He ran a hand over his head, his bicep flexing, showing off his strength, his power. “Sometimes it feels good, really fucking good because it’s what they deserved.” He shrugged. “Other times you can’t have emotion. You do what needs to be done because it’s for the good of the club.” He shook his head, and this strange expression filtered across his face. “I can’t believe I’m telling you any of this.” His chuckle was humorless. “I don’t even know you.”
Yeah, she knew what he meant. “Sometimes the best people to talk to are the ones you don’t know.”
3
This had to be one of the weirdest conversations he had ever had. “You ever thought about killing someone?” he asked.
Constance shrugged. “No. I can honestly say that I’ve never thought about ending anyone’s life. Why would I want to do that?”
“You asked me what it was like and we’re here in a graveyard full of death. Are you one of those freaky chicks that gets off by being around dead things?”
She burst out laughing. “Are you for real right now?”
“I just thought I’d ask, and besides, it made you smile.”
“Very true. Congratulations, Vengeance. You made me smile, which I never thought would happen in a place like this.”
“So we’re getting off to a good start then.” He stared at the headstones.
“If you’re part of an MC, why are you out here late at night? Shouldn’t you be partying it up?”
“I needed a break away from all that shit.”
“All that shit…” Her voice faded. “I get that. When my parents and fiancé died, everyone was always staring at me, full of pity. My entire life had completely disappeared, and then all of a sudden, it was like everyone could tell me how great everyone was, you know? They didn’t give a shit when they were alive but now they were suddenly going to start telling me how good they were, and they wouldn’t be replaced.” She stopped, and he heard her sigh. “Sorry. I don’t know you. I really shouldn’t be talking about this shit with you.”
“Well, if you can’t talk to a stranger, who can you talk to? You’re alone in the world. Did your doctor advise some kind of therapist?”
“She advised, and I declined it. I’m not the kind of person who can sit around and talk all day. They’re dead, and I’m moving on.”
“You’re moving on sitting in a cemetery late at night with a flashlight.”
“I’ve got nothing better to do. What is your excuse?” she asked, shining the light on his face. “What scary things are in your closet, Vengeance?”
“Not a lot. I’m a boring guy with a boring future ahead of him.”
“Even being in an MC?” she asked. “And with all of your killing? You’re a bad ass, Vengeance. There’s no denying it.”
“I’m not denying it. I’m not exactly scary right now. I’m in one of the most morbid places in the world with you.”
She chuckled. “Yeah, you really do need to start questioning your priorities. But then again, so do I.” She sighed. “As much fun as this could be, I’ve got to go home. I shouldn’t be out after dark.”
“Leaving already?” he asked, getting to his feet with her. It was rather strange but he didn’t want her to leave.
“My sanity. See you around.” With that, she made her way out of the cemetery. What a strange, but very incredible woman.
He couldn’t leave it at that, though, and so he followed her out. “Hey,” he said.
She stopped, looking at him. “What’s wrong?”
“How about I take you to dinner?”
“You do know it’s late.”
“Then how about I take you for coffee?”
She smiled. “Sure. Coffee sounds great.”
They walked side by side down the long street.
“So, are you seeing anyone?” she asked.
“No. Why do you ask?”
“Small talk. I didn’t know if you had an old bird or something.”
“An old bird?” he asked, laughing.
“What do you call the women that you keep?”
“They’re old ladies.”
“What about the girls that you screw and don’t have a care for?”
“They’re clubwhores or sweetbutts. And they are there because they want to be.”
“What charming names.” The sarcasm was dripping from her.
They found a late-night coffee shop. Entering, he took a seat at the counter, along with her.
“Hey, Benny,” she said.
“You bringing in some trouble?” Benny asked, teasing.