Vicious Chapter 9

I'd tied myself in knots trying to figure out where to take Micaela for our date. It had to be something fun and exciting enough she'd want to go out again with me. I thought of taking her to a food festival a couple of towns over, but it wasn't enough. Sure, we'd eat, but that was it. It wasn't much different in my book than going out to dinner. After considering several other ideas, I hit on one, and I thought she'd enjoy it a lot more. As for me, if she was happy, then I was. She would be my focus anyway, so it didn't matter what we did as long as I was with her. Yeah, if my brothers knew this, they might call me pussy-whipped, but I'd be able to counter with it took one to know one. They were whipped as well.

I started our date out by picking her up on my bike. I guessed that if Daredevil were her brother, then she would have to have been on a motorcycle before. She didn't strike me as a woman afraid to ride one. There was a feistiness in her. I told her earlier to make sure she wore jeans and boots and maybe bring a jacket. It was May in Texas, but there was a bite sometimes in the night air.

I made the right choice. Micaela's face lit up when she saw my bike. She clapped her hands and did a little shimmy. That hip movement mesmerized me. I had to mentally shake myself to pay attention to what she was saying. Not only had it moved her hips, but the gorgeous rack she had bounced. I wanted to feel them pressed to me more than was proper, but I was a biker. Proper wasn't in my vocabulary. I'd even gotten her a helmet in case she wanted one. I rarely wore one unless I was out of state and in one which required it, but every rider had the right to decide. On second thought, I wanted her to wear it. Nothing better happen to that face or head.

"I can't believe we're riding! I've been itching to do it. Last night, Dragon and I talked about bikes, and it made it worse. You read my mind, Vicious. Thank you. This is wonderful," she said excitedly.

I wasn't thrilled at her mention of Dragon, but I was relieved she was happy with this idea. I reached into my bags, pulled out the helmet, and then held it up. It wasn't your typical plain old black one, either. It had black on it, but there were also teal roses and white skulls. When I saw it, it screamed her name to me for some reason. Her eyes widened as she took it. She slowly turned it in a circle. When she was done, she grinned at me.

"This helmet is gorgeous! I love the color and the skulls. I blame Papá for my obsession with skulls. It's my Hispanic blood and the whole Day of the Dead thing in our culture. Growing up, I had them everywhere in my room. Thank you. You didn't need to do this, though."

"I wanted you to have the option. I thought of you as soon as I saw it."

"Well, again, thank you. I don't know where we're going, but wherever it is, I don't care if I have helmet hair or not. I'm wearing this bitch," she informed me as she put it on. She deftly cinched it up and tested it was tight enough. Oh yeah, she'd ridden.

I took her purse and stowed it in one of my saddlebags, then held out a hand so she was able to swing up behind me. She did it smoothly and then wiggled into place, which made me want to moan out loud. The feeling of her pressed against me was unbelievable. Her pussy was pressed to my low back, and I imagined I felt her heat through our jeans. A bonus was those luscious breasts plastered to my back. Her arms were around me but not overly tight. Shit, maybe I should ride around all night with her. It would be heaven for me.

"Ready?" I asked her over the roar of the engine.

"More than ready. Let's go," she shouted.

I rode it in a circle until we faced the right way. We were outside the trailers. A few people were milling about when we came to the front and went to the gate. Their stares burned into my back. I'd have to do some explaining when we returned, but I didn't care. Tonight was all about us. When the gate opened, I zoomed out and hit the gas. She hollered in glee, not fear. I kicked it up another gear.

The ride into town wasn't long enough, which sucked, but she kept hollering for joy and squeezing my middle a few times. The times she rested her head on my back made it even more apparent she loved to ride and wanted to be close to me. It had been a fluke I found out our date was happening. I'd been online scrolling through the Tenillo City website, looking for ideas, when it jumped out at me. It was precisely her thing. My only worry was one of the others took her here already, which would suck. However, they were close-mouthed about their dates, so there was no way I was asking them.

I found a parking spot across the street from our destination. I backed my bike into the parking spot and angled it. As soon as I cut the engine, she just as expertly swung off. Her smile was still there. I got off and took her helmet and switched it out for her purse.

"On a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst, how bad is my hair right now? Will you be embarrassed to be seen with me?" she asked with a smirk.

"Angel Lips, you can never embarrass me. Never in a zillion years. It's a little crushed, that's all."

"You're such a sweet talker, Vicious. Would it be too girly if I ran a brush through it before we go to our destination?"

"I've never been accused of sweet-talking, Micaela. Nothing I said was untrue. You're always beautiful. Although, if you want to brush your hair, I have no problem waiting."

She blew me a kiss, which I wanted to grab, but it would be too corny, so I resisted. She set her purse on the seat and got out her brush. Her hair looked like silk. This I wasn't able to resist.

"Here, give me the brush and turn around."

She hesitated a second or two, then did as I asked. I made sure to use my other hand to hold her hair so I wouldn't pull it too hard. It was my excuse to touch it. I was right. It was silk. I pictured so many ways it could be used in bed. Fuck, I had to stop. I was getting hard. I shoved those thoughts away and concentrated on just brushing. When I thought it was enough. I gave the brush back to her. She had a dreamy expression when she faced me. She sighed as she put it away in her purse.

"I love to have my hair combed or brushed. I begged all the time for Mamá to do it. Thank you. It's been a long time. Alright, I'm presentable. Where to?"

I crooked out my arm. She latched ahold of it. I checked the street both ways, then led her across. As I did, she must've scanned the buildings because I heard her gasp. I got her to the sidewalk before I looked over at her. She was smiling so brightly it was almost blinding.

"Are we going in there?" she pointed to the building in front of us.

"You caught me. Yes, we are. I aimed for something I thought you'd be partial to. Did I get it right?"

"Get it right? I'd say. I adore these types of things, but will you? I don't want you to be bored. I warn you, I get lost in these types of places and can spend hours. You'll have to remind me I'm not alone, I'm afraid." Her smile dimmed.

"As long as I'm with you, I'll enjoy it. You can use your professional experience to explain and rate them for me. Tell me what it is you look for in them and how you might do it differently. Come. Educate me."

I tugged on her arm to get her moving again. She came willingly. I knew she was eager to go inside. Coming through the door, we were greeted by a man. He was dressed in a suit. He was eyeing us with trepidation. I knew it was because of me. Nothing I found indicated you had to dress up for this. Scanning the room, I was relieved to see a few people casually dressed while others were dressed up.

"Hello, may I help you?" he asked doubtfully. Boy, he was in for a surprise.

"No. Here are our tickets. I paid online," I informed him, holding out my cell phone so he could see the confirmation. He studied it closely. I knew he wasn't happy with what he saw, but he worked hard to hide it.

"Welcome to Artists' Haven. My name is Thaddeus. If you have any questions, I'm here to answer them."

"Thank you, Thaddeus. I think we can navigate this without bothering you. We're in my world now," Micaela told him with a slight bite to her tone. She'd picked up on his snobbery, I guess you'd call it. He stood there with a perplexed look as we walked past him. I let her take the lead. She started in the front of the gallery on the left.

I thought she'd love it, and I'd tolerate it because I was with her. I was wrong. As we moved from photograph to photograph and I listened to what she had to say, I was sucked into it. She made me study them, and I came away with so much knowledge on each one. Some even made me want to draw. There was no doubt she not only loved this, but she was beyond knowledgeable. I probably asked her a hundred questions or more.

In between the conversations about the photos taken by different artists, we shared tidbits about ourselves. She explained to me what she took in college and how it was used in her photography business. That conversation had me asking her a crucial question.

"Have you given any thought to moving here? You said you were considering it before we talked to you."

"As a matter of fact, I have. I've been researching available spaces for rent and even apartments. There are definitely possibilities."

I was thrilled with her answer, except for the apartment one. It took restraint not to blurt out she wouldn't need an apartment. She would live with me. I didn't because, one, I didn't want to scare her off, and two, there was no guarantee she'd pick me. If she didn't, I wasn't sure how I'd handle it.

"That's great. Have you mentioned you're thinking about it to your brother?"

She shook her head. "Not too much. He's sort of upset with me at the moment."

"Why?"

"I've been going out the past few nights, and he wants to know where I'm going and if I'm with anyone. I refuse to tell him. Hell, he's probably tracking me using my phone. I know Phantom can do that sort of thing. I warned him he'd better not. I don't need a babysitter."

"I don't want you to get into it with him. I have no problem if you tell him the truth."

"I want to wait for just a smidge longer. He'll have a ton of questions, and I won't have all the answers. I swear, as soon as possible, we can tell."

"It might be sooner than you're ready. People saw us leaving. I doubt your dates with Ashes and Dragon went completely unnoticed. Just be prepared to be asked point blank, okay? If it happens, you call or text me. You don't need to go through the third degree alone."

She squeezed my bicep. "I appreciate the backup. I don't think I'll need it, but it's nice to know I have it. I've been standing up to my brothers in one form or another since birth. I listen to them, but they don't control my life."

"I have no doubt you can hold your own. My point is you don't have to. I'm here, and I have no doubt Dragon and Ashes would be, too."

"Thank you. I'll keep it in mind. And I've gotta thank you for this. I love coming to a gallery. My only hope is you're not regretting it."

"Are you kidding? I've never truly studied a photo the way you do or got so much out of one. It's great seeing what you see. I'm having a terrific time. Don't worry about me being bored."

Her smile was back. We went on to the next photograph. As we navigated the gallery, I was always aware of where other people were in relation to us. It was a habit I would never get over. Too much training and paranoia. Because of this constant radar of mine, I knew Thaddeus was following us. He tried to make it inconspicuous, but I knew. Most people wouldn't.

It was irritating me, but for the sake of Micaela and not ruining her night, I kept my mouth shut. There was more to come after we were done viewing the pieces. I'd caught others checking us out, but they seemed more curious than anything. Briefly, I wondered what my club brothers would think if they saw me. Probably that I was off my rocker. In a way, I was. I was completely off it for her.

It was a good two hours before she was winding down. She hugged herself against my arm. "Thank you, this was wonderful. It makes me anxious to take more photos. I think I've looked my fill. If left to it, I'd stay here all night. It's your turn. Where would you like to go? Or do you want to go back to the compound?"

"You're not getting away from me that easily. I do have something else. I need to feed you. I need to ask Thaddeus a question. Come." I took her hand and went to him. I didn't have to search hard. He was lurking a couple of exhibits over.

"Where do we go for the dinner portion?"

"Straight to the back and through the door on your right. I hope you enjoyed the exhibit." He answered after a short pause.

"We did, very much. Excuse us, I have to feed my date."

Right as I said that, Micaela was distracted by someone's comment about the photograph closest to us. While she was, I took the opportunity to lean toward Thaddeus and whisper. "Are you going to spy on us all through dinner, too? I hope not. My patience isn't limitless."

His color drained away. I saw him gulp. "Sir, I don't—"

I cut him off. "Don't lie and say you haven't been. I'm not stupid or unaware. Save your breath. Don't wreck her night."

He didn't bother to say more. With him warned and her done answering the other person's question, I wasted no time getting us to the back. Stepping through the door took us into a different environment. It was set up as a very tasteful dining room. The kind you'd find in a restaurant. This was unique, but I liked the concept. We were greeted and then seated at an empty table. The lighting was low, and there were candles on the tables. Here, I saw that the need to dress up was higher. Oh well, I'd taken a gamble. As long as she didn't mind, I sure the hell didn't.

Our drinks orders were taken quickly, and menus were handed to us. It didn't take long to decide on what to eat. Once we had our drinks and placed our order with the waiter, it was time to talk. I wanted to know more about her on a personal level, not just professionally.

"I want you to tell me about you. What was it like growing up in your family?" I knew it was a dangerous question to ask due to the likelihood she'd ask me about mine, but I'd risk it.

"Lord, that's a big one. You've met them all. They're loud, in your business, bossy, opinionated, and overprotective, and that's just the beginning. I love them to death, although I do want to murder them at times."

I chuckled. "Why murder and who?"

"Do you have brothers and sisters?"

"I do not."

"Then you have no idea how aggravating they can be. Or at least brothers are when you're a girl. They all think they know better than me. They've stuck their noses in my business for as long as I can remember. It was a miracle I ever dated anyone. The way those four would interrogate and intimidate boys and men was horrible. I felt sorry for those guys. You'd think it would stop when I became an adult, but it continues."

"If you're trying to get sympathy from me, I hate to tell you, you're talking to the wrong guy. I don't have a sister, but the old ladies are like sisters. If they weren't with my brothers, I'd be all over them about who they were dating. You can't be too careful, especially in this world. There are too many evil things that can happen. I know your brothers would never get over it if something happened to you because they hadn't been vigilant."

"Realistically, I know there are, and I do appreciate it, but it can be smothering, too. No one tells them who they can date. Hell, if I ever settle down, they'll feel it's necessary to vet the man. You know, if we end up dating, you're not going to be safe from it, right? There's still time to run."

"Babe, there's nothing they can do or say that'll make me run. I'm in this to win it. There's never been a woman ever who captured my attention the way you have. I'm not telling you this to scare you or put pressure on you. I just want you to know. And if you choose me, I'll go through whatever I have to in order to be with you. Your brothers don't scare me. Your mom, on the other hand, does. She seems to me she might have a wicked side to her, daughter like mother maybe?"

"You just made my heart skip saying that about doing whatever it takes. Not a single guy I ever dated was that brave. Wow. As for my mamá , she might be the most dangerous of them all. How did you know? My brothers and Papá are loud and easily riled. As for her, she stays quiet unless it's serious. If her mother's instinct is triggered, watch out. A mama bear has nothing on her. She'll tear you apart with her bare hands and smile while she does it."

"As it should be. Speaking of mothers, do you ever want to be one? If so, do you believe you'll be any less of a mama bear than her?"

"Dang, you are asking the deep questions. First, yes, I'd love to have kids. A house without a few would seem so empty after the way I grew up. I'm not sure I want five or more, but a couple at least. And no, I wouldn't be any less ferocious than her."

"Good answer."

"My turn. Do you have a family outside of the club? If so, what are they like? And do you want children?"

I cringed on the inside. I knew this was likely to be asked. Here went nothing. I wouldn't go into all the gory details, but she at least deserved an answer.

"I grew up an only child. It was a good thing. My mom died when I was two, so I don't remember her. When I was almost four, my dad remarried. Suffice it to say, she wasn't nice at all. An eviler bitch, I can't imagine. For whatever reason, Dad always sided with her. Thank God they never had any kids together. I got out as soon as I turned eighteen and never looked back. I always wanted to join the Army. I have no idea if they're still alive or where they live, and I don't want to."

"I'm sorry you had what sounds like no support or love. I can't envision growing up that way." she reached across the table to squeeze my hand. I gave hers a slight one back. When she didn't withdraw it, I held onto it.

"Thank you. I survived it, and as the years passed, it taught me what I wanted and didn't want. In a life partner, I have to have someone truly loving. I desire children who'll have two parents who love and protect them. Honesty is a huge must for me. Lies, evasions, and abusiveness of any kind are a fuck no."

I paused. I was beginning to get into dangerous territory. This wasn't the time or place for me to spill my demons. If we continued to get along, then I'd slowly introduce her to them. That was if she agreed to be mine. If not, then those secrets belonged to another.

"Vicious, I don't mean to pry, but please know, if you ever want to talk about it, I'm here. Now, onto something lighter." I was relieved she switched gears. She'd instinctively knew I was uncomfortable.

The rest of our dinner passed without incident. I didn't see Thaddeus lurking in the shadows. When we were done, I took the long way back to the compound. It was a great date, in my opinion. Hopefully, she felt the same way. I dropped her off just down from Daredevil's house. I would've preferred to drive her up to the front door, but she insisted.

Not wanting to go to my trailer this early, I ended up in the clubhouse. It was Saturday night, so the place was packed. I grabbed a beer. Who knew, maybe she'd come here, and I'd be able to talk to her more. I barely had my beer before I was accosted by Dragon and Ashes. They both had sober expressions. My senses went on alert. Damn, I forgot we were supposed to talk after I got back. We didn't end up doing it the other night.

"What's wrong?"

"We need to talk. Let's go somewhere private. It's important, and we can't wait," Dragon said. Ashes was nodding in agreement.

"My trailer," I told them before walking down the back hall. Their boots sounded behind me. It was no more than a couple of minutes before we were seated in my living room. I waited to see what they thought was so urgent. When neither opened their mouths, I got impatient.

"I just got back from my date. I wanted to kick back for a few. Either start talking, or I'm headed back to the clubhouse," I warned them.

"Alright, don't get your panties in a twist," Ashes muttered.

"Unlike you, I don't wear panties. I wear briefs like a real man," I automatically smarted back. It was par for us to verbally smack each other around.

"No fucking off. This is important. It's about Micaela," Dragon snapped.

"What about her?"

"We've all had a chance to go on a date with her. We wanted to see if any of us had decided she wasn't the one for us," Dragon continued. He was studying me and Ashes intently.

"Don't you think it might be too early to know?" I asked to stall. I didn't want to be the first to answer. Was a rival about to step out of the competition? Maybe both of them?

"For some, but something came up that we want to talk about," Ashes stated.

"Yeah, it's something to be considered," Dragon chimed in.

"Well, spit it out then," I ordered.

"Not until I know who needs to be here for this talk," Dragon insisted stubbornly. What the hell was he about to talk about?

"Ah, fuck it, I'll go first, or we might never get to it. I still believe she's the one for me," Ashes declared.

Damn. Okay, one more to go.

"I haven't changed my mind either," Dragon added.

Son of a bitch. It was still a three-way race. They were expectantly staring at me. "Well, it seems we're still three contenders. What was so important? Before you argue, Ashes, you go first," I insisted.

He sighed and then launched into detail about the conversation he had with Dragon and how he thought we should seriously consider it since all three of us weren't changing our minds. He frustrated me because he didn't tell me exactly what they talked about.

As soon as he finished, Dragon jumped in. He didn't give me time to say a word. I was even more astonished at his tale. As he was winding down, I thought, what were the odds of him and having such similar run-ins? Although Phalanx and Bullet are our brothers, I guess none of us should've been very surprised. I think for me, it was the fact it would be three men, not two. As soon as he finished his tale, I let them know what Phalanx and Bullet said to me.

The room was deathly quiet when I finished. We all sat there thinking. I was trying to determine if such a thing would be acceptable to me. My first response was to adamantly say fuck no. However, as I thought more about it and who the other men were, my objections eased. I needed to know where their heads were at.

"This is a lot to think about, guys. You both have had a little time to think about this. Tell me what you think," I insisted.

"I never thought of having a relationship like Bullet and Phalanx's with Raine. When Dragon mentioned it, I was hell no, especially when he explained the whole reverse harem thing. Later, when I was considering it objectively, I recalled it being mentioned one time to Sara. I believed it was an idea for one of her books. Or something that only occurs in the fiction world," Ashes shared first. When he paused, Dragon put his two cents out there.

"I was stunned, too. Missy, Alex, and Ray talked to us for a long time. I gotta tell you, Micaela didn't shoot it down. She listened. If she can't decide between us, we have to ask if she would entertain this option. If not, then two of us are most likely to be pissed and beyond disappointed. Do you see yourself changing your mind about her after more time with her?" He directed it to me first.

"No damn way."

"And you, Ashes?"

"I don't. Listen, not to get all mushy or girly here, but you're my best friends. I love you. The idea of hurting either of you sucks balls. I don't want it to happen. I sure don't want to lose our friendship. If it was any other men besides the two of you, the possibility would be out the window. Since it is you, I believe we have to consider it. Of course, the final decision is up to her, but before it goes that far, we have to be sure."

"Ashes is right. Can each of us share Micaela? I did some research on those kinds of relationships today. It's not as uncommon as we think, just relatively hidden, for obvious reasons," Dragon advised.

"I can't answer that question right this minute. I need time to wrap my head around it. I'm sorry. Have either of you come to a conclusion?" I asked.

Dragon answered me first. He stood up to do it. "I have. It would take getting used to and lots of communication along with some negotiation, but if all parties agreed, then yes, I'd share her with you guys, but never with anyone else," he stated firmly.

"And you?" I asked Ashes.

He leaned back against the couch cushion. "I've done nothing but think about it since Dragon told me. If all four are on board with it, and we work on communication and it all together, and it's the two of you, then I can. That leaves you to decide V. No pressure. Just know if you say no, we'll still present it as a possibility to her for the two of us. She needs to know our thoughts as she makes her decision."

I came bounding to my feet, and I began to pace. Anxiety was filling me. If I said no, I ran the risk of losing her. If I said yes, would I regret it or grow jealous of them later? Bullet and Phalanx seemed to make it work. How much harder would it be to make it work with three of us? They remained silent as I tried to work it out. After a good ten minutes, I had to admit defeat.

"I can't give you an answer tonight. I need to think this through. I need you to give me until the end of the day tomorrow. It's only fair."

"True. As much as we hate to wait, you need time, and we've had it. Just consider the possibilities and what it is you can live with. For us, having her overrides the sharing aspect. Never thought in a million years I'd consider something like it," Dragon confessed.

"Me either," Ashes added.

I gave them a nod of agreement. I was talked out for the night. They took the hint, and both were on their feet and headed to the door. I bid them good night. As soon as I was alone, I sat down to contemplate. It was shaping up to be a long night with little to no sleep. God, let me make a decision I'd be able to live with.