Chapter Nine

Chapter Nine

HIGHWAY

As the others leave, either retreating to their rooms or vanishing into the night, Gwen remains lingering with me in the club's dim light. Extending my hand toward her, I silently invite her, and after a hesitant pause, she intertwines her fingers with mine. We ascend the stairs, our footsteps echoing softly against the wooden treads until we reach my room.

"What are we doing?" she queries, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

I kick off my boots with a thud, then loosen my belt, letting my jeans slide down my legs before discarding my T-shirt. Gwen turns away, her gaze fixed firmly on the door.

"Feeling bashful all of a sudden?" I tease gently.

"Just because your friends have some archaic notion of ownership over women doesn't mean I'm obligated to adhere to it," she retorts, her words edged with defiance.

"Gwen—" I start, only to be interrupted by her cutting remark.

"Don't you mean Lyric?" Her new nickname drips with disdain.

"I haven't slept much, and I'm guessing you haven't either. All I want is to hold you and drift off to sleep," I confess earnestly.

She pivots back to face me. "Is that all?"

I can't help but chuckle at her unexpected response. "Now you sound disappointed."

A blush creeps up her neck, and she shakes her head. "N-no."

Cupping her face, I kiss her lips and rest my forehead on hers. "Sleep, for now."

"Okay," she whispers.

Pulling back the covers, I get into bed. Gwen follows suit, shedding her boots and jeans before settling beside me. She rests her head gently on my chest, and when I wrap my arm securely around her waist, a sense of completeness washes over me.

With her warm body against mine and the rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing, it feels like coming home. At this moment, with her nestled close to me, there's an undeniable sense of belonging. It's as if the universe has aligned, and everything falls into place perfectly. And as I close my eyes, I savor the moment, grateful for the woman in my bed.

***

Pounding on my door wakes me, and Gwen sits bolt upright.

"What?" I yell through the door.

"You going to sleep all day?" yells Justice.

"Fuck off," I mumble as I crawl out of bed and open the door. "What time is it?"

He looks past me to Gwen and frowns. "It's ten and…" he pokes me in the chest, "… you're wanted downstairs."

Closing the door, I put my back to it and stare at Gwen. "You okay?"

"Yeah."

"You know, I had plans for you today."

Gwen puts her feet on the floor and bends to pick up her jeans. "What type of plans?"

"The kind that has you begging for more but not getting what you want."

Gwen freezes and looks up at me. "What do you mean?"

"You disobeyed me, and I was going to teach you a lesson."

Gwen puts her feet into her jeans and stands, dragging them up her legs. "Technically, I didn't disobey you."

"But you knew following me was wrong."

Gwen tilts her head from side to side. "Yes and no. You didn't share with me, so I thought I'd find out for myself. I was trying to help."

Pushing off the door, I sit on the bed near her and run a hand from the top of her back to her knee.

"Hmm…"

Gwen turns and kneels in front of me. "I'm sorry."

My cock goes hard, and I'm naked so she can see. "Prove it."

Gwen glances at the door. "Do we have time?"

Grimacing, I say, "No."

Her hand grips my cock, and she moves it up and down. "I can be quick."

With reluctance, I stop her. "Being quick with you is the last thing I want."

Gwen sits back on her heels. "Later?"

I nod, and she stands.

"You can count it." My hand snakes out, and I grab her wrist. "Remember who you belong to."

Gwen laughs. "We will see… on both counts."

As she challenges me, I'm struck by the realization of just how much I want her and how much she belongs with me. But I can't let that desire overwhelm me or scare her away. So, consciously tempering my intensity, I tighten my grip on her wrist just a fraction, my voice softening. "No. In this clubhouse, you belong to me. No more flirting with Justice. No more flirting with anyone. You want to sell being Lyric, then you act like you belong to me."

"But it's just make-believe, right?"

I swallow hard, feeling the weight of her gaze. This woman tests me in ways I never expected. And though every fiber of my being wants to claim her completely, I know I must tread carefully and show her that belonging to me doesn't mean losing herself in the process.

"For now." I wink at her and stand. "Now, go. You've got work to do." Gwen tries to pull her wrist out of my grasp, but I hold on. "And if you see Justice, tell him I'll be down in a minute."

Then I lean into her and press my lips to hers, a gentle caress at first. The world around us fades away, lost in the sensation of her lips moving against mine, soft and yielding beneath the pressure of my kiss. I drink her in, savoring the taste of her and the sweetness of her breath mingling with mine in a symphony of desire.

And at this moment, as our lips move in a dance of passion, I know with absolute certainty this is where I belong, lost in the intoxicating embrace of her kiss.

Abruptly, I end it before it goes any further and rest my forehead on hers. "Think of that while you're away from me."

Her breaths are ragged, and my heart beats a little faster as she smiles at me. "See you later."

I let her go, and she slips out the door, closing it behind her. With a soft exhale, I shake off the remnants of our encounter, the weight of her absence already settling in the empty space she leaves behind.

Turning away, I rifle through my drawers for clean clothes and then walk to the shower.

***

The MC has been my life for more years than I care to count. One of my favorite things to do is to work behind the bar and serve my brothers. Some think this is beneath me as I'm road captain and should pass it on to one of the prospects. But something they don't realize is everyone talks to me. They share all their secrets, and if I can help, even without their knowledge, I do. Which makes me think it isn't a prospect who betrayed us. They are all so eager to please and to be in our brotherhood. It could be one of our patched-in brothers' family member, but they all know the score. Creed has mellowed since Devil came into his life, but he's still the toughest motherfucker I know. It doesn't sit right with me that it would be someone so close to us. Thinking about it, it troubles me we have a rat.

Today, the air feels charged with something different. The other two chapters are departing on Creed's orders. He's determined to prevent any further harm or tragedy under his watch. I stand behind the bar, methodically polishing glasses, when Missy, one of the club's whores, sidles up beside me.

"What's the deal?" she asks, her curiosity palpable.

"Dutch and Una are heading back home."

"To the UK?"

I put down the glass I'm cleaning and pick up another one. "Yeah. He wants his woman safe, and I don't blame him. And Ghost from our Iowa chapter is headed back today as well."

Misty smiles and nudges me. "He's one tall glass of water I could drink all day."

"Pretty sure he's got a woman."

"So? What happens on a ride stays on a ride. Besides, he might like me better."

Shaking my head, I say, "Don't you want to be more than a fuck? Try saying no, and maybe one of the guys will want you as his permanent ride, but if you give it willingly to everyone and anyone who smiles at you, you'll only ever be a club whore."

Missy sizes me up, a smirk playing on her lips. "Ran into your woman in the kitchen this morning," she remarks casually. "Never pegged you for a one-woman man."

"Who says I am?" I counter, grabbing another glass.

She scoffs. "She did."

"Lyric is different, but give her a chance. Show her around, will you?"

Missy picks up a glass and pours herself a whiskey. "Why should I? And who gave Lyric her club name?"

"Don't be a bitch, Missy. I want her to like it here, and Reaper called her Lyric."

"Why?" Missy presses, her curiosity piqued.

"Why do I want her to feel welcome, or why did Reaper call her Lyric?" She throws back the whiskey, grits her teeth, and looks me in the eyes. "Both."

"Maybe I want to be a one-woman man, and she's a journalist, so Reaper thought Lyric summed her up," I assert, holding my ground.

"You're letting an outsider, a damn journalist, into our clubhouse? And you even gave her a nickname?" Missy's incredulous tone cuts through the air.

Setting the rag aside, I meet her gaze squarely. "What's your issue?"

Her voice takes on a hint of petulance. "Why haven't I been given a nickname?"

Feral, lounging at the bar, interjects with a teasing grin, "Because you're nothing but a bicycle that everyone's ridden."

Missy slams her glass down, the sound reverberating through the room, and storms off into the kitchen.

"What the hell, Feral?" I reprimand, disbelief coloring my tone.

He shrugs, a picture of innocence. "What?"

I confront him, exasperated. "Why would you say that?"

His eyes roll skyward. "It's the truth."

Justice, seated nearby, chimes in solemnly, "Yes, it's true, but Missy has been with us for five years. She deserves some respect."

Feral's laughter fills the room, but I shake my head in disappointment. "Justice is right. Missy might not be a Bastard, but she's stood by us through thick and thin."

Feral waves a hand in the air. "I'll go apologize."

He slides off the barstool and goes into the kitchen.

"You think he's really going to apologize to her?" asks Justice.

I shrug. "If we hear screaming, we'll know he fucked it up."

Creed steps up to the bar. "Water."

There's more color to his complexion, but from the set of his mouth, I'd say he's still in a world of pain. I pour him a glass, he puts pills in his mouth and washes them down.

"Thanks."

"Any time, Prez." I stare at his shoulder. "How's it feeling?"

"Hurts like a bitch. But I'll heal." He winces as he leans against the bar. "Where's Lyric?"

"Not sure."

He quirks an eyebrow at me. "Well, you best find out."

Justice smirks at Creed's reprimand, and I scowl at him. "How about you man the bar while I go find my woman?"

The smirk falls off his face as I walk into the kitchen, where I find Feral balls deep inside Missy.

"Jesus, Feral! We cook food in here." Shaking my head, I continue through the kitchen and out the backdoor, where I see a group of women.

Lyric is sitting between Devil and Lucy. Opposite them is Nerd, who is the Ol' Lady of Fingers, our computer hacker, and four club whores. They're laughing, having a great time. It's nice to see Lyric smile. She catches me watching, and her smile gets bigger. Lyric gives me a small wave, and the other women all turn to see who she's waving at. Lucy says something, and they all laugh loudly.

"What's so funny?" I ask as I approach them.

"My sister has a permanent smile on her face. I'm guessing it's something you did, Highway." Lucy nudges Lyric, who shakes her head.

"Ignore them. They're all jealous," replies Lyric, and the women laugh loudly.

Devil stands. "I should be getting back to Creed."

"He's in the bar. He looks better."

Devil nods. "He should be resting, but you know how he is." She reaches down and touches Lyric's shoulder. "See you later?"

Lyric smiles up at her. "Yeah, I'll be around."

Devil winks down at her and heads toward the backdoor.

"Wait!" I yell. "Go around the front."

"Why?"

"Trust me, you do not want to see what's happening in there. Feral is… busy."

"Eww, in the kitchen? Who with?" Devil holds up a hand. "No, never mind. I don't want to know." She makes a detour and heads for the front of the clubhouse. "Highway, make sure to tell him to use disinfectant on any surface he may have touched with any part of his body."

Chuckling, I say, "Will do." Looking down at Lyric, she's staring up at me with a huge grin. "Take a walk with me?"

"Is that code for let's have sex?" asks Lucy.

The women all laugh. I ignore them and hold out a hand to Lyric. She nods and puts her hand in mine.

"You're all just jealous," Lyric says as she stands.

"Keep telling yourself that," teases Nerd.

"Ladies," I say by way of a goodbye and give them a two-fingered wave. Pulling Lyric along, I entwine my fingers with hers. "Did you learn anything?"

"Too early to tell. Did you want something?"

"No. Creed asked me if I knew where you were." Rubbing my chin, I continue, "Actually, it felt more like an order."

"Ahh, making sure everyone knows who I belong to."

"Maybe." I glance back at the women. "Who are the others? I know Nerd, she's Fingers' Ol' Lady, but the others not so much."

"Really? They've been with the club for over a year. I thought, as the bartender, you'd know everyone."

"I know them, but I don't know them. The one with the black and purple hair helps out in the kitchen now and again. Think her name is Sarah."

"Suzie," Lyric corrects. "She likes it here. Spends most of her nights in Bullet's room."

Bullet is a soldier in our chapter.

"Hell, I didn't even know he was seeing anyone on the regular."

Lyric laughs. "I didn't say that." She looks back at the women. "But she is hoping to be his permanent ride."

"Permanent ride?" I bark out a laugh. "He doesn't seem the type."

"That's what the redhead, Raven said. She has her eye on one of the prospects. I think she said his name was Shadow."

"Sounds like you've all been swapping war stories."

Lyric pulls on my hand. "I didn't swap anything. You're too important. I'm trying really hard not to fuck this up."

Bending, I steal a kiss. "Do as you're told, and you'll be fine."

Lyric frowns. "You're still mad?"

"Nope, not mad. Just reminding you, I have a certain way of doing things and don't like to be disobeyed."

"Bossy."

Smirking, I kiss her again. "You have no idea." We walk into the clubhouse. "I better get back to work."

Lyric nods at Feral, who's sitting at the bar. "I thought he was busy?"

"Feral isn't known for being gentle. He takes what he wants from those who will let him." In a quieter voice, I say, "Just don't be alone with him in a room, okay?"

Lyric's eyes go wide, and she nods. "Should I check on whoever he was with?"

"She looked fine, but yeah. It was Misty in the kitchen."

Lyric goes up on her tiptoes, kisses me hard, leans back, and smiles at me. "See you later."

She sways her hips and saunters into the kitchen. Feral's eyes are glued to her ass as she passes by. Something akin to anger pulses through me, and as I approach Feral and see his salacious smile, it boils over, and I kick his stool, sending him sprawling to the floor.

"What the fuck?" Feral roars and scrambles to his feet. His arms are outstretched, and he glares at me.

"Keep your fucking eyes off my woman."

"Highway," says Justice. "Calm down. It's Feral. It's what he does."

"Not to her. Not now, not ever."

Feral's nostrils are flared, and he's breathing deeply. He drops his arms, fists clenched as though he's going to hit me.

"Feral, walk it off," orders Creed.

Feral quickly shakes his head, his eyes never leaving me.

"Feral, walk it off so I can talk with Highway."

Nodding profusely, a smirk goes across Feral's face. "Yeah, okay… sure, Prez. You talk to Highway." He walks past me, and his shoulder rams into me. "I'll be outside if you want to talk to me later, Highway."

I take two steps to grab him, but I'm stopped by Creed, who stands between us.

"Let him go."

"The little fucker—"

"I don't care. Let. It. Go."

There's a tense silence as Feral saunters out, leaving me seething. Creed turns his attention to me, his eyes hard and unwavering.

"You need to control your temper, Highway. This isn't the time or place for this."

"He disrespected her," I snap, my fists clenched, knuckles white.

"And you think fighting him is going to solve anything? We've got bigger problems than Feral's wandering eyes."

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. The room feels like it's closing in, the tension thick enough to cut with a knife. Creed is right, but the anger still simmers beneath the surface.

"I can't just stand by and let him look at her like that," I mutter, more to myself than to Creed.

"I get it," Creed says, his tone softening slightly. "But you need to pick your battles. This isn't one of them. Have you seen how he stares at Devil or any of the other ol' ladies? Let it go. Feral simply wants what we have. A woman of his own."

I nod reluctantly, the rage slowly ebbing away. Feral is outside, and part of me wants to follow him to settle this once and for all. But Creed's words echo in my mind, reminding me of the bigger picture.

Justice steps closer, placing a hand on my shoulder. "Come on, let's get a drink and cool off. We've got more important things to focus on."

I follow him to the bar, my mind still racing but my body slowly relaxing. Feral's laugh echoes from outside, but I force myself to ignore it—for now.