The Black Aces MC Page 12

  I moved my hat to see a dark figure because the sun was directly in front. I shadow my eyes and finally see, "Dillon? Hey, what are you doing here?"

  He sits in the chair next to me, he's casually dressed in khaki shorts and a white button-down.

  "Well, since the bar burned down, they sent me back to survey the damage and make sure it wasn't malicious."

  He looks at me forlornly, feeling guilty at what he was implying. "It's okay, Dillon, you're just doing your job. I would never burn down a place I grew to love, and the police haven't updated me yet to potential suspects."

  I catch him eyeing my bathing suit before he clears his throat, "So, why are you at the hotel? I thought you were staying with that big biker guy and his club."

  Not even one day of reprieve, huh?

  "No, they were just keeping me safe and I relieved them of their services, nothing more."

  He chuckles as he sips his beer, "Who are you trying to convince, me or yourself? I saw your face light up when he showed up at the bar and quickly fall when he left without so much as a word. He obviously thought there was something going on between us and I'm just glad he didn't rip me in two. He's pretty much the essence of a scary biker dude."

  We share a laugh. "Yeah well, no need to worry about it now, that, whatever it was is over." I couldn't help but sigh a bit.

  "So, is it okay for a friend to ask a friend out so soon? Like bowling or the movies? Sounds like you could use some cheering up. Come on..."

  He smirks and I notice his smile, it's perfect. I feel the blush on my cheeks, that's enough Mai Tai's for today.

  "Can I think about it? How long are you here for?"

  "Another week or so, I hope you consider it." He takes my hand and kisses it.

  "I'll see you around. You have my number." He waves goodbye and disappears back into the hotel.

  I smile inwardly as I throw myself back into my novel, my money is on the bitter jealous sister.

  UNKNOWN POV

  "Looks like there’s a second part to the stipulation I hadn't seen until now." As he reads over the paperwork and slams his hand down waking up Johnny.

  He rubs his face and leans forward.

  "What is it, boss?"

  "It says...he automatically gets the money on his 30th birthday whether my dad is alive or not. Fuck! He’s 29 now, we're running out of time. Tell Dillon to speed up the process, I need Princess sooner than I thought to get my son here to kill him.

  LYRIC

  I was relaxing with my book in the living room when there was a soft knock at my door. I hadn't ordered room service, so I didn't know who it was. Cautiously, I approach the door, they knock again startling me.

  "L-lyric, it's me."

  I knew that squeaky voice and he sounded so sad, I realized his stutter was based on emotion or turmoil, the more upset he was, the worse it got. I opened my door and immediately hugged him.

  "Digi! I missed you and it's only been a day. How are you?"

  I pull him in and close the door. His leather vest hangs off him so awkwardly because he's scrawny, but I bet he'll bulk up in a few years, he hits the gym like the others do.

  We sit on the sofa and he tries to give me a small smile.

  "I-it's...terrible without yo-you. I don’t know what came over me, but I lost my temper the moment he stepped in the house. I just started screaming about how he let you down and it was because of him that you left. I wanted to get it through his thick skull how much he messed up! I ran upstairs and never came back down until I came to see you."

  I pull the menu, "You must be hungry then, let's order something, okay?" He nods as I call room service and order a buffet of food. He may be skinny, but the kid can eat a ton, I've seen it.

  "Do they know where you are?"

  He shakes his head, "I didn't want to talk to them. I slipped out when a few of them took a ride to handle some club business."

  I pick up the phone again and dial the clubhouse while watching his heartbroken face.

  "Black Aces, this is Blondie."

  "Hey, Blondie it's Lyric," I heard his breathing hitch, "I just wanted to say that Digi is safe with me. He'll spend the night here, okay?"

  "Y-yeah, okay. Umm, it's good to hear from you, Lyric. Take care of yourself, sweetie."

  "Thanks."

  I hang up and he's smiling just a bit more. "You just wanted a sleepover."

  His smile now a full grin.

  "I really needed to get out of there, I know you don't want to hear it, but Eros is sulking and keeps trying to get me to tell him where you are, but I wouldn't."

  "Eros?"

  "Yeah, sometimes we cut him a break from the Cupid silliness. We call him by the Greek god of love instead."

  "Oh." The irony.

  There's an awkward silence.

  He stands up and looks around, "This is really nice, like a honeymoon suite."

  I get up to grab some drinks and he walks out to the balcony. It may be a small town but beyond that were the pristine hills before the snow-capped mountains, it really was an amazing view.

  "Lyric, can I ask you a question?" His curious nature was showing but I already knew the subject. Maybe talking it out would help, if not I can always drown myself in dessert and booze.

  "Of course."

  He sits on the barstool across from me and grabs his drink, tapping the surface.

  "Did you...were you uh, in love with him?"

  Et tu, Digi?

  "Love is a complex emotion, it's hard to express love so simply. And we were never official so..." I shrug my shoulders.

  He holds his hand up and smiles, "But that's not what I asked. You've been like a sister to me and you've been around long enough for me to see it. You're in love with him, it's in your eyes, your face lights up and I've never seen him smile or be so openly affectionate. I don't see why it has to be this way!"

  He gets up, scraping the chair against the floor before he plops down on the couch biting his nails. His leg bounces until I sit next to him and place my hand on his knee to stop him.

  He looks at me, "You know I had a dream that you two would move away to a nice place and that you would take me with you to live a normal life. I guess that was stupid to think it could happen. I just want a normal life and family. I'm tired of being abandoned." He squeaks out the last part.

  At that moment I realized this didn't only affect me. We had grown so close and for him, it was starting to feel like his dream of a family. I forget how young he is and everything he's gone through; he was in a motorcycle club group filled with rough gruff men but he himself was just a boy.

  "Oh sweetie, I'm sorry. This is just so complicated beyond if I love him."

  He sniffles with his head down, "Well, do you love me? You said I was like a little brother to you and I've grown to love you as my sister and like a mom."

  "Of course, I love you! You're the sweetest boy I've ever met. You're smart and funny, you love helping others and I know you're going to do amazing things one day."

  He looks at me and surprises me with a hug. I let the hug go on for however long he needs. A minute or so later he releases me.

  "I'm sorry I just needed that. I really wish you could work it out."

  I huff, "Well, it's not me who has the difficulty in expressing my feelings..."

  "Are you sure? Because you still haven't answered my question."

  He was right, I hadn't, and that was the first step. Was I even ready to say it out loud?

  CUPID

  "Would ya stop sulking, jeez, if you're so damn broken up about it, why don't you just tell her. Man the hell up, Cupid. You're named after the epitome of all that is love. Do you know why we gave you that for a club name? Not to rag on you. No, it's because beyond that tough 'fuck it all' exterior we all know you have the biggest heart and you're protecting it, so you don't get hurt."

  I stare Blondie down with fire in my eyes, I didn't need this shit. Everybody's been avoiding me and my sullen behavior. D
igi is with her, where I should be. I got up and went to my bike, I just needed the breeze on my back, but not really.

  I needed to see her even if I had to knock on every damn door in the hotel.

  SHADY

  LYRIC

  “Digi you remember Dillon? We're going to go to the movies and then lunch, okay?"

  "L-like a... date?"

  I could see how he felt about it. But it wasn't a date, just a friend cheering up another friend. Dillon texted me before I went to bed and he spent the time making me laugh until I agreed. It's harmless.

  "Umm, I guess so..." I could feel the judgement in his eyes. I clear my throat, "I'll be back soon just order whatever you like." He just looks away. No doubt I'll have to deal with that later.

  It's just a friendly date, plus I needed to take my mind off of certain people.

  "You look gorgeous." Dillon says as he lets me pass by to get on the elevator.

  I felt the blush rise on my cheeks, I had a floral dress and wedge sandals, my hair swept up. I grabbed a red sweater for the inevitable chilly movie theater. He chose some sappy rom-com, but I chalked it up to trying to cheer me up.

  After the sap fest, we walk out of the theater to the warm afternoon sun. He suggests the little bistro on the corner of the hotel. There's a slight breeze but the temperature makes it tolerable.

  "Are you cold? We can go inside, I thought we could enjoy the scenery."

  I look up from the menu, "No, this is fine. Do you know what you want..."

  My ears pick up the distinct sound of the low hum of a motorcycle and I'm covered in goosebumps. I hear it coming my way and I try not to react while he's talking. I try to seem entertained until I see the bike and my eyes follow it straight to my hotel.

  Holy hell! What is he doing?

  He hops off and sets his helmet down and pulls his hair up. He knows I love it pulled up unless we're in bed where I love to run my hands through it, yank it to add a little pain to the pleasure.

  He garners the attention of everyone in his leather vest and jeans. The women walk up to him, but he holds his hand up as he heads towards the hotel entrance.

  "Umm, Dillon I'll be right back, stay here."

  That's all I need is for him to see me anywhere near another man. I walk into the hotel, but I don't see him. I went to the front desk, "There was a tall biker guy that just came in, where did he go?"

  The girl seemed overwhelmed by my question. "Uh I sent him to room 311, he said he was her husband and they had a fight and he was here to apologize."

  Clever man.

  "Oh no, did I make a mistake? I can call security to have him escorted off the premises. I'm so sorry, Miss." She was remorseful, starting to shake, and tears welled in her eyes.

  "Oh no. He just surprised me is all, he’s right we did have a fight, guess it’s kiss-and-make-up time. Don’t worry, you did just fine, thank you."

  I take the elevator to the 3rd floor and I can already hear him with Digi. I see him, his hands pressed against my door, "Digi, come on, open the door. I need to see her." I'm backed against the wall as I sidestep a bit closer.

  "No! I won't let you hurt her anymore! You don't love her, and I need her..." His voice cracked and my heart broke, "she's like a mother to me. She makes me feel wanted."

  At that moment I stopped. Aleister’s head drops and he sighs as he slides his open hand on the door.

  "I know, she's brightened my life, too. I don't want to lose her either, buddy. I came to make it right."

  He turns his head to lay eyes on me and he looks shocked.

  "Kitten?"

  I take my key out and nudge past him to open the door. I leave it open for him to follow and he does.

  "What do you want, Eros?" There's sarcasm in my tone. He stops short and looks at Digi.

  Digi just stares back. I lean against the kitchen island. He rubs his neck, "Digi can you give us a minute?"

  Digi looks at me for confirmation and I nod, he walks into my bedroom and closes the door.

  He starts to approach me, craving my touch, but I hold my hand up, "Really? Do you think anything physical is a good idea? Besides, I walked away from my friendly date to see what you are up to so what do you want Aleister?" I cross my arms, he better say the right thing.

  CUPID

  God when she says my name, I want to do things to her but she's mad. Wait...did she say she was...on a date?

  "You were on a date? With who?"

  She turns to grab a glass, "Does it really matter at this point? It's irrelevant."

  "It isn't irrelevant, have you moved on already?"

  She sighs loudly, "Jesus, Aleister it is a friendly date to cheer me up that's all. I was tired of feeling sad and alone. This isn't what you came here for, what is it? I need to get back."

  She's being vindictive and it stung a bit, she was ready to get back to whoever was giving her a good time.

  Well, it was now or never…

  LYRIC

  I saw his eye twitch when I said I was on a date and his knuckles tighten when I said I had to get back. If I would have told him it was Dillon, he would have pummeled him into a bloody pulp. He never trusted him from the start.

  He is insanely jealous and territorial but that's not my problem, "Well?" I shift my weight and I watch his gaze cover my entire being. I feel the heat grow from the center outward.

  He rubs the back of his head again and sighs loudly, "Fuck baby, I don't know how to start."

  I relax a bit, he's trying. I hold my hand out and offer an olive branch. His large hands wrap around mine and he kisses it, a look of relief on his face. Then he does the unthinkable, he drops to his knees in front of me.

  "Lyric, sweetheart, I'm so sorry, I don't deserve someone as perfect as you. You are the sweetest, kindest, gentlest soul I know. You're spunky, feisty, and can hold your own. I need someone who can put me in my place and put my broken pieces together. I need you, kitten."

  His arms wrap around my waist and he squeezes tight. He's taking deep breaths like he's trying to inhale my scent. I feel the lump in my throat grow, my emotions are trying to surface and I don't want to seem so weak to a man with a cold heart but then he looks up and it's day one all over again. I needed to hear him say it.

  "You need me?"

  He nods his head, "I need you, baby."

  "You want to be with me?"

  He stands and places his hands on my face, "Absolutely. I want to whisk you away on my bike to the beach or live in a cabin far away from the world. Just you and me."

  Well, that did it.

  Tears shed, it's like that cheesy rom-com I watched. I can only cry and hug him, my throat too sore to talk.

  He separates us to look me in the eyes with a slight smile, "Lyric, I lo... oof!"

  His eyes went wide, and he jerked forward before collapsing to the floor.

  WTF JUST HAPPENED?!

  LYRIC

  "Aleister?! ALEISTER!! Oh...Oh my god!!!"

  He's motionless on the floor and I notice something sticking out from the back of his vest. It's a... dart? My mind is racing with so many thoughts that I couldn’t comprehend anything going on, I just wanted him to wake up.

  "Don't worry your pretty little head, it's just a tranquilizer dart to keep that huge mammoth at bay."

  I look up to see Dillon standing there pointing a gun at me while putting the other in the holster. Something about his face held evil intentions, not only because of the gun but he smirked at me as he revealed his true self. He wasn’t a friend at all.

  "But this here isn't a tranquilizer gun, so you better behave and do what I say. I don't think my client would appreciate me injuring his prized possession, but I will if you disobey."

  I don't know what to say, my whole body is shaking and the man I love is unconscious on the floor.

  Dillon closes the door, that we left slightly ajar, softly, "Oh I guess I should explain what's transpiring here. You see, I was paid a lot of money to use you as a lure to ge
t loverboy there to my client’s place."

  I look down and I can see his back rise and fall, so he's breathing, but he's out cold. I pull the dart and push him over to lie on his back. I listen to feel for his heartbeat just to confirm. Thank goodness I feel the steady thump in his chest.

  I squeeze his cheeks together, "Hey, stay with me. I need you, too. Okay, baby?" I place my lips to his cold unresponsive ones to kiss my Prince Charming awake. Like Sleeping Beauty, but to no avail. That’s when the tears clouded my vision of my sleeping giant.

  Why is he doing this to us?

  Dillon's on the phone, "Yeah, well I thought we'd just take her as bait but the big ape showed up so tell Johnny to bring his men we have to get the big oaf out of here through the back exit."