Envy (Seven Deadlies MC Book 1) Page 12
Chapter 19
“What’s going on today?,” Rider asked.
Ox was leaning back in his chair, his hand scratching at his beard.
His long hair was down around his face as Prettyboy eyed him. It was either watch Ox or stare at Axel, who was low-key staring at him as if he were waiting for Prettyboy to make one wrong move.
“Axel, why don't you tell them what’s going on?”
“Silver Bullets have been circling my clubhouse for the last few days. They haven't made any untoward moves against me or my men, but they’re ready to bite.”
“What do they want?”
“They found the warehouse we use for our coke shipments. We haven't been preparing our shipments there because of that fact, so they're lying in wait to ambush us I would guess,” Axel said tiredly.
Prettyboy glanced at Ox.
“You tryin’ to branch out, Axel?”
Fury’s deep voice filled the silent room like a cloud of smoke.
“Yeah, man. Trying, but it ain’t that easy. Not many options for us right now.”
Fury looked like he wanted to say something important, so Prettyboy sat up straight in his seat.
“What if we talk to Rayna about getting in contact with her dad’s old partner?”
Ox’s head snapped up.
“What?”
“What if we utilize the little black book? Guns may not be the best, but its certainly cleaner than coke. He was a good partner, a silent one.”
“Rayna has to give me her blessing. I won't give out that info without her consent,” Ox said.
Axel cleared his throat.
“I appreciate it, Fury. It would help us out a lot, but I agree. Ask Rayna first. She’ll have to sign off on it before I take that info from her. He still in business?”
Ox motioned towards Rider.
“Far as I can tell, yeah. I check in on him a few times a month.”
Axel nodded, his long hair falling into his scarred face as he sighed heavily.
“I have something else I want to discuss before I leave here today.”
Ox’s eyes narrowed questioningly.
“Esmeralda. I can’t take her back to my clubhouse with all this heat we’re workin’ with, but something tells me she won’t want to come back with me anyways.”
The sad tone of his voice had Prettyboy wincing, but he knew he owed Axel a thank you. Axel nor Prettyboy had control over Esme. The truth of it was that she could have chosen Axel instead of Prettyboy, and if she had he would have let her go. He would never keep her against her will. Still, Axel could have taken her home with him anyways.
She was still technically a part of Axel’s club, and she wouldn't be a part of the Seven Deadlies until she took Prettyboy’s name or his brand.
I want her to take both, honestly.
I’m a selfish bastard and I want it all.
“She’s welcome here for as long as she needs,” Ox said.
Axel seemed relieved, but then he looked up at Prettyboy.
“I don’t have a right to ask, but fuck all that noise. I need to know what your intentions are, man.”
Prettyboy felt every pair of eyes in the room land on him.
Fuck, why?
Tell him the truth. He deserves to know.
“I’m keepin’ her for as long as she’ll let me.”
“Esme is a forever kind of woman. You ready to give her your brand?”
“I’ve been ready. I’m just waitin’ on her.”
Axel seemed pleased by that, but he did nothing but nod.
“I guess now is as good a time as any to tell everyone in here that I plan on askin’ her to be my old lady,” Prettyboy said.
A resounding cheer echoed inside of the small room and Prettyboy found himself grinning as Limit smacked him hard on the back.
“Good for you, brother. She’s a keeper.”
Yeah, she is.
“That’s great! I like Esme. She lets me talk to ‘er until I get tired,” Green said with a cheerful grin on his handsome face.
Prettyboy rolled his eyes but Axel caught his gaze.
He didn't have to give Axel a damn thing, but he knew that the older man was suffering- even if he refused to admit it. Losing the woman you love isn't ever an easy thing to handle, but Axel was doing an admirable job of keeping it together.
Prettyboy stood and held his hand out to Axel.
He half expected Axel to snub him, but instead Axel stood and shook his hand like the upstanding man he was.
“Good for you,” Axel murmured.
Prettyboy nodded.
“Thank you.”
“Now that our brother has pulled his head out of his ass, do we have any other issues to address before I drop a bomb on all of you?,” Ox asked.
Prettyboy sat down, his green eyes surveying his president.
Fury waved his hand in the air.
“Rayna and I had an appointment with Laura today. I’m only bringing this up because she’s really upset and I don't want someone to say something by accident and hurt her more…we can’t have kids. The bullet she took tore her insides up. We have to utilize some other options if we want children,” Fury said.
Prettyboy’s stomach lurched.
“Damn brother, that’s rough. I’m sorry,” He said as he nudged Fury’s shoulder.
Fury’s dark eyes didn't leave the tabletop as he nodded.
“Thanks.”
“I’m really sorry to hear that,” Ox said.
Axel said something similar.
“Do you guys need anything? You want me to hack into some databases and see if I can get any info for you?,” Rider asked.
Fury chuckled under his breath.
“Yeah man, that would great. Maybe she’d feel better if I could give her some alternative info,” Fury said.
Rider nodded and hurriedly began clicking away on his tablet.
“Sorry about your troubles,” Green said.
Prettyboy could tell Green was tore up about it, especially because Rayna was his best friend. He couldn't imagine going through that…could he?
Did he even want children?
Maybe.
Esme makes everything seem possible…
“We have one last thing to discuss before today’s church session is over. I’ve been thinking long and hard about this, and trust me when I say that I’m sorry I didn't think to do it sooner. Prettyboy, I’m sorry for the trouble Tashsa has caused you. I thought Rayna could kick her ass into gear, but obviously that didn't work out the way I thought it would,” Ox deadpanned.
Every man in the room sat up straighter.
“Tasha’s out. I’m kickin’ her out of the club, for good.”
“Wow, shit, are you serious?,” Slayer asked.
Prettyboy happened to know that Slayer and Tasha fucked on the regular.
“As a heart attack. I don't like the way she mouths off, I hate the way she speaks to Prettyboy, and she ain’t loyal. Can’t have bitches like that on my lot,” Ox said seriously.
Limit nodded in agreement, and so did Axel.
“Somebody bring her in, I know she’s here.”
Slayer rose to go find her.
“What about Ruby and Loretta?,” Limit asked.
Ox waved his hand.
“Those two are harmless. They can stay. I’m looking into a couple of new business ventures that, if they work out, will bring in more money and pussy than any of us can handle.”
Green whistled and rubbed his hands together excitedly.
“That’s my kind of business.”
Prettyboy, Axel, and Rider all started laughing.
“Yeah, we know.”
Before anyone could speak again, Tasha came trotting into the room. She had on a cut off white t-shirt and jean shorts that had to be painted on.
Prettyboy grimaced at the sight of her, he couldn't help it.
“What’s going on?,” She asked.
Ox glared at her, his amber eyes flo
oded with anger.
“I’ve given you a lot of chances to get your shit together, Tasha. Truth is, I don't know why I kept you around for so long, but your time here has come to an end. It’s time to pack whatever belongings you've got on my property and hit the road. You’re no longer welcome in Seven Deadlies territory.”
Her entire face crumpled and Prettyboy felt a sick sense of satisfaction at the sight.
She didn't care about my feelings when she was verbally accosting me, or my woman.
Fuck her.
“What? No! I’ll be better, I swear-”
“No. You've had too many chances. There is nothing to argue about. Get your shit together, and get out,” Ox demanded.
His menacing tone left little to the imagination as far as his anger went- Prettyboy did wonder what made him have such a drastic change of heart, because Ox was always the level-headed one. He never handed out a punishment unless someone truly deserved it, but usually the tagalongs were ignored altogether. Then again, apart from Tasha, none of them caused any trouble.
But, he was right.
A disloyal bitch could bring down an entire operation like theirs.
“This is bullshit, Ox!”
“No, baby. What’s bullshit is you walkin' around here like your shit don’t stink! Watch your mouth. You're no longer under our protection.”
She was crying, full on hysterical, but Ox didn't even budge.
“You’ll regret this!”
“The only thing I’ll regret is letting you stay for as long as you have. Go, now, or I’ll have Limit remove you.”
Limit stood to his full height, and he towered over her.
She whimpered, her black mascara running down her cheeks as she turned towards the door and stormed into the hallway.
“Fuck you! Fuck this club! You’ll regret this!,” She screamed as she stomped down the hall.
Fury cleared his throat.
“Well, that went well.”
“Didn’t expect her to go quietly,” Ox said.
Prettyboy swallowed audibly.
“Thank you.”
Ox’s gaze snapped to his.
“Don’t thank me. I should have kicked her ass to the curb the first time she insulted you. I guess I didn't think her opinion really mattered, but I can’t have her causing scenes with all of the old ladies. Rayna literally tried to convince me I should let her kill Tasha just last week,” Ox said with a wry grin.
Fury’s booming laughter triggered the laughter in the rest of the room.
“You lucky bastard,” Limit said with an eye-roll.
“I am, aren’t I?”
“If that settles it, let’s call it a day, boys. Head out and have a good time. It’s the weekend. Let’s raise a little hell,” Ox said.
His gavel sounded and suddenly all Prettyboy could think about was asking Esme to stay.
To stay with him.
To love me.
Esmeralda Quinn wasn't just any woman.
She deserved the best, and Prettyboy wanted to give it to her.
Chapter 20
Esmeralda’s mind was racing as Rayna handed her a bright red shade of lipstick. Esme eyed it, pondering the shade itself.
The quality was name brand, Chanel, but the color?
The color was a little loud, even for Esmeralda Quinn.
“Come on baby, live a little. You earned a night out on the town. Don’t you wanna make your man swoon?”
Esme blanched at the idea of a night out on the town, and the implications behind it. Sure, it was easy for her and Prettyboy to hide away in either one of their bedrooms, and yes, she loved being ‘with’ him. But, were they ready for their first official outing as a couple?
Are we a fucking couple? Is it fair to call us that?
Esme called him her man, and he called her his woman, but they hadn't had ‘the talk’ yet. While she didn't necessarily need a label, she did want to know what was going through Prettyboy’s head.
“Is he my man?,” She asked quietly.
Rayna’s peepers narrowed in on her reflection in the mirror.
“What kind of a question is that?”
“I mean, am I his? He hasn't asked me yet, and I don’t want to assume things.”
Rayna started to laugh so hard she almost fell right off of the side of the toilet, but she caught herself in time.
“Girl, please! If that man has any say, you'll be barefoot and pregnant by the end of this year.”
Esme’s eyes widened.
Rayna’s eyes began to water, as if she too just realized what she’d said.
“Hey, don’t cry, darlin’.”
Rayna waved her fears away, dismissing Esme’s concern.
Esme sighed and moved to kneel in front of the toilet so she could see into Rayna’s eyes.
“Listen to me, okay? If you and Fury decide to go the surrogate route, I’ll carry your baby for you. You can still be a part of the entire journey, okay?”
Rayna’s eyes widened as she stared at Esme, her mouth agape.
“You really mean that?”
Esme shrugged, a smile tugging at her lips.
“I mean, of course! If Laura says I’m able to do it for you, I will. Don't give up hope on starting a family now, Rayna. You’ve got a wedding coming up, a house almost done…everything is happening exactly as it should.”
Rayna choked out a laugh that echoed loudly in the bathroom around them as she threw her arms around Esme.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you! I don't know what I would have done if you hadn't come along when you did. You've been a great friend to me,” Rayna said breathily as she wiped her tears.
Esme patted her pale cheek.
“You’ve helped me more than you know,” Esme admitted.
Rayna looked around, as if anyone else could even fit in the bathroom with them, before she whispered, “Don’t tell Green, but you're my other best friend.”
Esme’s melodic laugh joined Rayna’s before they both startled at the sound of Green’s voice through the bathroom door.
“I heard that!”
Esme squeaked and Rayna giggled.
“I swear, he’s like a fuckin’ panther, the way he slinks about,” Rayna said.
“I heard that too!”
“Go away,” Esme laughed.
She glanced back at Rayna who now had a dreamy smile on her face.
“You know if it comes down to it, you’re not obligated to help me and Fury. I don’t want you to think I expect that of you.”
Esme puckered her lips, checking to make sure her lipstick was perfectly applied, before she turned to hand it back to Rayna.
“I wouldn't have offered if I felt obligated. I’d be honored to help you two. Really, Rayna.”
She must have finally convinced Rayna she was being genuine, because her blue eyes filled with tears again.
“I’m sorry I’m such an emotional wreck! I swear, I’m not usually like this.”
Esme laughed heartily before she nudged Rayna’s shoulder.
“Trust me, I know.”
Rayna stood up and tucked the red lipstick into her pocket.
“You look sensational, ya know.”
Esme met her own reflection when she turned to look at herself in the mirror; flowing red dress, her snakeskin boots (which hid a knife Chris had given her), and her makeup was done to perfection.
She did look sensational.
“Thank you, sweet girl. Now, don't you have a dinner date with Fury to get to?”
Rayna gasped.
“Shit, you’re right!”
Esme accepted her hug before Rayna rushed out the door, her blonde hair almost escaping from it’s bun.
With a sigh and a smile, Esme stepped out into the hallway in search of her man. She knew church had only just ended, so she wasn't surprised to see he wasn't waiting for her- but she was surprised to see Tasha of all people hurling a suitcase towards the exit.
“Goin’ somewhere, princess?”
Esme couldn't help herself from taunting the icy bitch, her smile all but enveloping the rest of her face.
“Fuck you, you little tramp!”
Tasha threw that insult over her shoulder, but it didn't bother Esme none. Tasha’s clothes were sticking to her back and her blonde hair was wily on her head; she looked like a drowned rat, and she was just as nasty as one, too.
“Better be careful walkin’ into town dressed like that, Tasha. Would hate for you to attract the wrong kind of attention.”
Esme’s words were met with a middle finger, but instead of breaking it off like Axel had taught her to do, she just waved in Tasha’s direction.
Who needs that noise?
She’s gone!
The excitement she felt bubbling up inside of her belly doubled when she felt two firm hands wrap around her waist.
“Now, what’s a woman like you doin’ all alone?”
Esme blushed at the sound of Prettyboy’s voice.
“Waitin’ for my knight in shining armor, I guess.”
She smiled as she turned to face him, her hands wrapping around the back of his neck.
He winced, his green eyes trained on her cleavage.
“I haven't seen any of those around lately. Would you be willing to settle for someone a little less…shiny?”
Esme smiled, her brows furrowing.
“I don’t know…is he qualified to handle a woman like me?”
This time Prettyboy smirked, his teeth catching his bottom lip. Esme had to restrain herself from groaning at the sexy sight.
“I bet he could handle you just fine, beautiful.”
Esme sighed and leaned in to kiss him, catching his mouth in a fiery kiss that left them both panting against the bar, before she suddenly pulled back.
Her lipstick was smeared all over his mouth.
“Shit. I forgot I was wearing lipstick.”
He just smiled and wiped any traces of it from her chin.
“If a little lipstick is all that keeps me from tastin’ you Esmeralda Quinn, I’ll swallow tubes of it.”
Her heart fluttered in her chest as she leaned into his hard body, her curly hair falling over his shoulder.
“I like you, ya know.”
His arms tightened around her waist, and then it was as if it were only the two of them in the entire clubhouse.
“I like you too.”