make overtime which is no big deal so stop sweating it."

The sound of a motorcycle caught our attention. Getting up, we went to the door together. It was Moose. He swung off his bike and got into his saddlebags. He brought out two bags and came striding to the door. I wasn't able to see the logo to tell what he got. Daredevil swung the door open so he could walk in.

"I hope you're hungry."

I inhaled then moaned. "Is that Chin's?" I asked excitedly.

He grinned as he nodded his head yes. "Of course, as if I'd dare get Chinese anywhere else. You'd kill me if I did. Be warned, Daredevil, she loves her food, and when she has a favorite, nothing else will do. She gets hangry and mean."

"Oh shut up and put that down before I show you hangry. Keep it up, and I won't let you have any. You'll have to watch us eat." I told him as I got out plates and silverware.

"See! Be warned."

This earned laughs from all of us. It took mere minutes to have our plates filled and to start chowing down. I was hoping Daredevil wouldn't mention Laz tonight. As the minutes ticked by, I grew surer of it and relaxed. It wasn't until we finished and were sitting down in the living room that he brought it up. And he did it without any lead in.

"Moose, you should hear what that fucker Laz said to Shain yesterday at the station. He showed his ass to the whole crew. Mon Rêve, tell him. He needs to know. The guy might end up being trouble."

"This is only making things worse," I hissed at him.

"No, it's making sure you're safe and not harassed," he insisted.

Knowing there was no way Moose would let me get away without telling him and even if I refused, Daredevil would, I told him the whole thing, including my talk with the captain. As I knew he would be, he was infuriated. He came to his feet. His face was red and he had his fists clenched, not a good sign.

"I'll knock the little bastard's face in! How dare he do that? He's just a sore loser and he can't be a grown-up about it. And he thinks bikers are dirt. I'll show him how bikers protect our family."

"If you do that, he'll have you arrested. He's friends with several of the local cops. I think the best course is to ignore him. He'll quit if he doesn't get a rise out of any of us. I shouldn't have responded. I won't again."

"I don't agree. He needs to know any more talking smack will land him in a world of shit. We'll take care of it. And I promise, we won't go to jail for it," Daredevil promised.

I spent an hour trying to change their mind but in the end I had to give up. I went to bed wondering what they'd do. I was dreading it on one hand but on the other I was kinda thrilled they wanted to do it for me, especially Daredevil. I'd have to wait and see.