MAYANS MC - EZ Reyes x OC
HAUNTED
Season 1 - Episode 3
"You're coming with us?" EZ asked Elena as they descended the clubhouse steps.
"Si," Elena nodded. "I'm the entertainment."
"Entertainment?" EZ questioned, squinting against the scorching Santo Padre sun.
"You'll see." Elena murmured with a shit eating grin.
EZ's brain flashed to images of Elena twirling around a stripper pole like the one in the clubhouse.
Elena must've read his mind because she elbowed him in the ribs. "Mente fuera de la cuneta, Prospect." Mind out of the gutter, Prospect. She scoffed, heading for the van.
EZ rubbed at his ribs and watched her walk away. Her hips swayed teasingly with each step, and he had to look away. He was definitely flirting with dangerous territory there.
The club assembled and rolled out onto the highway heading for the Tribal Casino. Elena rode shotgun with Riz in the van, her guitar packed safely in the back. Chen, the Chinese leader, heard her sing a few years back at a local club, and requested her presence at each meeting with the MC thereafter. She wore a simple black dress that hugged and accentuated all her curves. Strappy black heeled sandals gave the illusion her legs went on for a mile. Her hair was blown out and curling softly around her face.
EZ glanced back at the van, catching eyes with Elena through the windshield. She winked at him and bit her lip. Rizz was oblivious, completely missing the entire exchange. Elena found herself nervous. She wasn't nervous to perform for Chen and the prison hookups, she was nervous to sing and play with EZ in the room. What would he think? She knew he liked music, he snooped through her record collection the first time she let him in her apartment to wait out a pop up rain shower.
The brilliant colors of the casino always made Elena feel electric. The neon lights paired with the carnival like sounds of the slots always heightened her emotions. The club was warmly greeted by some tribal elders. Their room was ready, but their guests were not due for another couple of hours.
"Looks like we got a couple of hours to kill." Obispo smirked, sliding his arm around Elena's waist. "Wanna play some slots, hermosa?" Beautiful.
"Si, vamos a jugar." Yes, let's play. Elena nodded with a sly grin. She always had great luck. She once turned twenty dollars into five grand.
Coco headed for the card tables and EZ had first watch. Coco was quite the card shark. Angel headed off to a secret meet with Jimmy to sell Los Olvidados' stolen keys while the rest of the club settled in a large booth with drinks and a few beautiful women.
Obispo felt relaxed for the first time in a long time. He handed Elena a twenty dollar bill after kissing it for good luck. "Buena suerte hermana," Good luck, sister. Obispo murmured, pressing the bill into her palm.
"Gracias, hermano." Thank you, brother. Elena smiled brightly at him before turning towards the row of slot machines. First she needed to get a drink from the bar.
After getting her usual jack and coke, Elena settled at the slot machine next to where EZ had plopped himself to keep an eye on Coco. "This seat taken?" She asked, setting her drink in the cup holder.
EZ just shook his head, only taking his eyes off Coco for a moment.
Elena smiled and inserted her usual twenty dollar bill into the machine. She took a deep breath and pressed the spin button. The machine whirled and chirped, the bright lights mesmerizing her for a moment. Her first spin was fruitful, nearly doubling her money. The next few she lost a little, but managed to keep her total around $30. She pursed her lips to suppress a chuckle at the sight of the Prospect. He looked so uncomfortable.
EZ shifted in his seat a little, glancing over at Elena who had settled at the machine next to him. There was a whole damn row of machines. Why in God's name did she have to sit right next to him? His eyes briefly found Obispo who was sitting in a booth across the room surrounded by the crew. Thankfully, he looked occupied and not very interested in what his little sister was up to.
"¿Algo mal?" Something wrong? She murmured with a smirk.
EZ's lips twitched. "Estás jugando con fuego." You're playing with fire.
Elena gasped, "¿Yo soy?" I am? 'Playing with fire' had become somewhat of a joke between them.
EZ shook his head, licking his lips. "¿Que quieres de mi?" What do you want from me?
Elena swallowed against the lump of anticipation in her throat. "That's a loaded question, Prospect." She mused, doubling her money again.
"Nice." EZ smiled at her winnings. Suddenly a wicked idea flashed through his mind, two could play this game. Having her so close was driving him crazy, maybe he was really going mad. He reached out and gently took Elena's right hand in his own. Before she could protest he pressed a soft kiss to her knuckles. Elena stared at him as if he'd just stood on his head in the middle of the Casino. "Por suerte." For luck, he explained.
Elena's breath caught when EZ gently took her hand in his. Then he kissed her knuckles and her heart threatened to slam out of her chest. He released her hand and she turned back to the machine. If she hit the jackpot now, she'd never hear the end of it from Obispo. She took a deep breath and hit the spin button. The pictures and numbers whirled by and one by one they each stopped on the picture of an arrowhead.
Elena couldn't believe her eyes as the machine exploded with colors and sounds. She covered her mouth in surprise as she watched the numbers climb to over 3 grand. Suddenly, she threw herself into EZ's arms, hugging him tightly. "Oh my goodness!" She squealed.
EZ caught Elena while her slot machine continued to announce her winnings. His eyes settled on a stern looking Obispo who was striding towards them. Elena released her grip on his neck and spun around to face her brother.
"¿Qué hay sobre eso?" How about that? Obispo exclaimed, pulling Elena close, facing the sputtering machine. "Mi amuleto de la suerte." My lucky charm. He murmured, kissing her temple. He looked at the Prospect over her head and tried his best to look not impressed. He'd seen the whole exchange. As much as he wanted to keep them apart, club business seemed to always push them together. If he was honest, he liked the kid, hell, even respected him. But, there were few men good enough for his hermana. Wheels had been good, but not good enough. He mentally made a note to press him the next time they were alone. He needed to make sure his sister didn't get her heart shattered again.
Elena knew her brother was probably glaring daggers at the Prospect over her head. She found herself relieved when Angel came over to relieve EZ from his task of watching Coco. EZ headed over to the bar and she sat back down in front of her machine to wait for the Casino staff.
Just as the staff member finished counting out her cash, a man, who looked like he could've been in law enforcement, shouted, "Pussy gangster!" as EZ walked away from the bar.
EZ looked over at the assembled crew. Hank shook his head once to keep EZ from retaliating. EZ's jaw clenched as his eyes slid sideways to meet Elena's. She also shook her head once. Now was not the time to get in a brawl, not before they took care of business. EZ sighed and continued to make his way over to the group's table now that Angel had cut Coco off.
Elena slid her newly acquired cash into her purse and kept out a single twenty dollar bill. Time to test her luck some more.
A couple hours and few hundred dollars later, Elena excused herself, "I need to tune my guitar." She explained.
"Prospect," Obispo called out over the slot machines. EZ came over to the booth. "Take Elena to the room." He knew where it was, he'd dropped of her guitar there earlier.
EZ nodded and waited for Elena to slide up and out of the booth before heading towards the private rooms. He used the keycard to let them in the room and ushered Elena inside. She went behind the bar to retrieve her guitar.
"I'll be outside." EZ told her, slipping back out the door into the hall.
Smart move, Prospect. Elena thought with a wry smile. It wouldn't do for the club to find them in a compromising position. Not that she'd mind. There was something different about EZ, he wasn't just a bad boy vying for the patch. It was hot as hell to watch him slowly embrace the MC that she loved so much.
Elena tuned her guitar and finished just in time. Once she was done the door opened and in poured the crew with their guests.
"Ah, Elena." Chen greeted her warmly, "You look absolutely stunning."
Elena felt her cheeks warm. "Gracias, Señor Chen." She murmured, accepting his embrace and soft kiss on the cheek.
"At Mr. Chen's request, we have arranged for a little entertainment." Obispo announced, "Grab a drink, and please relax and enjoy." He nodded to his sister who'd settled back down in her chair with her instrument.
Elena began to gently strum and finger pick her guitar, holding it close to her body, almost like a lover. Then after a few moments she began to softly sing:
De la sierra morena, Cielito Lindo, vienen bajando.
Un par de ojitos negros, Cielito Lindo, de contrabando.
From the brown hills, my pretty little sky, they come
A pair of black eyes, my pretty little sky, of contraband
¡Ay, ay, ay, ay!
Canta y no llores,
porque cantando se alegran,
Cielito Lindo, los corazones
Ay yi yi yi
Sing and don't cry
Because singing brings joy to the heart
my pretty little sky
She glanced up to find EZ watching her from behind the bar, he held a lighter out to his brother but his eyes were glued to her. Angel elbowed him and he broke free of his trance like stare, grinning sheepishly.
Obispo gave her a warm smile and gentle nod as she continued to sing and play. Each man had a drink in his hand and quiet conversation was had while she played. After another verse and chorus she wrapped up the song.
"Enrapturing as always, Elena." Chen raised his glass to her.
"Gracias, Señor." Elena smiled shyly, standing up from her chair. Obispo nodded to her and she took her guitar to its waiting case behind the bar.
"Now let's attend to business, shall we?" Obispo offered with a warm smile and lift of his glass.
Elena excused herself from the room, but didn't go far. She settled in the chair set outside the door and listened to the conversation inside. The MC would raise the Prison percentage to account for the heightened risk everyone was feeling due to Los Olvidados' interference. The Prison hookups agreed to the new terms and made their exit.
"You have a beautiful voice, Senorita." The blonde prison guard nodded to her as the door shut after them.
"You are too kind, Senor." Elena murmured, giving him a soft smile. The men smiled at her then went on their merry way.
Settling back in her chair, she heard Chen ask for the single malt scotch. She cracked a smile. Her brother's crew did know how to celebrate. Suddenly a suppressed gunshot had her on her feet and pulling open the door. She entered the room, hand on her gun that was tucked into her thigh holster just in case.
Jimmy lay dead on the floor, and all the men looked surprised except Obispo and Chen. Obispo gave her a reassuring smile, shaking his head once. She breathed a sigh of relief and moved to help EZ behind the bar.
"Your voice is beautiful." EZ murmured to her as they gathered empty glasses from the counter.
Elena's breath caught at the complement. "Gracias." She murmured, not meeting his eyes. The complement was nice, but she didn't need for EZ to see just how much it pleased her, not yet.
The men all bid each other fond farewells. Chen gave Elena a single nod before leading his men from the room.
"You are incredible." Bishop murmured as he kissed Elena's temple, pulling her to him in a gentle embrace.
"Me adulas," You flatter me. Elena murmured back with a smile. It always felt good for Obispo to acknowledge her during club gatherings. She knew she'd never wear a patch, but this was a close as she would get.
"Ready to roll out boss?" Coco asked, nodding to the door.
Bishop smirked. "Sure, let's go home."
"Turning in already?" Elena teased the Prospect. The club had just returned from their meeting with the Chinese at the tribal casino and were looking to let loose and relax. She caught eyes with Bishop across the room. Despite the day's success, something had El Presidente in a foul mood.
EZ shrugged, "Figured I'd go check in on Pop."
Elena shrugged back, "Suit yourself."
EZ shook his head a little, biting his lip. The tension between them was palpable. As much as Elena was untouchable, he was having a hard time staying away from her. EZ heard his father's voice in his head from their earlier conversation, even better. Maybe his Pop was onto something.
Checking to make sure her brother had his eyes elsewhere, she leaned towards the Prospect. "Ride safe, yeah?" Elena purred, covering his hand with her own for a moment as she wiped down the bar.
"Siempre." Always, He replied with a smirk. Then he pushed off the bar and headed outside.
Elena watched him go and felt her heart clench. Now that he'd confided in her and she in him, they were flirting with the fine line between friendship and something more. She suddenly felt eyes on her and looked up to find her brother striding across the room straight for her.
"What did I tell you about the Prospect, hermana?" Bishop chided, setting his beer on the bar top.
Elena gave him a pretty pout. "Relax, Obispo." She smirked, playing off their interaction. "He's just fun to toy with."
"How many times do I have to tell you?" Bishop shook his head. "He's the club Prospect, not your boy toy, Elena."
"Jesus," Elena swore. "What's got you in such a foul mood, eh?" She crossed her arms, "You maintain the H trade and act like someone pissed in your beer. You need something stiffer?"
Bishop scoffed, "Just don't like seeing you throw yourself-"
"I wasn't throwing myself at him." Elena protested, uncapping a beer for Angel who took it and hurriedly scurried away. "How the hell am I supposed to have a life when you always scare everyone away, Obispo?"
Bishop's eyes softened. He knew he'd hit a nerve. As much as he'd wanted to make this about seeing her with the club Prospect, he reacted this way with any man who paid her any attention. She was almost thirty, he definitely needed to calm the fuck down or she was going to end up alone and it would be his fault. Elena wasn't shy, but she wasn't assertive either. Wheels had been the first to make the move in their relationship so he needed to back off.
"I'm sorry." Bishop sighed, "You know I'm just being overprotective, hermana."
Elena tossed her rag in the little tub of soapy water. "Siempre, 'mano." Always, brother.
Bishop smirked and shook his head a little. Then he pointed to his cheek, leaning over the bar a little.
Elena felt her anger and frustration subside as Bishop asked for some sugar. She leaned over the bar and pressed a quick kiss to his cheek. "You're lucky I love you." She murmured, giving him a small smile.
"I'm a blessed man." He drawled, giving her a wink.
As Elena lay down for sleep that night she tried to shake the image of EZ smiling at her as she played. He looked so intrigued, like she was showing him something she showed no one else. Maybe his photographic memory came with a hefty dose of intuition. He seemed like the type of guy to play his cards pretty close to the chest, especially when his heart was involved. If she wanted to get closer to him, she was going to have to make the next move. He tolerated her friendship, maybe he would welcome more.
Suddenly her former old man's face flashed forward in her mind. Rico "Wheels" Nunez was the former Sergeant At Arms for the Santo Padre charter of Mayans MC. He was currently serving two consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole for the murder of two rivals. Somehow his DNA was at the scene so there was no way to get him acquitted. They'd at least been able to lift the death penalty, but gave up parole in exchange of his life. Wheels had insisted upon releasing Elena of her Old Lady status. They weren't legally married, but she did have a tattoo displaying their commitment to one another. Against her wishes, Bishop had granted him the request. So she was free to do whatever she wanted, she didn't need to devote her life to him. For the first few months she held on, going to visit him and writing him letters of her devotion. He refused to see her and returned all her letters unopened.
After six months, she hit rock bottom, barely eating, hardly sleeping. So, Bishop sent her to Charming to stay with SAMCRO's Angel of Death, Stevie Vale. Stevie helped her heal and move past her former life as an old lady. She was able to see a woman thrive in the MC and be a vital member of the group. Granted, Stevie had actually become Happy Lowman's wife, something Elena had fought for with her Old Man. Wheels had refused to become legally married so she wouldn't be tied to him forever. He was Catholic, so divorce wasn't really an option in his mind.
Elena turned over with a sigh and stared at the ceiling, willing herself to fall asleep. She need to be up bright and early to be at Pop's to help him place the weekly order. The company he ordered from insisted upon electronic ordering so Elena stepped in to help. EZ seemed grateful she was around, but he was still slightly suspicious of the circumstances by which she acquired the job. She was sure EZ had figured out that it was an order from Bishop that Angel allow Elena to fill the position at Pop's.
Elena heaved another sigh, cursing into the blackness of her tiny bedroom. Giving up on sleep, she pulled out her phone. She shot a quick text to Stevie.
You awake?
I am now. What's up?
Can't sleep. Thinking too much.
Ah. That's why I smoke. Lol
I miss him :(
Yeah. You're not alone, E. I find myself thinking about Jacob when my head gets too loud, too.
Really? But you have Happy...you're married!
Yep. But I'm also human. It's normal to miss those we love, E.
I guess *sigh*
You thinking about that new guy still?!
Shit. She had mentioned she had her eye on a fresh piece of meat the last time they'd talked. She definitely didn't want to tell her it was the goddamn prospect.
Maybe.
Well, it seems like you're conflicted. Holding on to your past, while trying to take ahold of your present.
I just don't want to be put in this position again.
You realize that living this life we have even a lesser chance than normal at a happy ending. Right?
Yeah. I know.
Well, okay then. Stop dwelling on something you can't control. You've got to live your life E. If that includes this new guy, then go for it.
If you say so.
I do. You run the risk of being hurt, but that's with any relationship, MC or not. Trust me, it's worth it.
Ok, Mom. Lol.
Watch it, kiddo. ;) Feeling sleepy yet?
Elena yawned, finding herself feeling less stressed and more relaxed.
I just yawned, so that's at least something.
Hap is currently working his way up my leg. I think I'm gonna have to let you go, E.
Ewww gross. Lol. Go have your fun.
Don't mind if I do. ;) Keep your chin up, baby. You got this. Ttys
Elena set her phone down and glanced at the clock. 1:15AM. If she fell asleep in the next few minutes she'd at least get six hours. That would have to do. She settled down and was almost asleep when her phone lit up, vibrating against the nightstand softly.
You awake?
It was EZ. Elena pursed her lips, watching the notification disapper and her phone go dark. It lit up again after a moment.
Pop mentioned you were coming by tomorrow to do the order with him. Just wanted to say thanks.
Elena wasn't sure what she expected EZ to be texting her at 1AM, but thanking her for helping his Pop was definitely not it. Willing herself not to pick up her phone, Elena rolled away from her nightstand and faced the wall. She pulled the covers up over her head to block the light coming through the crack in the curtains and tried in vain to fall asleep.
Dearest Readers,
MAYANS disappered from FX on demand so I'm in process of purchasing the season so there's less of a delay between chapters. I wrote ideas down during the season, but being unable to view the episodes again is holding up my completion of the chapters.
Thanks for your patience. It would be lovely to hear from you.
xoxo
Lumora The White