Leather for Two: Wings of Steel MC (6 page)

Several heads came up as I entered. I didn’t recognize them. I scanned the small crowd and found Blaze standing by one of the tables. I stood there, staring. Remembering what he’d done to my body yesterday made my knees shake. I didn’t belong here, but something about seeing him reminded me of home.

This was dangerous.

I could lose myself in him.

I turned on my heel and made it to the first exit door when I felt the tug of warm fingers on my arm. I looked up into pale blue eyes that could have salved every hurt I’ve ever felt. “Blaze.” His name seemed fitting as it flowed from my lips.

“Where are you going?” he asked, still keeping his hand on me.

“I-I don’t think I can do this,” I admitted. Lying or pretending I had bravery wouldn’t work.

“You can’t go now. There are some people looking forward to seeing you again.” He took a short step closer. He reached up and brushed a tendril of hair from my cheek. His tenderness blanketed me. How could a tough man like Blaze be so gentle?

“Who?” I asked.

“Miles and Sharp.”

Diesel and Blake’s closest friends. “Are you sure?” My voice cracked.

“See for yourself.” He gently guided me back into the room. Before I knew what happened, a man dashed forward and swept me off my feet. His laughter bellowed from deep within his chest, vibrating my body.

When he finally set me back on my feet, I looked up into the familiar face of Miles. Shiny baldhead, thick mustache and long white, beard, and a large, round belly—exactly as I remembered him. I wondered if he still played Santa for the children’s ward at Christmas. “Hello, sweetcakes. Long time no see.”

“It’s been a long time, Miles. You haven’t changed at all,” I said.

He planted his stubby hands on his stomach and patted his gut proudly. “I’ve put on a few pounds. My old lady keeps getting better in the kitchen.” He winked.

“Well, well, if it isn’t little Bambi.” Sharp had his arms crossed over his chest. He was the complete opposite of Miles. Broomstick thin, Sharp had enough hair that he could have loaned some to Miles and still have more than he needed. He’d aged. Wrinkles surrounded his grey eyes and his pallor edged on crimson red. I wondered if he’d gotten ill.

“Sharp.” I smiled nervously.

Sharp dropped his arms and stepped forward. He very gently, and weakly, tugged me in for a hug. I met Blaze’s gaze over Sharp’s shoulder. The fear finally eased from my muscles, but the smile I received from Blaze shook me to the very core. Did I see happiness in his expression? Or was it pleasure in being right?

“Come and have a shot for an old friend.” Blaze nodded toward the table. Ten dozen or so empty shot glasses were sitting upside down as tribute to a fallen member. An old, framed picture of Diesel sat close by.

“I shouldn’t. I’m driving.” I didn’t move a muscle.

“I forgot you’re a light weight.” Blaze’s grin dug underneath my skin, but I wouldn’t let him tease me.

I skipped my gaze over him. He looked more handsome every time I saw him.

I had to be careful. All eyes in the place were on me. I couldn’t let anyone see how I felt for Blaze. I wanted to keep my secrets close.

A cackling laugh bellowed from a table across the room. Through the dim light I saw a woman shift and push away from the chair.
Candy
. My breath caught as the soft hairs on my arms stood. We never liked each other, even before I found out she was entertaining Diesel. I always believed the woman had a thing for him and wanted to be his lady. If only she’d known that I didn’t care. She could have had him.

Candy swayed her way to the end of the bar, keeping her black-rimmed eyes nailed on me. I didn’t falter. Although I didn’t have the ‘in’ that I once did here, I wouldn’t let a washed up chick unsettle me. Her scraggly, tri-colored hair reminded me of a rainbow. I could see she still went to the tanning bed every day and had perfected the color of cheddar cheese. Her boobs were no longer high and firm, causing the same commotion everywhere she went. Too many harsh hands had molded them into blobs of stretched skin that reached her navel.

I remembered Candy telling me after we’d volunteered at a fundraising event, “You remind me of a teenager. Men like tits and ass, which you have neither.”

There was definitely no love loss here.

I expected to exchange words with her, but instead she poured herself another shot and drank it down. I knew she performed on her best behavior only because Blaze stood three feet away from me. I wondered if she wanted to throw the glass at my head. This wasn’t the appropriate time for lashing out. An argument would be disrespectful to Diesel.

Candy spilled herself over one of the drunken men sitting at the bar so she must have finally found someone to take her on as his lady. I was happy for her…a little. The past should remain history. I no longer had hard feelings, although, I’d steer clear of her while at the compound. Candy’s bitterness was evident in her sneer.

I stepped up next to Blaze, ready to get this over with. “So I’m here. Where’s the envelope?”

“You aren’t going to hang out for a while, bid Diesel a farewell?” he asked.

I shook my head, sending several tendrils sweeping across my cheeks. “No.”

One corner of his mouth lifted. “Come with me,” he whispered in my ear as he took my hand, lacing our fingers together. Electricity traveled through my veins, upward into my shoulder, but I didn’t resist.

Walking through the door of the building, I was blatantly aware of his fingers gently squeezing mine. The adrenaline ping ponged across every cell in my body, making me dizzy. I didn’t want to overreact and push him away, at least not yet in front of anyone. I waited until we stepped away from watchful eyes and I pulled my hand from his. He chuckled, but didn’t argue.

“Blaze, is Sharp ill?”

“He has cancer but refused chemo.” Blaze looked over his shoulder at me.

“Oh no.” My heart dropped. Although Blaze had a poker face, I could see a shine in his eyes. “Will he be okay?”

He shrugged. “Sharp is a tough ol’ turkey. I don’t think he’ll go down easy, but at least he’s choosing how he goes.”

I followed Blaze through the back door of the motorcycle and repair shop, D&B. Blaze and Diesel had owned it together. He led me upstairs into the small apartment where he’d called home for years. It wasn’t much. Plain, white walls. A bed. A small TV. And a few trophies and plaques from his younger years.

I stayed in the doorway, not wanting to enter the lion’s lair.

He looked at me, his gaze narrowing. “Are you afraid to come in?”

“I’m not afraid.” If I admitted it to myself, I was a little scared. The rumpled sheets on the twin bed were an undeniable invitation.

“Suit yourself.” He shrugged and crossed the room to a small desk in the corner. He pulled out the drawer, reached inside and took out a large manila envelope. He tossed it to me and I caught it against my chest.

I read my name and address in Diesel’s slanted handwriting. My mouth went dry. “May I have a glass of water?”

“Sure.”

I watched Blaze step into the open kitchen, take down a glass from a cabinet, then again brought my attention to the envelope. I should open it, but something kept me from being in any hurry. This could be a simple letter. Or closure. Possibly opening a can of worms for which I wasn’t prepared.

“Here you go.”

I looked up. Blaze held a glass of water out for me to take. I took it and our fingers brushed. The water splashed over the rim onto my hand. “Thank you.”

“Relax, baby. I don’t bite.” He grinned.

I drank half the water in one gulp. I couldn’t hide my nervousness.

“I knew you’d come.” Blaze walked the four steps to the bed and plopped down, stretching his long legs. He had a hole in the knees of his jeans and another so close to his package that if he moved a certain way there was a possibility he’d flash me. I wasn’t totally displeased with the idea, which made this far more dangerous than I thought it would be.

“Of course you did.” I got my mind back on track. “Don’t let it get to your head.” I clutched the envelope tighter.

“Aren’t you going to open it?”

“I don’t know.” I held it against my chest. The thin envelope seemed foreign in my hands. I could feel something small and hard inside.

“What? Just open it,” he growled in irritation.

“It’s addressed to me, not you, so I can do what I want.” I set the water down. I was shaking and afraid I’d drop the glass.

“As you please.”

“Blaze, an agent by the name of Peterson called me and asked questions regarding Diesel’s death. How would he even know that I was involved with Diesel years ago?”

Blaze scratched his cheek and shrugged. “Peterson and another detective have been talking to everyone, looking for any lead. Someone must have mentioned your name.”

“You didn’t tell him about the envelope, right?”

“Hell no. Peterson is a shark looking for fresh meat to harass. He cares more about this shit than local law enforcement. They bagged Diesel’s body and called it good riddance of a club member. Peterson thinks he’s onto something.” Blaze sniffed. “Don’t worry.”

Easy for him to say.
I needed to get away. “I should go.”

His jaw clicked. “I guess so.” He stayed on the bed.

“Thank you for keeping this for me, and inviting me to the memorial. I hope they find who killed Diesel.” My voice sounded weak to my own ears. I took a backward step toward the hallway. “Again, thank you.”

“Yeah, you said that once or twice.” His gaze remained on me. I wished I had the capability of reading his mind. Was he relieved to see me go?

“Goodbye, Blaze.” I swiftly turned on my heel and made my way down the stairs. My heart beat heavily and sweat beaded between my breasts. I half-expected to hear his heavy booted footsteps coming behind me, and felt disappointed when only my steps echoed off the walls. Why would he come after me? It wouldn’t do any good, and he knew I couldn’t stay.

Tears blurred my vision as I stepped into the evening air. The sun had set and several security lights flickered on. I made my way toward my car across the parking lot. I wasn’t aware of anyone else around until his voice intruded upon my thoughts.

“Miss Rose?”

I jumped and jerked my chin up. A man, wearing a grey business suit, stepped from the shadows. Curiosity mixed with fear made my mouth dry. I was on edge. “Yes?”

“I’m Agent Peterson.” He flashed a badge then stuck it back into his pocket. “We spoke on the phone yesterday.” He pulled a toothpick from his mouth and dropped it to the ground as he moved closer.

My stomach turned. Was the Agent here to see me? Not possible. He wouldn’t have known I’d be here. Remembering that I had the envelope clutched in my hands, trepidation splashed over me. I didn’t do anything wrong, but a sliver of guilt made me question my actions. My mind raced. Should I tell the detective about the envelope? I couldn’t. I’m sure it had nothing to do with Diesel’s murder. But what if somehow it did?

Agent Peterson came to stand near me. I got a strong whiff of aftershave lotion and tobacco. His slicked back hair, his clean-shaven jaw and bright white smile reminded me of a movie star. He was almost as tall as Blaze, but not as broad shouldered. “I didn’t expect to see you here today, ma’am.”

“I came to the memorial.” Thankfully, my voice worked.

“I had the impression you had no desire to come back to Wings.”

A cool breeze swept across my skin but didn’t dry the sweat between my breasts. “I came for the memorial. That’s all.” I’d never been good at hiding the truth. The few times I’d lied as a kid I’d gotten a firm swat on my behind, teaching me a lesson. The only secret I’d ever successfully managed was my feelings for Blaze.

“Well, you’ve saved me a trip from coming to visit you.” He maintained a blank face.

“You were coming to see me? I thought I answered all of your questions on the phone.”

“Face-to-face is needed sometimes. Diesel had your contact information written on paper and shoved in an address book.”

“I don’t see how this would make you want to speak further with me. Will you be talking to everyone in the book? I’m sure there were hundreds of contacts”

“Are you agitated, Miss Rose?” A smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “Your address was jotted down on an electric bill dated from last month. I thought this was strange considering you said you two hadn’t been in touch since you left three years ago.”

“I was telling the truth. No contact at all.” I moved toward my car. The detective’s gaze dropped to the envelope. “I should be going.”

His gaze lifted. “Diesel had been under surveillance for nearly six months with the ATF. Do you know who the ATF is and what we do?”

“Not personally.” I needed water. I needed to get out of here. “I have no clue what Diesel was doing and now that he’s dead, he’s no longer doing anything.”

“Your friend, Blaze, has been under investigation too.”

My chest tightened and I forced my body to relax. “What does this have to do with me?”

“I believe Diesel had your contact information for a reason. Planning a visit to catch up on old times? Mail you a card or letter?” His gaze dropped to the envelope for a split second. “If you received anything, and you’re withholding that information, you’re impeding a federal investigation which is a felony offense. Those are harsh accusations for a first grade teacher.”