Micaela Chapter 7

As the police car pulled up in front of Perfect Palate, I hurried to put on my show. As the two officers exited the car, I turned on the waterworks and called out. I made sure to act as if I was terrified and wrung my hands together. Just as I thought they would, they came over to me.

"Miss, are you alright?" the first one asked in concern. He was the taller of the two, and his name tag identified him as Mathers . His partner was Accardi .

"No, I'm not! A horrible man hurt a poor woman in there, tried to attack me, and then my date had to get involved to stop him from hurting us or anyone else. The man wouldn't stop or leave no matter what we said. I was in fear for my life."

"Miss, calm down. Is the man still here? Is he inside?" Accardi asked.

"No, my date got him outside, but he was still acting crazy. I'm scared my date had to defend himself. Please, you have to take that madman away. He's a menace to the public," I said while sobbing louder.

"Go see what the others inside have to say. I'll stay out here and see if I can find the two men," Mathers informed the other.

As Accardi entered, Mathers replied, "Okay, why don't you give me your name?"

"I will, but you must ensure Ash isn't hurt. That terrible man was insane. You should've seen how he was treating his girlfriend, then bam, he hauled off and backhanded her for no reason. He knocked her to the floor."

"Did everyone else see him do it?"

"Yes, they did."

"Alright, your name?"

I saw that I wasn't about to get out of telling him so I provided it. "Oh, sorry. I'm so flustered. It's Micaela Torres."

He was jotting it down in a little notebook he took out of his pocket. "And, Ms. Torres, your date's name? Do both of you live here?"

"My name is Ashes. If you want my legal name, it's Scott Hart," came Ashes' deep voice from the darkness of a side street next to the building. A moment later, he walked into the glow of the streetlight. Mathers quickly swung to face him, placing his hand near his gun. Ashes came closer, but he did it slowly and made sure to keep his hands out from his body and in clear sight. I scanned him to see if he was harmed. He didn't have a mark on him that I saw.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you. You asked if we live here, the answer is no. We live over in Tenillo. Hate that you had to come out for this. I swear, some people." He said it with a hint of exasperation in his voice.

"Sir, where is the gentleman you brought outside?"

"Well, as far as I know, he left. He and I had words, but then he took off when he heard your cruiser's siren. I tried to catch him for you, but he got away in the dark. Are you alright, sweetheart? I know he scared you," he said, switching his focus to me.

I wondered if he'd been listening to my performance and decided to play along. Not wanting to mess up, I continued with my frightened, helpless female routine. Thank God my brothers weren't here to see me. I'd never hear the end of it. Those drama classes in high school might pay off.

I eased around Mathers and went to Ashes. He wrapped me in his arms, which wasn't a bad place to be. I snuggled into his chest. He hugged me tightly. My body tensed for a whole different reason. It had nothing to do with the fight or worry. It was all about how smelling and touching him sent my body into overdrive. Lust struck me hard. It was the wrong time for it, but I was turned on.

"Tenillo, you say. Mind turning so I can see your back?"

He finally saw Ashes had a cut on. Daredevil had explained more than a few times how the law didn't generally like bikers. And in the case of some, I understood why, but the Infidels were nothing like those MCs. As Ashes swung around, still holding me, I sent up a prayer. I didn't want to see him sitting in a cell because of the jackass.

"Ares Infidels. Hmm, so that means you're a club brother to Deputy Chief Dickerson and Detective Marshall, then."

Ashes swung back to face him again and smiled. "Yeah, Wrecker and Cuffs are the names they go by in the club. You know them?"

"We've met a few times. Good guys. Why don't we go inside and see what my partner is doing? Before we do, I've gotta ask. If I go search that street, will I find a body back there?" He raised an eyebrow at Ashes.

"Officer, if you do, then he came back after I came out here to you because the last I saw him, he was awake and running."

Mathers didn't ask more. He instructed us to proceed with him into the building. I wondered if my preparations had worked. I was praying no one would blow it. Ashes kept his arm around me as we entered. I looked for the other officer. He was talking to Carole. Hutch was nowhere in sight. I briefly wondered where he was. The other patrons were gathered in small groups, whispering, and watching. When they saw us, they became quiet. I made eye contact with them. If they ruined this, I was gonna be more than pissed. The least the damn cowards could do was support my version of the story since they didn't step in to stop Tav.

Noting his partner was with us, Accardi came striding over. He was checking out Ashes, and I knew he hadn't missed the leather cut, although he couldn't see the back. When he reached us, he addressed Mathers and ignored us.

"I assume this is her date? Where's the other one?"

"He is her date, and the other one ran. I still need to check the street between here and the next building, but I wanted to get them inside first."

"Until we know more, shouldn't he be in cuffs?"

Before Mathers was able to answer him, I did. "Why would Ashes be in cuffs? He didn't do anything wrong. All he did was protect us. Surely, they told you that." I gestured toward the rest of the room. If they hadn't, I was kicking ass before I left tonight. I made sure I was projecting puzzlement.

"Babe, it's just a precaution," Ashes assured me.

Accardi ignored me and directed another question to his partner. "What club is he with?" The way he said the word club, I knew he didn't like bikers and likely wouldn't, whether they were one-percenters or not. Yeah, I paid attention to everything my brother ever told our family about MCs.

"He's with the Ares Infidels over in Tenillo. That's the same one Deputy Chief Dickerson and Detective Marshall are in. He's not causing trouble. I don't see the need to cuff him. What's the story here? What did the other witnesses have to say?"

The scowl on Accardi's face told me he wasn't happy with Mathers' answer, and if he had his way, Ashes would be in cuffs and probably in the back of their squad car. He went on my do-not-like list. It also told me Mathers was the senior and, therefore, lead officer.

"They all pretty much say the same thing she did. The guy was with his girlfriend." He pointed to Sandy, huddled on a stool with Carole comforting her. The ice pack was still held to her cheek. "He kept verbally attacking her until suddenly, he backhanded her and knocked her down. This one interceded to protect her and his date, who the guy turned his attention to when she told him to stop. There were words exchanged, and then this biker took him outside."

"His name is Ashes," his partner supplied. He was frowning. I got the impression he was less than happy with his partner's attitude.

"I think the alley needs to be checked. We only have his word the guy ran. Maybe there's a dead body back there."

My temper was rising, threatening to come out and destroy the carefully constructed helpless female act I had going. I detested prejudiced assholes.

Casting another frown in his direction, Mathers answered him. "I don't believe we'll find one, but we need to check it out. Why don't you stay here until I return? You can get a few more statements while you do. I already got these two's statements, so it's unnecessary to do it again."

Accardi grimaced, but he nodded.

"I'll be back. We'll get this tidied up as quickly as possible so you can return to your evening, folks. Sorry for the disruption," Mathers informed the room before strolling out the door.

Accardi began questioning as soon as the door shut behind his partner, but it wasn't the other people he began to grill. It was us. My temper inched up another notch.

"What's your name? And I don't mean that thing they give you when you join your OMG," he said with a faint sneer.

"OMG?" I asked, having no clue what it meant other than Oh My God, which I knew wasn't what it meant in this case.

"OMG stands for outlaw motorcycle club. It's what law enforcement calls the one-percenter clubs. Officer, I can assure you that my club is far from one of those. You heard Officer Mathers. We have two highly respected police officers in my club," Ashes informed him.

His comeback was, "If you ask me, if cops are in a motorcycle gang, then they shouldn't be on the force."

That was it for me. I knew Ashes was keeping his cool, but I felt the tension running through him, and it was worsening. I glowered up at Accardi. "Well, I guess the same could be said of officers who are prejudiced and assume everyone is the same. I don't recall him using the word gang. It's a club. You should brush up on your knowledge. I'd hate for you to offend someone."

His face reddened, and he cast me a tight-mouthed look of disapproval. I was waiting to hear what came out of his mouth next, but we were saved by the return of his partner, who came straight over to us.

"The street is clear. The culprit is long gone. I assume you got his information from his girlfriend. Have you finished speaking to the others already?" He wasn't a fool. The way he watched Accardi and then glanced at us, he knew the guy never left us and wasn't happy about it.

"I've got the information for the one who ran. I tried to get this one's name, but he's stalling me."

"I told you I already spoke to them. There's no need. Did you get the others' names and information from the witnesses?" Mathers asked impatiently.

"I did from several of them."

"Then we're done here. We need to let these folks get back to enjoying their night."

"I think we should take this guy to the station and talk to him further. No one knows what happened outside. The owner said there are no cameras out there or inside. Maybe if she continues to open these classes to anyone, she should invest in them."

I'd had enough. Straightening up, I addressed Mathers, ignoring his asshole partner. "Officer Mathers, I'd like to know the name of your superior so I know who to talk to. Oh, and hold on…" I took a small notebook and a pen from my purse. I quickly began writing.

"What're you writing?" Accardi asked.

"Your names, and I'd like to see your badges too."

"Why do you need to see those?" he asked suspiciously.

"So I can note your badge numbers in case there are more than one Mathers and Accardi. I'd hate to get it wrong, and the incorrect officer gets praised, while one gets reprimanded when they don't deserve it. Although I guess Wrecker and Cuffs might be able to help us, I would still like to be thorough." I gave him a fake smile, and he knew it. His mouth tightened.

Mathers knew he wasn't at fault, so he gave me their superior's name and even his number and took out his badge to show me. From the way his lips twitched, I knew he was fighting a grin. After I noted his info, I gave the other officer an expectant look.

"Show her your badge. She has a right to see it," his partner gruffly told him. Accardi wasn't happy. Reluctantly, the biased moron did it. When I was done, I put my stuff away.

"Thank you so much, Officer Mathers. It was a pleasure to meet you. If you have any other questions, feel free to call us."

Amusement danced in his eyes as he nodded. "Thank you, Ms. Torres, Ashes. I'll do that. I hope your evening isn't completely wrecked. Come on." He growled the last to his errant sidekick. It was a very unhappy Accardi who left. As soon as they were out of sight, I blew out a breath.

"Woman, I hope you won't get mad, but after that show, I've gotta kiss you. Your little naughty self has turned me the hell on." His voice was filled with desire.

"You've gotta do what you've gotta do," I told him.

He chuckled, and then I was drowning in the hottest kiss of my life. I had no idea how long it lasted, but when he was done, I was thoroughly dazed and horny as hell. As the whispers around us increased, I knew we'd better stop. I was determined to finish off our date. His kiss would have to be examined when I was alone.

???

Last night's date with Ashes wasn't a total disappointment. It was overall good, even considering Tav. After the cops left, Carole rallied us to finish the class. It wasn't spoiled since we hadn't cooked our pasta before the ruckus. A few people decided to go since they claimed to be too upset to continue. Carole was sweet enough to offer them another class free of charge. As for those of us who remained, we had fun and, in the end, had a good dinner and some tasty wine. I was pleased with our first attempt at making homemade pasta, and so was he.

When he brought me back to the compound, he wanted to drop me off at Daredevil's house, but I cautioned him not to. Instead, we parked at his trailer in the same spot where he picked me up. Making sure no one was around, we kissed again before I floated to the house. I went to bed dreaming about him. Only it wasn't just him. Dragon and Vicious snuck in there, too. I was restless and in and out of sleep all night, resulting in me ending up sleeping in later than usual.

Walking into the kitchen to get coffee to finish waking myself up, I knew I'd have the house to myself. Daredevil and Shain were back to work, and I was relieved. Last night, when I came in, my brother had been awake, and he launched straight into interrogating me about where I'd been. I told them before leaving that I had plans and I'd be back late. Recalling our late-night conversation made me shake my head.

"Micaela, where have you been? You've been gone for hours. Who were you with? You don't know anyone but the club. It's unsafe for you to wander around alone, especially at night. And I know you weren't in the clubhouse because I checked. Everyone in there said they had no clue where you were. I texted you, and you didn't answer."

He was upset, but I wasn't about to let him think he was my keeper. I had enough of that with the other three in Florida and all four when I was younger.

"Rome, let me be clear. I'm an adult. I've been on my own, living my life, doing whatever I want for a long time. I don't need you telling me what to do, where I can go, or who I can hang with. I'm not sixteen. And I did answer you. I texted back, telling you I was fine and would be home later. I refused to answer your demand to tell you where I was and what I was doing."

He wasn't happy with my responses. He followed me to my room, where I ended up closing the door on him. Shain exited their bedroom and tried her best to get him to stop. I heard her after I closed the door on him. I knew it was only because of concern, but still. They argued briefly outside my bedroom door and then went to bed.

I barely got the cup out of the cabinet before a gruff voice made me jump. "Are you ready to have an adult conversation or are you gonna run and hide in your room again?" my brother asked.

I took my time pouring my coffee before turning to face him. It was more to keep myself calm than anything. My brothers knew how to press my buttons without trying. I stared at him without saying a word as I sipped my hot elixir. His arms were crossed over his chest as he watched me through narrowed eyes. I knew how this game worked. I hid my smirk when he broke first. Score a point for me.

"Goddamn it, Micaela, you need to talk to me. You're staying in my home and in my town. I'm responsible for making sure you're safe. I can't do that if I have no clue where you are or who you're with. What if something happened to you?" he demanded.

"What anyone who doesn't live close to family would do. I would've called the police or figured it out. Do you believe I tell the others every time I step out of the house when I'm home in Florida? If you do, you're delusional. I stopped needing a babysitter when I was ten and my overbearing brothers after I turned eighteen. I love you, but I won't be hovered over. I need to be able to live my life. Are you trying to tell me that Shain tells you every tiny place she goes and everything she does?"

"I always know where she is."

"I asked if she tells you, not if you have her tracked like an obsessive nut. I have no doubt Phantom has tracking apps on all the club's phones. What he better not have is one on me," I warned him.

"He will after today," was his response.

"Then as of today, I'm out of here and on a plane to Florida. I was contemplating moving here, but not if this is what I'll have to deal with. Nope. I guess I know what I'm doing for the rest of the day. Bye. I have to go pack my bags and book a flight."

I presented my back to him and sat my cup on the counter. I was devastated to be missing out on my dates with Vicious and Dragon and determining whether one of them might be the guy for me, but no way would I put up with this, no matter how much I loved and respected my brother. I heard his swift inhalation, and then his hand was around my arm, rotating me so I was facing him again. He had a cross between an upset and panicked expression on his face. I hated to hurt him, but he had to listen.

"Don't leave. Talk to me. Let's sit." I let him pull me to the couch in their living room. We sat facing each other. He ran his hand down his jaw.

"I'm not trying to control you. I want to make sure you're safe. If something were to happen to you, I'd never forgive myself. Yes, Phantom has ways to track all of us, but I swear he has more to do than sit monitoring and tattling where the women are all day. However, if something were to happen, he would hopefully be able to use it to find them. Shain tells me her overall agenda for the day. No, I don't know who she's with every moment."

"I understand you're my big brother. But I need to be able to go and explore and do whatever I want without being told I can or can't."

"You've never left the compound alone until last night. Why the mystery and change?"

"I've not gone anywhere outside here because I've been with you and Shain. It hadn't come up before. You're both back to work, or you should be. Surely, you didn't think I'd sit here all day, did you?"

"Well, no, but I figured you'd have a prospect take you. You don't even have a car unless you borrow one of ours. The prospects were here. Did you get a car to come get you? It wasn't necessary. We have them, and so does the club."

"And I appreciate your willingness to loan me one. I would never ask the prospects to haul me around. You know me. I like to explore. I'm trying to get to know the area and Tenillo. I wasn't lying about considering a possible move here. Papá and Mamá are. However, there's no way I'll make such a move and have you breathing down my neck. Renzo, Diego, and Marco are too much, and they have even given up trying to know where I am at all times."

He sighed. "Christ, Shain better never give me daughters. That's all I gotta say. I'll be bald and dead before I'm fifty if she does. Fine, I'll work on curbing my overprotective gene, but you have to know, I'll never conquer it. The whole club is full of men like me. It's a requirement that we protect our loved ones."

"Protection is great when needed. Don't borrow trouble."

"Okay. Do you have any plans today to explore?" He slipped it in there quickly.

I shoved him away from me. The asshole just laughed. "As a matter of fact, I do. And no, you can't know what. Shouldn't you be at work?"

"That's the thing about working for your club. You can get time off without a hassle if you need it. Rampage and Ashes can handle anything that crops up."

Hearing him mention Ashes made me work at not looking guilty. Lucky for me, I learned not to do it when I was a teenager. If not, I would've been in worse situations with my family. I'd snuck out of the house more than a few times and lied to their faces.

"Well, even so, get to work. I have some online research to do, and you're holding me up."

He leaned down to place a kiss on my forehead. "Love you, runt."

I smacked him and huffed at him for using my childhood nickname. All four of my stinky brothers thought it was hilarious. I gave him the middle finger, which made him laugh harder before he strolled out whistling.

With him out of my hair, I got down to business. I spent hours trolling for more rental properties and information on Tenillo and the nearby towns. I even went as far as to check into apartments and see what the rent was like. It was cheaper than where I lived in Florida. Another plus in the pros and cons list I was keeping.

I stopped mid-afternoon. I wanted to be showered and prettied up for my date and out of the house before Shain and Daredevil made it home. If I didn't, he'd put me through the third degree. Even if he had promised to relax, I knew it would take time and more talks.

Like Ashes, Dragon hadn't shared where we were going on our date. All he told me was there was no need to dress up fancy and to make sure I wore shoes I could walk in. Ashes' choice of date had pleasantly surprised me, and despite the interruption, I'd vastly enjoyed it. I knew Dragon's date would be just as charming.

I was ready to go before the allotted five o'clock. Like last night, I was to meet him at the trailers. I hastily made my way there a few minutes early. As I did, I kept my eyes open for Daredevil. Most of the club was still at work. I didn't catch sight of anyone. When I came around the backside of the clubhouse, I found Dragon waiting. He was leaning against a truck with his arms and ankles crossed.

I prayed I wouldn't drool. He was sexy as all get out in his biker gear and with his tattoos showing. All the guys had tats on their arms. Some more than others, and I had no idea where else under their clothes they might be. In the case of Dragon, Vicious, and Ashes, I fantasized about where else they had them. I wanted to explore not only to find out but also so I could touch and taste them. I was a very tactile person. He grinned at me as I approached him. He wore his sunglasses, so I had no idea if he was checking me out. Luckily, my sunglasses hid me devouring him visually. God, what I wouldn't give to photograph the three of them.

"Hello, Sunshine. I can't tell you how happy I am to see you. I've been dying for this moment all day. You look beautiful," he told me as he straightened before approaching me.

As he reached me, his arms opened. Unlike with Ashes, I didn't avoid hugging him. After the kiss Ashes and I shared, I was over being wary of someone catching me hugging any of them. Friends hugged. He squeezed me. I took advantage of snuggling into his muscles. Inhaling his essence, I smiled. Each guy had his own unique scent. All of them wore different colognes occasionally. Whether they had it on or not, I loved how each one of them smelled.

"Hello. You look wonderful, and I've been looking forward to our date all day, too. Are you ready, or is there something you need to do first?"

"I'm good to go. Your chariot awaits, milady." He swept his hand out to gesture at the truck. As you'd expect in Texas, it wasn't a small one. It was a large red Ram 1500 pickup. It had what Daredevil called a lift kit, which made it sit higher off the ground. The kind that would be easier for me to get in if there was a step or running board. I was relieved to see it wasn't super jacked up, and a running board was along the side.

As we walked to the passenger side, I asked, "Is this yours or borrowed?"

He opened the door. As I went to step up, he surprised me by grabbing my waist and lifting me. I scooted in. "It's mine. Hang on. Give me a second to get in," he said before shutting my door and going to the driver's door.

He hopped in without a bit of trouble after removing his cut. I was so busy watching his fine self go around, I forgot to hook my seatbelt. He remedied that. He reached over, snagged it, drew it across my body, and snapped it in place. The feel of him brushing against me made me want to moan. The slight smirk he wore told me he knew it. He put on his seatbelt and started the truck to get the air going. The roar was loud but nothing like their bikes were.

He didn't waste time getting us through the gate and onto the road. As we drove off, I had to tease him. "So, I have to ask." I paused to let him respond.

"Ask away."

"Is it a requirement to have a truck or a sports car if you live in Texas or are in a club? I know a bike is a must for you, but I've seen what's around here. I assume the ladies own the vehicles that aren't one of those two."

He chuckled. "It's not a requirement to live in Texas, although I understand why some may think it is. My brothers are either truck, sports car, or SUV owners, but it's their choice, not a club requirement. Though it would be funny if it were."

"Is it a requirement in the Ares to ride a Harley? It's all I've seen."

"It isn't. A few have an Indian or a Victory. I wouldn't mind owning either of those one day, but I'll never give up my Harley. Have you ever been on a bike?"

"I have, actually. All of my brothers ride, not just Daredevil, and so does Papá .

"Nice. Next time, we'll have to go on my bike. I wasn't sure, so I didn't want to risk it. What did you do today? Anything fun?"

Much like my conversation last night with Ashes, I told him about my efforts to find studio spaces and research photography businesses along with apartments. It brought a sparkle to his eyes. Also, I warned him not to make assumptions.

"I won't assume, but it pleases the hell outta me that you've been doing it. I won't lie. I want you to stay. If you have questions about town and such, let me know."

I acknowledged his offer with a smile and a nod, then got him to tell me about his day. The conversation flowed back and forth effortlessly. When we hit Tenillo's outer limits, he gave me a tentative smile. "I hope you like what I have planned tonight."

"I'm sure I will. Is it still hush-hush?"

"Only for a couple more minutes. We're almost there. You'll know what it is as soon as we get there."

I checked out the surrounding shops as we passed them. Dragon was right. It was a few minutes until he pulled into a parking lot. As he parked, I checked out the building the lot was situated next to. I was somewhat stunned, I admit. In front of us was a dance studio, according to the sign, which read Spotlight Studios .

"Are you taking me dancing?" I gasped.

He didn't answer me until he got out, put on his cut, and helped me out of the truck. Taking my hand, he led me toward the front door. "Sorta. I know we danced together at the wedding. I hoped this might be fun. I can slow dance okay, but not any other kind. We're taking a class to teach us how to salsa dance. You just have to promise me… If I look like an idiot or fall on my face or ass, you'll take it to your grave. You can never tell anyone, especially my brothers."

I burst out giggling at his beseeching face. "I pinkie swear I'll never tell anyone, although I don't see you being an idiot or falling. It's more like I'll be the one. I need you to swear to me if I do, then you'll go to your grave with my secret. If not, I'll have to kill you in your sleep."

He winked at me. "I pinky swear, babe." He held up his little finger. I did the same, and we intertwined them. We were still chuckling and smiling like fools as we entered the studio.

There was a counter right after you entered. Behind it was a young woman, no older than twenty was my guess. She greeted us. "Hello, welcome to Spotlight. May I help you?"

"Hello, yes, you may. We're here for the six o'clock salsa lesson. We're a little early. The name is Dragon," he informed her. I saw her gulp when he gave her his road name. She nervously tapped on her computer in between peeking at him through her lashes.

"We have you right here. You may have a seat in the room where your class will be, or there's seating out here. Can I get you water or coffee?"

"I'm good. Micaela, how about you? Do you want something?"

"No, I'm fine. Can we sit in the room where the class will be? I'd like to see it," I asked.

She quickly escorted us to it. The inside was tastefully decorated. On the walls were framed pictures of various people—some were alone, others in groups of two or more. They were all effortlessly dancing a variety of dances. I took dance lessons when I was little until high school, and then I stopped. It had been a variety of different kinds. There was ballet, jazz, and freestyle. I learned to waltz but never got an opportunity to learn to salsa or tango. I was excited to give it a go.

Dragon surprised me with his choice for our date, just as Ashes had. I wondered if someone was helping them set these up. If so, I'd like to thank them. We found two empty chairs and sat. I couldn't wait to see how our lesson went.