“Hawke told me that he killed my dad. Hawke told him he had a job to run, they lured him into the middle of nowhere and shot him in the fucking head. He didn’t stand a chance.” I wiped the tears that slowly streamed down my face. Flex went to cuddle me but I pushed him away. “No, I need to get this off my chest before I change my mind.” I looked at the floor. I couldn’t stand to see the guy’s sympathetic looks.
“Hawke made it clear that he was interested in me the day I turned eighteen. He was always suggestive, using every opportunity to get me on my own.” Out of the corner of my eye I could see Diesel’s fists clench. “My dad had made it clear that no one was to touch me or they would answer to him.” I stopped to compose myself. “This pissed Hawke off because he shouldn’t have to answer to any man within the club. Hawke told anyone that would listen, that he wanted to be my first sexual encounter.” Duke turned slowly to face Diesel, raising his eyebrows with a knowing look.
“I rebuffed his advances and when my dad died, I made the decision to leave. The night that Hawke and Patch turned up here, Hawke explained that he was here to take what was rightfully his.” I let out a loud sigh, “I made it clear that I’d built a new life and wasn’t going anywhere with him so he explained that he would disfigure me enough so no other man would be interested.” I still didn’t look up but I could feel four sets of eyes burning down on me in rage.
“Luckily the man two houses down owns a Harley. They heard the sound of the engine and took off before hurting me further and raping me.” The last few words came out in a loud cry. I grabbed for my bag to retrieve my asthma pump as I could feel my chest tightening. After a couple of puffs, I tried to control my breaths by slowly breathing in and out. I looked up into their eyes, “I would obviously like both of these men to disappear. If the Aces or the Skulls can’t do it, my dad left me plenty of money and I will find someone who can.” I took a deep breath, “But if you do, I want to be there to see their final breaths.” With that I took myself off into my bedroom. It was late and the tablets that I’d taken earlier were starting to make me drowsy.
Diesel
“I’m gonna leave this in your capable hands. If you need me to do anything let me know.” Flex finished his drink putting his empty glass on the table. “I’m gonna do my own digging about what Harlow just said, regarding her dad’s death. Trigger was a well respected member of the club and other Skulls won’t take too kindly to this information.” Flex walked through the living room, closing the front door behind him.
Duke let out a low whistle reaching for the bottle of Jack on the side. He poured three glasses and we all sat down at the kitchen table. “Did you know she’s a virgin?” Duke asked draining the contents of his glass. “Did I fuck! Come on did you? She’s twenty years old for Christ sakes.” I stood pacing the kitchen floor running my fingers through my hair, “Doesn’t change the way I feel about her, I’m just gonna have to play the long game.” I shook my head, “To think that Hawke was going to rape her because she didn’t want him. Those fucking arseholes have to die and preferably by my own hands.” I angrily poured myself another drink and knocked it back in one.
“You’re quiet!” I said looking at Spike. The words were out before my brain registered. “Ah shit man, I’m sorry.” I said walking over to give him a brief hug. Spike had lost Helen in similar circumstances and I could see the pain in his eyes. “I’m gonna turn in for the night. Can we pick this up at church in the morning?” Spike sipped the last of his drink before making his way out of the door. “I’ll also leave you to it. I’m sure you have lots to discuss with Harlow. Go easy on her man.” Duke put his glass into the sink and patted me on the back before leaving.
I locked up the apartment to make sure everything was secure before making my way into the bedroom. “Ink, are you awake babe?” I sat on the bed next to her but I couldn’t see her face as she had her back to me. As I sat there I could hear her steady breathing. I stroked her hair, “I’ll do everything in my power babe to catch those sons of a bitch. I promise, even if it’s the last thing I do.”
Chapter 8
Harlow
I woke the following morning to the smell of a cooked breakfast. I rolled over to an empty bed which saddened me. It would’ve been nice to snuggle up to Diesel and spend the morning in bed together. I sat up slowly and swung my legs over the mattress to snuggle my feet into my warm slippers.