Heart of Steel: A Satan's Savages MC Novel #1 (26 page)

I smirk and nod walking over to Stevie’s makeshift medical surgery by the lounges and sit down.

“A simple butterfly stitch will suffice. But please, try and limit movement of your arm for a week or so. No martial arts or boxing for a couple of weeks.”

I nod. “I can deal with that.”

Stevie finishes up just as Dad walks over.

“You done here kid?”

I nod and stand up taking a deep breath trying to calm my still heavily beating heart.

“Right, brothers who were out on the ride, emergency church…
now!
” Dad yells his voice booming through the clubhouse and echoing off the walls.

I thought this might happen. Walking behind Dad toward the assembly room, Techie, Behemoth, Jigsaw, Chops and Penetrator all follow in. Jigsaw closes the big double wooden doors as we take up our seats. Penetrator’s not normally in church, so he’s standing by the edge of the table waiting to be told where to sit.

“Just sit at the end, Penetrator,” Dad confirms what I was thinking and he nods, walking down to the end of the table to take a seat next to Chops.

Taking my seat to the left of Dad, I lean back in the wooden chair and interlace my fingers together at the back of my head stretching my arms out.

“So, obviously, the trip to Frankie’s didn’t go quite as planned. Our brother loves this club. He would be at this very table if he could. His place as a First 7 Original helped bring this club to where it is today. Chops, Vinnie, and the others as well. But Frankie can’t ride anymore ‘cause of his back problems. So he runs the gun shop. Our gun shop—”

What the fuck! Why is he rehashing old shit we already know?

“We know all this Mad Dog,” Chops interrupts. I glance at Dad and he puffs out his chest as he breathes in deeply through his nose.

“If you let me finish...” He glares at Chops and he rolls his eyes leaning back in his chair.

“Yeah right,” Chops says waving his hand through the air for Dad to continue.

“As I was saying… what happened in front of Frankie’s shop today was disrespectful. Now I know we didn’t start the fight, it came to us. But the way it ended, that’s what I have an issue with.”

My eyebrows raise slightly, as I begin to think that maybe Dad is going to have a go at Chops for gunning them all down. Like he fucking should!

“What are you implying, Prez?” Chops asks sitting up straighter in his chair.

Dad huffs, the air racing through his nose can be heard easily over the hushed silence in the room. “I’m implying Chops… that you racing out of the shop and gunning them all down like the arseholes they are, was
not
the fucking right thing to do. Yes, we needed them disabled, but not dead. This not only inflames our situation with the 5113ers if they ever find out it was us, but if any of us had gotten caught by the heat we could have lost brothers. Murder in the streets is not something we do, not in broad fucking daylight—”

“It was a backstreet in a dead-end street. No one was there, no one saw us. We didn’t have our cuts on when we left. Our plates were dirty. We’re not traceable. What’s the fucking deal?”

Dad stands up, his chair falls backward from the force of his stance. “What’s the fucking deal, Chops? What’s the fucking deal? You’re a fucking maniac. A loose cannon. You do things without thinking, without sanction, without running them by your brothers. You get something in your head and no matter what, even if the club says no, you do it anyway. You wonder why you didn’t make VP, there’s your answer arsehole. You think you’re above everything because you’re a First 7 Original? I’ll tell you now brother, you might be my best mate, but I’ll fucking kick your arse out to the curb if you put my brothers and especially my kid’s life at risk again by acting out on your own accord. You fucking got me?”

“Always playing favourites with Steel. He was fine. He got back safe. You know what makes you a bad president? Your fucking kid. You’re so scared of losing him like you lost your others that it clouds your judgement, Mad Dog. Those 5113ers needed to be capped for thinking they could come to us on our down time and off us in the streets we run. This is bullshit! Come and talk to me when you’ve grown some balls.” Chops stands up and begins storming toward the door.

Dad jolts up and starts moving toward the door too. I stand up wondering what the hell is about to happen. Jigsaw gets to Dad first and shoves his hands in his chest stopping him from getting to Chops.

“If you walk out of here, Chops, don’t think this is settled,” Dad says glaring at Chops over Jigsaw.

Chops looks at Dad and shakes his head grabbing the handle of the door. “It’s settled, Mad Dog. I fucked up. I know that. I put everyone in danger, I’m a crazed lunatic… I get it. But you know what? That’s who I am. You started this club with me knowing what I’m like. You’ve run this club with me in it for decades and haven’t had a problem till now. I think you’re just getting old. Your time will come when you realise who really has your back around here. I’d kill to protect this club, that’s evident… Would these fuckers?”

Dad slumps his body and Chops nods as he opens the door and walks out of the assembly room. Swallowing hard, I take a deep breath after watching Dad and his best friend go at it. It’s a sight I don’t often see, not like that anyway.

Dad turns as Jigsaw lets go of him and closes the door as Dad walks back with heavy feet and sits down. I take my seat again too, looking at Dad raising my eyebrow basically asking if he’s okay. He nods and inhales puffing out his chest again.

“Okay, that kind of insubordination I will not condone. If anyone of you ever makes an attempt to back chat me the way Chops just did, I will send you to Jigsaw. What happened today was ruthless. I don’t care that they died. What I care about is the fact that it happened in the open, in the city, and in broad fucking daylight. Lucky it was a crappy backstreet with no witnesses, and lucky we all managed to out-ride the heat, but there was a chance we wouldn’t. I just want to say I’m glad you all made it back in one piece. A few of you with holes in you, but still in one piece. It’s been a tough day. Let’s go get drunk and bury ourselves in pussy,” Dad says and the guys cheer as Dad bangs his gavel and stands up adjourning church.

Shaking my head slightly at the events of the last five minutes, I wonder how quickly Dad and Chops will mend their friendship. I know it doesn’t usually take them long to fix their issues. I just hope that Chops sorts out his shit. Because this vigilante crap nearly got us all locked up.

We all walk out of the assembly room and Dad grabs my shoulder turning me around to face him. “I’m really glad you made it back, kid.”

I smile and nod. “I know Dad. I’m glad you made it back, too. And about what Chops said, don’t let that fester. Don’t spend all night thinkin’ about Byron, Tyson and Mum. I know you. I know you’re gonna wallow, but just don’t.”

He grunts and nods wrapping his arm around my shoulders walking us out of the assembly room. I know for sure he’s going to wallow anyway. Nothing I say will stop that. His hand comes down to rest on the wound on my arm making me wince remembering that it’s there. I’ll probably need to tell Willow that something went down and that I managed a little scrape but I’m fine. She’s going to see my arm anyway, so I’ll have to explain something—I don’t want to keep things from her.

“I’ll have a beer with you later, okay Dad?”

He nods, unwrapping his arm from around me. I make my way through the clubroom down to my bedroom to call Willow. Looking down on the bed we shared last night, I wish she were here right now, but I guess a phone call will have to suffice. Sitting down on the mattress, the softness swallows my body and I take a gulp of air knowing this probably won’t go down very well. But I know I need to do it anyway. Pulling out my phone, I dial her number and it rings twice before she answers.

“Hello… squuueee,” she answers and I hear Petunia squealing in the background as she’s laughing down the phone.

It makes me smile instantly. “What the fuck’s goin’ on? Are you slaughterin’ the pig?”

She laughs. “You’d think so, but no, just giving her a bath.”

I laugh and shake my head at the imagery. It’s just what I need to help me unwind from the drama of today. “You’re amazin’. Learnin’ martial arts with a biker by night, and bathin’ pigs by day.”

Her gorgeous laugh echoes down through the phone as the squealing suddenly stops. I furrow my brows as there’s a slight scuffling noise, then silence.

“Shit Flame, did you actually kill the pig or somethin’?”

She giggles. “What? No, you freak. Just took her out of the water and now she’s running around the bathroom floor with a smile on her face.”

I grin and sit back against my headboard. “Fuck me, I wish I was there.”

“Well, come over if you want. I’m not doing anything this afternoon.”

The offer is too tempting, and I might take her up on it. I just have to see how she takes the news first. “I might take you up on that, but there’s somethin’ I gotta tell you first.”

“Hmm, sounds ominous.”

“Yeah, it is a bit. So today I went out ridin’ with the boys and we came across some thugs.”

She’s quiet for a second and I hear her breathing increase slightly. “Thugs, hey?”

“Yeah, some old crew we don’t get along with.”

“Did something happen?”

I exhale and run my hand through my hair. “It’s only small, nothin’ major—”

“Steel, are you hurt?” The desperation in her voice makes my chest hurt.

“No babe, I’m fine. Just a scratch on my arm. You can barely notice it.”

She’s quiet again, and the silence is deafening as the blood pumps loudly in my ears. “Willow?”

“I’m here.”

“I’m okay, I promise.”

“And the other guys? Are they all okay?”

Now it’s my turn to not know what to say. I open my mouth to talk, but nothing comes out. I’m drawing a blank.

“Your silence says it all. Steel, I don’t know how I feel about this. I don’t like that innocent people are getting hurt—”

“Babe, they’re not innocent. They came at us first.” I don’t add anything further, it won’t ease her mind, so what’s the point?

“Still, violence isn’t the answer. Surely you guys can just sit down and talk through your problems?”

I laugh, I actually laugh out loud. “No offense babe, but this isn’t some child care centre where if someone steals your toy you can sit down and talk it out about how that was naughty and don’t do it again. It doesn’t work that way—”

“Well, why can’t it? Why can’t you change how it works?” she asks and I puff out my cheeks and push out the air through the small hole in my mouth.

“Flame, you just don’t understand—”

“No, you’re right I don’t. Were you in danger? Could you have died?”

Fuck!
I don’t want to lie to her, but I can tell she’s annoyed and I don’t want to scare her away. So I decide a white lie might be for the best right now. “No, I wasn’t in danger. It was just a misunderstandin’. Like I said I’m fine, it’s just a scratch and Stevie fixed me right up.”

“If it’s just a scratch, why did you need a doctor to look at it?”

Fuck!
I purse my lips and shake my head at my own ineptitude.

“I'm all right. I’ll come over now and show you, so you can see for yourself?” She exhales and is quiet for a short moment. “But if you don’t wanna see me that’s okay, too. I understand.”

“No, come over. I’m sorry. This just takes some getting used to. I went from a devoted Christian with a
really
tiny penis who wouldn’t even give me oral sex because it was too dirty, to a guy whose penis is bigger than anything I’ve ever seen, who’s in a motorcycle gang and thinks kids swearing is funny.”

I open my eyes wide with a smirk while shaking my head. “You dated a Christian?”

“Shut up! That’s all you got from that?” she asks with a giggle.

Tilting my head, my smile is wide. “Bigger than anythin’ you’ve ever seen, huh?” I ask and she cracks up laughing.

“Okay colossal cock, are you coming over or not?”

I burst out laughing and nod my head. “I think that’s the first time I’ve heard you say cock unprovoked. I’m changing you Flame.”

“Yeah, well, don’t get used to it.”

I pout even though she can’t see me. “Shame, it kinda turns me on when you talk all rough and dirty.”

She giggles. “Okay macho man, get off the phone and get your arse over here. Let me examine this
scratch.”

She says scratch as if she’s using air quotes to mock the fact that she doesn’t think it’s a scratch at all. She’s right, it’s more of a wound, but she doesn’t need to know that until I get to her house.

“Okay, on my way, babe. See you soon.”

“I’ll be waiting.” She hangs up the phone and I groan slightly imagining her in her robe all naked underneath. Why I’m picturing that particular image is beyond me, but my cock twitches in my jeans. Jumping up off my bed I make my way out of my room to go see my girl.

Willow opens her front door with a smile as Petunia runs around my feet greeting me with her usual squeal.

“Hey,” I say as I dodge the tea-cup pig and stroll into her home right up to her kissing her deeply. I need a taste to settle the nerves still in me from the fight and chase.

She pulls back shutting the door and grins. “Well, hey yourself. Now show me this scratch.”

I raise my eyebrows—straight to the point. Exhaling, I roll up my sleeve and show her the gash on my arm held together with the butterfly stitches. She gasps and runs her finger along the edge of the wound. She looks at me with her eyes drawn together and slaps me hard on the chest. I flinch pulling her to me and lean in kissing her to distract her from the telling off I know she wants to give me. My lips press hard to hers. She fights me for a moment, but I force my tongue into her mouth and she relaxes slightly. Running her hands up into my hair holding me to her, I kiss her letting out all of my pent up frustrations. Backing her up against the lounge she falls back into it. I fall with her. Sliding my body on top of hers softly, so I don’t hurt her, she wraps her legs around my waist and I grind my already throbbing and hard cock into her pussy. She moans and I know even though she’s angry with me for getting into a fight, she’s happier I’m here with her now, grinding into her and making out on her lounge. And this is where I intend to stay, only naked and seated deep inside of her, all night long.

So today is Christmas and I’m spending lunch with my parents and then going to the clubhouse for dinner with Steel. I haven’t seen my parents for a little while, pretty much since I left Trent. They thought he was the perfect man for me, well groomed, well educated, politely spoken… boring as bat shit! They had a hard time dealing with the fact that I left him, and every time I saw them after the breakup it was always,
‘Why did you leave him?’
and ‘
When are you going to fix this mess?
’ They didn’t care that I don’t want him in my life, that we weren’t well-suited, and that I needed more than a goody-two-shoes who did everything right every step of the way. I need excitement, I need something more. I have that with Steel, I just hope that when I tell my parents about him that they’re happy for me.

Walking up to their luxurious two story home, I press the doorbell once and the happy ringtone chirps loudly through the halls. The red and gold Christmas wreath on the door glistens in the summer sun shining my reflection back at me from each of the pristine glass balls. Smiling, I shake my head at the thought of how much it must have cost, and how many hours Carmella—their housekeeper—spends shining each and every ball. The door opens and Mum stands there with her red hair littered with flecks of grey sitting in a messy top bun as she looks at me, her eyes shining brightly.

“Willow, my darling. It’s so good to have you home.”

“Thanks, Mum. Merry Christmas!”

“You too, darling. I wonder what Trent is doing today? We should have invited him over for a catch-up.”

Groaning as my body slumps. She couldn’t even let me step through the front door before she starts with the
Trent this
and the
Trent bloody that
. “Geez Mum, can you give it a rest. Trent and I are done. Plus, I have news. I’m seeing someone and he’s great. Much more suited to me.”

She raises her eyebrow and stands aside to let me enter. I shuffle past her and into the giant lounge room that honestly looks like the North Pole threw up everywhere—not once but about forty times.

“Oh really, so where is he then?” Her tone is mocking like she doesn’t believe Steel even exists.

“He’s with his brothers today and I’m going to his house tonight to celebrate with him. We’re having a big feast.”

She purses her lips and crosses her arms over her chest. “And so why haven’t we heard about him before now?”

Rolling my eyes, I continue to walk through the lounge into the kitchen to see Dad sitting at the dining table which is decked out in opulent Christmas attire.

“Because it’s brand new Mum and this is the first chance I’ve had to see you to talk about it.”

Dad looks up and smiles. “What’s brand new? Hi, pumpkin.”

Groaning, I roll my eyes again. “Dad stop calling me pumpkin. How many times do I have to tell you? I’m not five anymore!”

“You’ll always be five in my eyes, pumpkin.”

“Urgh!”

“Willow, get back to the matter at hand. What’s his name?” Mum asks and Dad looks back up and stiffens his body.

“You got a new man, pumpkin?”

“Yes, I do. His name is Steel—”

“Steel? What on earth kind of name is Steel? What does he do for a job?”

Pausing my mouth drops open because I don’t really know how to reply. My mouth continues to open and close a few more times as gasps of air flow out while Mum and Dad both scrutinize me with their piercing eyes.

“Well?” Mum demands.

“He does things with motorbikes. I’m not sure exactly.”

“Oh, great, a ruffian. Good censorship skills there Willow.”

I walk over to the table and sit down next to Dad. “Whatever! You don’t even know him. Why wouldn’t you give him a chance before you judge him?”

Mum huffs and shakes her head. “Because you’re meant to be with Trent, darling. He’s well adjusted, he’s calm and neutral. He’s a good Christian boy and he’s respectful.”

“Mum, he’s annoying and boring. He won’t even hold my hand in Church because God wouldn’t like any kind of fornication in his house.”

Dad chuckles as Mum glares at him. I’m glad Dad can see the funny side of this.

“Sweetheart, sure Trent might have some funny ways about him, but he is right for you. You need a good boy.”

“What I need Mum is something exciting. My life has been all about going to church, do your chores, behave yourself, use your manners, don’t do this, don’t do that. You’ve restricted me all my life. Hell, I couldn’t even go to my own school formal because you said they played the devil’s music, Mum. Can’t you see how constrictive that is on a young girl?”

She tilts her stature to the side and places her hand on her hip. “Willow, you
are
a good girl. You were raised right. I will not see you riding off into the night with some biker wannabe who’s only going to steal your virtue. You’re too good for that.”

I scoff and fold my arms over my chest. “Steal my virtue? You think I’m a virgin? Mum, you think Trent is so good? He’s the one who stole my virtue, not some bad boy biker, who isn’t a wannabe by the way. Steel is actually a real biker. He’s the Vice President of an actual club, and he makes me feel more alive in the little time I’ve known him than in the twenty-three years I’ve lived, guided by you and your devout ways. You want me to be someone I’m not, Mum. You sheltered me and boxed me in. Well, this little bird is ready to fly. Thanks for inviting me over, but I think I need to leave.”

Mum stands there with her mouth agape as Dad brings his hand out and grabs my arm stopping me from standing up.

“Willow, it’s Christmas. Don’t leave like this.”

I feel sorry for Dad, he’s always been more accepting and less judgmental than Mum, but I don’t want to be here if all she’s going to do is talk about Trent and how much I’m stuffing everything up.

“Willow, please stay. I’m sorry. I know you feel like I smother you, I’m just trying to be the best mother I can. I only want what’s best for you, darling.”

Sighing, I sit back down and nod. “Fine, but no more talk of Trent. That ship has sailed and is never coming back to dock, okay? I’m with Steel now and that’s not going to change either.”

“Hmmm, we’ll see about that.”

“Helen!” Dad berates and I glare at her as she wanders over to the oven where the smell of turkey roasting invades my senses.
How did I not notice that delicious aroma before?

“Willow, you know I love you. You’re my only child and I want what’s best for you. But dating a biker? That’s a bad judgement call even for you.”

“Dad c’mon, I thought you were on my side?”

He tilts his head and sighs. “I’m always on your side sweetheart. I just want you to think long and hard about what you’re doing. About where your life leads with this Steel character. Most women who deal with bikers end up as whores, or even worse… dead. I don’t want that for you, my darling. Please reconsider this relationship and get out before it’s too late.”

I slump back into my chair and let out a long breath. I knew coming here was a bad idea. But Dad’s words ring true. Being in a relationship with Steel puts me at risk and in danger, and I have no idea what’s in store for me if I stick around.

Today is December 25
th
, Christmas Day. Willow is spending lunch with her parents while I’m having the day with my brothers, well the ones that are here. Some are off-site spending time with their old ladies and families, but some of them are here and the club girls are putting on a feast for our dinner. Willow is coming over later and spending the night here at the club with me. I have a surprise gift for her that I had made especially for her at a local jeweller. I’m giving it to her tonight.

The clubhouse is littered with Christmas decorations. Lunar and the girls went a little mad this year. She seems to be in high spirits and is really making an effort with everything. She’s changing, she hasn’t been hanging around me as much. I miss her friendship, but I’m glad she isn’t making advances on me as much anymore. She seems preoccupied. Maybe with someone else? I’m sitting on the bean bag sofa as she places some more presents under the tree by the pool table. Her arse is practically hanging out of her tiny shorts, and typically normally the sight would make my cock twitch. But not now. Now my thoughts are all about Willow. I smile that she has such a hold on me.