Chibs pushed his shades up the bridge of his nose and reached inside his cut for his gun, disabling the safety. I raised a curious eyebrow at him.
"You think we may have to slam them?" I asked.
Chibs shook his head.
"May scare 'em a little bit. Connor…he's a nervous little squirm. He won't be expectin' to see us," he replied.
"And he knows we mean business when we do make an appearance?" I asked.
He nodded.
"Aye," he replied, "That, and knowin' that he has to trust us. It's not a matter of want since Jackie offed Roarke."
I narrowed my eyes in confusion. Chibs smiled.
"One of the Kings," he explained.
I nodded, but then my heart dropped. I knew how Chibs had been kicked out of the IRA by Jimmy O' Phelan, and banished from Ireland, yet he still linked SAMCRO to the IRA for guns. Now that they were out of guns, the trade passed over to the Mayans and now this Connor guy, it still made me feel nervous. Someone would have to pay for that, as Jax Teller was deceased.
"Wouldn't that bring some blow back? I mean, won't they have to take revenge out on someone for dropping an Irish King?" I asked.
Chibs nodded and looked out the window as Happy and Tig rode in, parking in front of us, just opposite of the warehouse the Irish and Mayans were using.
"Tha's why I don't like gettin' near these bastards. Brings a lot of heat to the club," he said, then looked at me, his voice sad, "Our family."
I bit my lip.
"But, we own Charmin'. It's our responsibility to see to it that this kind of shit doesn't endanger anyone. If it blows up here, all of Northern Cali feels it. And ATF? They get word, and they'll pull the same shit they did years ago when Clay was at the reigns. They'll harass the club, then go after the women. When they find out that a wife of a Son is in fact, a Sister, they'll set fire to everythin'. We have to find a way to cap this off now before shit hits the fan."
"Do you think we need to lock down more security? Like getting someone else in our pockets?" I asked.
Chibs shrugged.
"Dunno, love. Right now, I'm just worried about getting this shit straightened out and them not pullin' a gun on ya. That's half the reason I didn't bring T.O. with us. These assholes are racist as hell. Not to mention ya and T.O. are strangers to them. They're not gonna put an ounce of trust into ya," he explained.
I reached inside my cut and disabled the safety on my gun.
"So we scare it into them," I said.
Chibs smiled.
"Aye. Your aim still sharp?" he asked.
I grinned.
"Please! I could blow a whole into each number on that license plate over there from here," I said, pointing to an old, golden brown Pontiac GTO across the alley.
Chibs laughed.
"Let's go scare some Lucky Charms," he said excitedly.
I laughed and unbuckled, following him out of the car. Tig and Happy walked up to us.
"Talked to Álvarez," Tig said, "He should be on his way. Says Connor's been throwing a tantrum since this morning."
Chibs snorted.
"Lovely," he commented sarcastically.
The rumbling of motorcycles piqued our attention, and we looked up to see three Mayans ride in, Álvarez leading the way. They rode by us, parked beside Tig and Happy, and dismounted their bikes. Chibs greeted Álvarez.
"I apologize for disrupting your day," Álvarez said, "We just received word, as well."
"Do ya think it was the Niners?" Chibs asked.
Álvarez snorted.
"No," he replied, "But you can be sure I'll find out for sure."
Chibs nodded. Álvarez waved us over and led the way in. Inside the warehouse, I could hear voices reverberating off the walls, one sounding much angrier than the others, and…was that Irish he was speaking?
Álvarez led us around a corner, his men flanking him as Happy and I stayed close to Chibs, one of us on either side and Tig marching protectively behind. At a workbench on near the middle of the room stood three men, each looking to be in their late 40's to early 50's, casually dressed. One had his back to us, sporting short, gray hair and slinging Irish curses at his men. The men froze when they saw us, their eyes falling upon their Mayan partners first. The outraged man, spun around, showing us a beet red face and wild eyes. He too, froze.
"Shite," he breathed out.
The Mayans stepped out of the way, and we stepped up to them. The angry man visibly swallowed.
"Filip," he said, sounding a little shocked, "Didn't expect to see ya up here."
I looked up at Chibs to see him smirk.
"Mornin', Conn," he said.
Ah. So this was Connor.
Connor just nodded, still trying to catch his breath from his fit. Chibs looked up at the ceiling, his eyes scanning his surroundings.
"We heard about your guns bein' compromised," he said.
Connor gritted his teeth.
"Aye," he replied, "How did ya know about that? Mayans?"
"Hey," Tig spoke up, "Wasn't Álvarez."
"Yeah," Happy agreed, "Nothing goes on in Northern Cali without us knowing about it."
Connor looked to Chibs nervously. Chibs just smiled.
"Got a visit from Tyler and the Niners about your little blame game," he replied.
One of Connor's goons snorted in disgust.
"Ah, that's right," he said, "SAMCRO loves the nig—"
Before the man could finish, Happy shot across the room, slammed the guy against the wall, and pressed a gun to his temple. Connor and the other man raised their guns, but they were hopelessly outnumbered by the Mayan and SAMCRO barrels pointing towards them.
"Hey, hey, hey! None of that!" Chibs ordered.
"Put 'em down!" Tig ordered viciously.
Happy wrapped his hand around the goon's throat.
"You say one more word, and I will blow your goddamn head off!" he snarled.
The goon surrendered and nodded.
"Hap," Chibs called.
Happy obediently lowered his gun and backed off, spitting at the man's feet.
We all lowered our guns. Chibs placed his back inside his cut.
"Tell me what happened, Conn," Chibs said.
Connor snorted.
"Why the bloody hell do you care, Filip? You all fought so hard to get outta guns. Killed a fuckin' King, which by the way, someone will have to pay for. Ya saw what came of Teller."
A heaviness settled over my brothers, and I felt Chibs tense beside me. I had to admit, that was a low blow. Chibs, being the bigger man, blew it off.
"Heat falls on us all if those guns get into the hands of the law, Connor. Ya know that. Your lucrative black market gun trade will meet its end and you will be marked a terrorist. All of us will be thrown in prison."
"Blaming Niners just because they're black? Low, man," Tig said.
"Well what was I s'posed to think?" Connor exploded, "They're the nearest street gang!"
"Well, what the hell would the Niners want with Irish guns?" Chibs asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
"The fact that they came from us is irrelevant. Guns are guns, and nothin' is better than a free one," Connor spat.
"Well, ya can't just start droppin' blame anywhere ya feel like! Jesus Christ! Ya want another war to erupt?" Chibs exclaimed.
Connor shut his mouth.
"Ya better shape up, get some better security 'round here, and find the loose guns before some innocent gets hurt!" Chibs ordered.
"Ya can't order me to do shit," Connor argued.
Chibs snarled.
"If those guns land in Charmin', I'll have your head. Ya hear me?" he said darkly.
Connor just nodded.
"Don't abuse that title, Filip," he threatened.
Chibs narrowed his eyes and moved into Connor's personal space.
"Don't tempt me," he growled.
Connor looked like he was ready to snap. I leaned forward snatched the sleeve of Chibs' leather jacket, yanking him back.
"Filip!" I scolded.
He backed off immediately, knowing he was pushing it. Connor took notice of me for the first time.
"I didn't know ya allowed women into the club," he said.
I narrowed my eyes at him. Chibs stood rigidly.
"Aye," he replied, "This is Callie."
Connor studied me for a moment.
"Aye," was all he had to say.
I looked away from Connor and observed the stacks upon stacks of black market weaponry.
"You guys don't distribute here, do you?" I asked.
Connor cut his eyes at me.
"Depends," he said stiffly, "Why?"
I smirked.
"Well, there's your problem. Seems pretty fucking stupid to store where you distribute," I popped off.
Chibs glared at me.
"Callie!" he scolded.
Connor was mildly amused.
"She's got a mouth on her, doesn't she?" he commented.
I felt the flickers of anger begin to ignite in my stomach. Chibs shuffled forward a step, casually holding himself at a parade rest, looking tranquil, but in an instant, he could strike.
"She's right, Conn. This system? It's not workin'. Ya need to reevaluate your business before ya lose more guns, more money, and your protection," Chibs said, looking over to Álvarez, who nodded in agreement.
Chibs closed the space between himself and Connor, though not as threateningly close as he was.
"And I suggest ya watch what comes outta your mouth before ya speak again," he said coldly.
Connor raised an eyebrow.
"And why's that, Filip?" he challenged.
As if on cue, a cloud covered the sun, and the light coming through the windows near the ceiling darkened.
"She's my wife," he said so deeply and darkly, it made us all pause for a moment.
Connor's eyes widened, and he suddenly laughed.
"Are ya serious, Filip?" he laughed.
Chibs held up a finger, warning Connor, but the ex-IRA member took no notice.
"Jesus Christ! I shouldn't be surprised, what with Fiona and all," he said.
"I said watch it!" Chibs growled.
Again, his words went unheard.
"Ya always liked 'em a little crazy," Connor went on.
Before he could say more, Chibs pounced. Had I not been on his left, I would have never seen the taller of Connor's men draw his gun. I ripped my own from my cut, aimed, and shot the gun right out of the man's hand, the bang making everyone freeze. The goon stared at his unharmed hand in complete shock.
"Bloody hell!"
Suddenly, Tig burst out laughing, but I was far from amused.
"Next person to pull a gun on him gets their yapping jaw shot off!" I barked out, "I've had enough! Filip, leave him."
Chibs did as he was told, and I didn't miss the smug smile plastered to his face. I kept my gun drawn, keeping an eye on all three Irishmen, ready to drop one.
"Here's the deal, Conn. SAMCRO has jumped through hoops to keep ya alive. Now, I suggest ya get your shit together, and find those guns. If ya find the bastards who stole, let us know. If ya need help with gettin' new security cameras, ya go to Álvarez. But don't go blamin' gangs and runnin' your mouth, and if ya ever disrespect my Old Lady, my brothers, or me, I'll have your head."
"Ya makin' death threats, Filip?" Connor snapped.
"Tha's a promise. And if those guns land in Charmin'…pray your Catholic God takes mercy on ya."
I exhaled deeply, the power in his voice making my skin erupt in goosebumps. Hail to the King.
Chibs turned on his heel and I lowered my gun.
"Let's get outta here," he said.
My brothers and I agreed, and began to follow him out, the Mayans following behind. Tig chuckled and threw an arm around my shoulders and the other around Happy's.
"Callie's back!" he said excitedly.
I smiled up at them. It did feel good to be out again, doing something vital, but for now, my body was in need of sustenance and weeks of sleep. What energy I had, or thought I had, was gone. I was ready to head back to TM, try to eat, and pass out on the couch or in the apartment.
If there could have been a parade and fireworks show at Chibs' party, there would have been. I had not seen such a massive party at the clubhouse since the reopening. The entire compound was packed with friends and family, bikes, and food. There were several charcoal grills going, club members and biker friends cooking up hotdogs and ribs. Chucky and Venus had worked all afternoon on side dishes, the Crow Eaters decorated, and Venus baked a massive birthday cake, which she had yet to unveil. For now, it was present time, and I sat beside Chibs on one of the couches as he stared at the gifts overflowing the coffee table.
"This is way too much," he said to me as we patiently waited for Venus to get her camera, "Look at all this shit! Ya'd think it was my sweet 16 party or somethin'!"
I smiled and hugged his arm, trying to stifle a yawn to hide my exhaustion. I had had a good nap after lunch, managing to eat a turkey sandwich and crackers with water. However, I was running on fumes now, and I knew better than to push my limits, but I did not want to miss out on the ride tonight.
"Everyone loves you, sweetheart. They're glad to see you back after seeing what those bastards did to you," I said softly.
I laid my head on his shoulder as he absently tapped his fingers against his knees. When my cheek was resting on his t-shirt, his leather shed for the time being, his tapping ceased and he turned his head to look at me. I closed my eyes as he reached his hand up to cup my cheek, his palm and long fingers nearly covering my entire face as he cupped my cheek and kissed my forehead.
"I love ya, sweetheart," he said softly.
I smiled and peeled my heavy eyelids apart to look up at him.
"I love you, too, baby," I replied.
He smiled lovingly and tucked my hair behind my ear.
"Ya look exhausted, lovely. Were ya able to keep lunch down?" he asked.
I closed my eyes again and nodded.
"I ate most of it," I replied.
He sighed.
"Good. We can go straight home after this if you're that tired. I don't mind," he said.
I opened my eyes and pouted.
"No!" I whined tiredly.
"Callie, love, don't push yourself. Ya need your rest as much as possible," he said, then lowered his head to speak to me quietly, "Ya got two little ones, remember? They're gonna raise hell on ya."
I smiled.
"I know. Look, I'll get my second wind. I'll be good," I assured him.
Although at this point, I could have fallen asleep right there. Chibs sighed and gave in.
"'Kay, darlin'," he said, then softly kissed me just as Venus returned.
"Alright! I found it! Filip, you can start," she announced.
"What the hell do you need a camera for?" Tig asked, "It's not like he's one of the kids. I mean, I can see taking pictures when Rat finally turns 16, but Chibs?"
"Hey!" Rat exclaimed defensively, balancing Felix on his hip.
Tig just laughed.
"Pictures are important, Alexander. Besides, this is still a milestone birthday," Venus said.
Tig rolled his eyes. Chibs cast his eyes around the clubhouse, taking in the black decorations.
"Don't remind me," he said.
Venus smiled sympathetically.
"Go ahead and dig in, sugar," she said.
Chibs sighed and smiled. I lifted myself off of him and he leaned forward.
"Whose should I open first?" he asked.
Venus stepped forward.
"Let's open the ones from Callie," she suggested.
Chibs raised an eyebrow at me.
"When do ya have the time to go shoppin'?" he asked.
I smiled, guilty.
"I didn't. Vee did it for me. She picked them and slapped my name on them," I replied.
Chibs smirked.
"Hey! In my defense, I did approve them. Just go ahead," I explained.
Chibs smiled and picked the first perfectly wrapped box. As he did, it jingled, surprising him.
"This makes noise," he observed, "Hope it didn't get broken."
"No, it's supposed to," Venus explained.
Chibs nodded and began to unwrap it.
"Now, this one," I spoke up, "If you absolutely hate it, it's not going to hurt my feelings. It's odd, but I thought it was cool."
"Well, I highly doubt I'd hate it if ya thought it was cool, Callie girl," he said, ripping the wrapping paper to reveal a large black velvet box, tied together with silky black ribbon that securing a card to it.
He untied the ribbon and picked up the card.
"Shit. I can't read that. Hold that for me, love," he said to me, handing me the card.
I took it as he leaned back to grab his jacket that he had thrown on top of the couch and pulled his reading glasses from the front pocket.
"Alright," he said, slipping the frames on, "Thank-you."
I handed the card back so he could read it out loud for everyone to hear.
"'Guardian Bells,'" he read, "'Keep your loved ones safe on their bikes with a Guardian Bell, bestowing good luck upon them when riding and ringing away road demons.' Oh! So it's like an amulet. Ya put it on your bike?"
I nodded.
"Or your keys or anywhere, really. I thought they were kind of cool. You don't think they're stupid?"
Chibs narrowed his eyes.
"Absolutely not!" he replied.
He pulled the lid off, the camera flash beaming off of three silver bells inside. Each were different, but all of them had something to do with him. Two had Celtic designs, one just a band of knots, and the other, a Celtic cross. The third, of course, had the Grim Reaper.
"Oh, these are beautiful. Three?"
"For all three of your bikes, sugar," Venus said.
Chibs' eyes widened.
"Oh! Okay, cool."
"Or you can pass one down to the baby when they're old enough," Tig said.
Chibs smiled, his eyes lighting up.
"Yeah," he softly agreed.
I smiled at him.
"You really like them?" I asked.
Chibs looked up at me, his smile not faltering.
"I love them, Callie. They're beautiful. Thank-ya," he said, reaching over to hug me, then looked up at Venus, "Thank-you, darlin'."
"You're welcome, sweetheart," she replied.
Chibs began to pick through the rest of his gifts, one being a huge framed painting of a vintage Harley Davidson with a leather mat and round studs reminiscent of a saddle bag or seat from Brooke. Even I was jealous of that one.
"Where are you going to hang that?" I asked as he admired it, "It's huge!"
Chibs grinned.
"The baby's room," he teased.
I scoffed and playfully swatted him.
"Maybe our room," he said, "I'll figure it out."
He thanked Brooke and finished opening the last of his gifts, most of which were from his brothers and all gag gifts. He loved them, though, and even though I missed some of the inside jokes, they had Chibs in tears from laughing so hard. I was just glad to see him so happy.
When he finished opening his gifts, Venus stole the club away to get the cake, as it would take at least four to carry it. While they were gone, Brooke and I helped Chibs organize his presents and get the scrap paper out of the way.
"What present was your favorite?" I asked Chibs.
He smiled and picked up a small box he had gotten from Tig.
"The mug of tits," he said.
I laughed and rolled my eyes. I knew it was a gag gift, and it was funny, but I hoped he didn't make it his go-to coffee mug.
"No, but seriously. I think my favorite is the bells," he replied.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"Really? Or are you just saying that because they were from me?" I asked accusingly.
Chibs stuffed the last of the wrapping paper into the trash bag and walked up to me, slipping his arms around my waist. I smiled up at him and absently rolled one of the wooden beads of his necklace between my fingers.
"Yes and no. They're my favorite because they were from my beautiful Old Lady, and because they really are my favorite," he replied.
"Just wish they had been my original idea," I said, disappointed.
Chibs smiled and took my hands.
"Maybe not, but they're not my only favorite thing that's happened today," he said.
I looked down as I felt him manipulate my hands, turning them and pressing them to my abdomen. I looked up at him curiously. He was beaming.
"I love you," he said softly.
I smiled, feeling my cheeks burn.
"Love you, too, baby," I whispered.
Chibs tilted my chin up and kissed me softly as I cupped his jaw. He sighed contentedly and hugged me. I buried my nose in his collar bone as I embraced him.
"I have one more present for you," I said quietly.
"Mmm?" he asked, the bass of his voice vibrating through his chest.
"But it's at home," I continued.
"Where?" he asked.
I smiled.
"Any room you like," I whispered.
Chibs pulled back to look down at me, his eyes hooded and a soft growl came from his throat.
"I like the sound of tha'," he said, "Any room, huh?"
"Anything for the birthday boy," I said teasingly, stroking his cheek.
His pupils enlarged, turning his eyes completely black.
"After being so patient with me, not to mention how you defended me in front of those Irish assholes," I said.
Just thinking about it now, the power he had exuded, made me break out in goosebumps all over again.
"Oh, that turn ya on?" he asked, meaning it as a joke, but I wasn't kidding.
Had I been thinking, and had we had the chance, I would have jumped him.
"Mhmm," I replied, coaxing his head back down to capture his mouth.
He moaned softly.
"Don't. Get Me. Worked up right now," he said between lip contact.
I frowned.
"Why?" I asked.
He gestured to the party.
"Venus is takin' pictures and I'd rather not blow out the candles with a hard-on," he replied.
I burst out laughing.
"Fair enough!" I laughed, "But you just wait, mister."
He grinned and kissed me passionately. Our fun was quickly ruined, though, when Venus called for us and the room erupted in applause.
"Get over to the table so you can blow out your candles, Filip!" she called.
Chibs smiled and took my hand.
"Come on," he said excitedly.
I grasped his hand and followed him to the pool table. Our brothers carried over a massive cake, placing it in front of us while Chucky passed out paper plates and plastic cutlery and the Crow Eaters passed out shot glasses and poured everyone whiskey, excluding myself. Instead, one of the Crow Eaters made me a shot of nonalcoholic fruit punch. I thanked her for it and Tig lit the candles. The cake was a large rectangle coated in dark brown frosting and black icing. In white icing in Venus' stunning handwriting was 'Happy 50th Birthday Chibs!,' although it was hard to read for the 50 candles stuck in the cake.
Chibs put an arm around me.
"I'm officially old," he said.
I smiled.
"You wear it well, baby," I replied.
He grinned and kissed my forehead.
"Really?" he asked, searching for an ego boost.
I laughed.
"Smoking hot," I replied.
Chibs chuckled and kissed me.
"You're an angel," he complimented.
Tig growled and ripped his thumb across the top of a stubborn lighter, having lit just a little over half of the candles.
"Goddammit! Who the hell was in charge of buying the candles?" he barked.
Happy smiled and raised his hand. Tig rolled his eyes.
"Jesus Christ! Why didn't you just buy a 5 and a 0 candle?" he griped.
Happy's eyes lit up.
"This makes more fire," he said excitedly.
Tig shook his head as the lighter ignited.
"Like I've said before. Next to you, I look normal," he said.
We laughed as Tig finished lighting the candles, Rat offering his Zippo to help. When every candle was lit, bright orange light bounced off of our faces and we could feel the heat from the small fire.
"Should've bought marshmallows," I commented.
Chibs laughed.
"It's beautiful," he said, watching the flames as they flickered.
"Alright! You guys ready?" Venus called.
Everyone shouted. Chibs groaned.
"Ah! The fuckin' birthday song. Goddammit!"
We began to sing, and his cheeks turned pink. He smiled, embarrassed, dimples deepening at the corners of his mouth.
When the song was over, everyone urged Chibs to make a wish as he struggled to blow out all 50 candles. After a few blows, he extinguished all of them and the party applauded. He smiled proudly and put his arm back around my waist. I put my arms around him.
"Happy Birthday, baby," I said.
He smiled and captured my mouth as his, causing everyone to whistle and shout out, but we were too into our own little world to hear.
Tig had an after party planned at the cabin for the club, where they planned on getting totally smashed. Chibs and Rat declined, Rat wanting to go home and spend time with his family, and Chibs for obvious reasons. However, we joined the boys for most of the ride.
The ride was cold, and unfortunately, I had left any kind of sleeves at home. The warm, spring-like temperatures had vanished, leaving Charming cold and blustery, yet glittering with Christmas decorations. I buried myself into Chibs' back as we slowly paraded through downtown, trying to find warmth. Unfortunately, his body heat was contained in his leather. He must have felt my shaking, though, even though the rumbling of the Glide was vibrating our entire bodies.
"I shoulda grabbed your jacket, darlin'," he called over his shoulder when we stopped at a stoplight, "Maybe we should go ahead and head home before ya get chilled."
I stubbornly shook my head. I had only been on the bike for ten minutes. I wasn't ready to end the ride yet.
"I'm okay," I replied stubbornly.
Chibs sighed.
"I can feel ya shiverin'," he said.
I bit my bottom lip. I didn't have anything to say to that.
Chibs shifted, the bike slightly rocking as he moved his legs.
"Here," he said, loosening his cut, "Put your arms under my jacket. Keep ya from gettin' windburn."
I smiled and slipped my arms under the leather and around his waist, finally feeling a little bit of warmth. Chibs glanced back at me and smiled. I smiled and pressed my mouth into his shoulder. I knew he was trying to help, but I also knew how much he loved me clinging to him when we rode together. That feeling of the person you love embracing you, their life in your hands—there was no better feeling.
We rode out of Charming and down the hilly, winding highway that would take us to the cabin. The cold wind was forgotten as we got up to speed, nothing but the moon and the headlights leading the way, white stripes passing us by in a blur. My adrenaline began to pump, and I gave Chibs a satisfied squeeze. There was nothing like this. I hadn't been on a bike in weeks, and to finally be out on the road again, pressing tightly against Chibs' back, was exhilarating. Riding alone was already a blast, and congregating even more so, but there was something about riding with my husband. Maybe it was our love for each other, our bond, but I felt like it was more than that, and always had been. It was the ultimate act of rebellion. To piss your parents off as a teenager. To kick the corncob deeper into the asses of the snotty. A massive fuck you to society. A rollercoaster on the highway. It was danger, and freedom, and sex. This morning, I would have wished to have been anywhere other than stuffing my head in a toilet. To be in the place I never wanted to leave was the perfect end to this day.
When the rest of the club rode out to the cabin, Chibs and I headed home, exhausted, but happy. I had been ready for bed by the time we cut into Chibs' cake at the party, but now that we had been riding, my mind was on things far from sleep, though not at all far from the bedroom. He still had one more birthday surprise.
Chibs and I dismounted the bike as he shut off the engine, the headlights fading and the carport vanishing to darkness. I slipped off the bike first, removing my helmet as Chibs followed suit. Then, he put an arm around me and we walked through the side door to be greeted by Harley. I leaned down to pet him as Chibs took the helmets to hang them up. I took the dog to the kitchen and let him out the back door so he could potty before feeding and watering him, stopping by the bathroom, and meeting Chibs in the bedroom. When I entered, he was laying on the bed, still clothed with one leg hanging off the mattress. I shrugged off my cut and laid it across the chair by the dresser, then went through the process of removing my belt and crow necklace, placing the necklace in my jewelry box before turning back to Chibs. He smiled tiredly and thrust his foot in the air just as I approached him, nearly kicking me.
I jumped and shot him a look. He just grinned.
"Take my boot off for me, darlin'," he said.
I rolled my eyes.
"You can't take your own boots off?" I popped off.
Chibs grinned.
"Please? My leg hurts," he pouted.
I laughed, but I didn't doubt his leg was sore. He had not had much of a chance to ride since he was able to function on his own, and tonight's ride had been the most time he had spent on his bike since the accident. His muscles strength had not fully built back up, and I'm sure the hard vibration of the bike and the weight of it pushed his leg too far. Besides that, I had noticed how stiffly he moved when we returned.
I grabbed the foot he was waving in my face and slipped his boot off, dropping it to the floor before grabbed the next one.
"Thank-you, lovely," he said as I pulled his last boot off.
I smiled.
"You're a mess," I replied.
Chibs gave me a shit-eating grin and sat straight up, grabbing me by the hips and pulling me into his lap. I only had a second to adjust myself over him before his lips crashed against mine and a growl rose in his throat. I held his broad shoulders as I shifted to straddle him.
"This the room you want?" I asked breathlessly.
"Aye," he replied gruffly, nuzzling the side of my face as he wound his arms around my waist.
He kissed up my jawline, and I gasped when I felt his teeth nip my ear. I gripped his shoulders tightly. He was a little aggressive tonight, although I didn't blame him. It had been weeks since we had any kind of physical activity in the bedroom, and I was just as impatient as he was. However, as I moved my hands across his shoulders, I could feel how tight his muscles were near the base of his neck. He had not been complaining of any pain, but I could feel how knotted up he was, and they tensed worse with his impatience.
Our lips found each other again, but I gently pushed him back. I had a better plan.
"I have an idea," I said.
Chibs' shoulders dropped, his eyes hooded and hazy.
"What's that, love?" he asked.
I smiled and stroked his cheeks, causing him to smile sweetly and dip his head down.
"How about you strip and meet me in the bathroom?" I proposed.
His eyes lit up.
"Oh, ya had a plan this whole time, didn't ya?" he asked accusingly.
I smiled and pecked his lips before slipping off of him.
"Just give me ten, okay?" I asked, "Then come find your surprise, birthday boy."
His eyes rolled back in his head.
"Oh, I'm likin' the sound of this!" he said excitedly.
I smiled at him over my shoulder and slipped out of the room, leaving him to simmer while I quickly constructed my impromptu plan. He was sore, and in good Chibs fashion, was entirely too wound up and impatient to rip my clothes off. However, it was his birthday, and I wanted nothing more than for him to be relaxed, happy, and loved. My pleasure was not the focus for tonight. His was.
I walked into the bathroom and flicked on the light, the bright fluorescent vanity light illuminating the room. I cringed. Not really very romantic mood light. The cold blue tone often reminded me of a hospital room. I looked around, trying to think of a way to warm the room up, when I looked to the garden tub, an idea sparked.
Beside the tub, between it and the wall that encased the shower was a small table which held a buffet lamp, tissues, and some of my bath products. I walked over to the table, turned the lamp on, then got to work on the tub, filling it with warm water. The tub was deep, and it would take all of ten minutes to fill. I then moved back to the table and rifled through my bath gels, searching for the one that I knew would drive Chibs crazy. I found the yellow bottle, then opened the cap and sniffed. Warm, floral honeysuckle flew up my nose. It was really too girly for his taste, as he liked the spicy scent of men's bathing products, but he never got enough of the smell of the bathroom when I was done, and I had experienced what it did to him on our wedding night. I had a feeling it may do the opposite of relaxing him, but I tried it anyway.
I squirted a few dollops of the gel into the water and watched as it began to bubble up nicely. Satisfied, I put the bottle away and slipped back out of the bathroom and across the hall to the utility room. Inside, I searched through the cabinets of old blankets, laundry detergent, tools, this and that, and some pet supplies before finding his small collection of emergency candles. There were three dollar store pillars, two of which had been lit before, and one still in its wrapper. He kept them in case the power went out. Tonight, they would be used as romantic lighting and hopefully not to burn the house down. He'd most likely kill me for doing this, but since I had accidentally discovered them while hunting for a flashlight one night, this had been on my mind for weeks.
I grabbed the candles and the glass dish that had been used to catch dripping wax and took them to the bathroom. When I walked inside, I was hit with a wall of honeysuckle and warm air from the tub. Inside, thick bubbles coated the water's surface. Again, kind of girly for me to do to him, as he was a shower and go kind of guy, but I was positive that the heat and bubbles would melt the stress away. Even if he really hated it, he'd still do it to make me happy. I was determined to make it worth his while.
I set the pillars on the corner ledge by the wall where a bottle of body wash and soap dish sat. I moved those aside, set up the candles, then went on a hunt for a lighter, finding one on the kitchen table and returning to light them and remove the wrapper from the new one. When it was done, the tub was close to full, and I knew Chibs' time was up. So, while he was still in the bedroom, hopefully not passed out, I removed my clothing, reveling in the relief of removing the tight jeans Venus had given me. I really did like them, but my bump was not going to allow me to enjoy them until the twins were born.
After removing my clothes, I wrapped a towel around my body and clipped my hair up before shutting the water off. I looked around, making sure everything was perfect. The lights, candles lit, lamp on to provide enough light so we wouldn't trip and fall, water warm and bubbly. All it was missing was Chibs.
I opened the bathroom door and poked my head out.
"Filip?" I called.
"Comin'!" he called from the bedroom.
I slipped back in, pushing the door to and leaning against the counter. Down the hall, I could hear the bedroom door open and his heels thump against the hardwood. Then, he gently pushed the door open and poked his head in. He squinted at first, but then his eyes widened.
"Holy shit!" he breathed out, "It smells fuckin' amazin' in here!"
He walked inside, t-shirt and socks tucked under one arm and still wearing his jeans and belt. I bit my bottom lip and swallowed hard as I felt my face heat up. I doubted there would be a day where my heart rate wouldn't pick up seeing him shirtless.
Chibs took in his surroundings before a mischievous grin crossed his lips.
"What's all this, love?" he asked.
I smiled and stepped up to him.
"You'll see. I thought I told you to strip?"
He nodded.
"I was in the middle of it when Tiggy called me," he said.
I felt my heart drop. Shit.
"What did he say?" I asked worriedly.
Chibs waved me off.
"Nothin'. He's just shit-faced," he replied, then gestured to the tub, "This what ya've been plannin' all day? Ya schemin'?"
I laughed.
"Just for the last ten minutes," I replied, "Get in."
He smiled and tossed his dirty clothes into the hamper. I stepped up to him, backing him into the counter. He captured my lips as I fiddled with his belt buckle, undoing it and unbuttoning his jeans. He shoved them down and hesitantly broke away to step out of them. I looked down to make sure I wouldn't trip over his discarded clothes, I caught a glimpse of the jagged red line that ran down his leg. My heart shattered every time I saw it, and it made me want to shower Chibs in affection all the more.
Chibs walked over to the tub and slowly put a foot in.
"Oooh," he said lowly.
"Is it too hot?" I asked.
"No, it's glorious!" he said excitedly.
I smiled and watched as he stepped in and lowered himself, his back to me.
"Can I turn the bubbles on?" he asked, looking up at me over his shoulder.
I nodded. He stretched his arm and reached for the button to turn on the jets. The tub rumbled and the water began to churn. Chibs sighed.
"Tha's nice. Are ya gettin' in, Callie girl?" he asked.
I stepped up to the tub, lifted the towel, and sat on the edge, dipping my feet into the soapy water.
"I will. Come here," I said.
Chibs obeyed and backed himself between my legs. I combed his messy hair back with my fingers and reached down to the base of neck, slowly rubbing out the knots with my thumbs. He let out a throaty moan.
"Oh, Jesus," he breathed out.
I smiled down at him.
"I take it you like it?" I asked.
He laid his head on my thigh and looked up me.
"Oh yeah," he replied, "Your hands are magic, lovely."
I smiled as he closed his eyes, relaxed.
"I could feel the knots when I was holding onto you. Thought it'd be nice to have a massage first," I said.
Chibs' head fell to the side as a muscle popped.
"Oh, it is," he sighed.
I smiled and worked on the knots, feeling them pop and vanish. As I moved across his shoulders and down his spine, he went completely limp. His eyes were closed, his breathing slowed, as if he were about to fall asleep. I took special care to make sure all of the muscles that I could feel were unwound and relaxed, massaging all of the stress and pain away.
"Ya know," he spoke up after a period of silence, "Shouldn't it be the other way? Me rubbin' your back?"
He opened his eyes and looked up at me. I smiled at him and ran my fingers through his hair and stroked his cheek.
"I think you deserved to be spoiled for a little while. After being so patient with me. I know I've been a nightmare to be around," I said.
"No, ya haven't. Your hormones are on the fritz. Ya've been unable to eat. Normal pregnancy bullshit," he listed, then looked up at me and took one of my soapy hands, "It's my job to take care of ya."
I smiled as I raked my fingers through locks of silver and brown.
"Still, you didn't deserve any of that," I said.
His eyes fell away and he nodded.
"Ya didn't mean any of it," he said quietly.
I sighed and tucked my finger under his chin in his goatee, coaxing his head back up.
"Hey," I said, capturing his attention.
He blinked, eyes flickering up to me. I squeezed hand with one hand and stroked his cheek.
"A few weeks ago, I thought I had lost you. You mean everything to me, Filip. You know I'd do anything for you, and you don't deserve all the shit that's happened to you. You deserve nights like tonight where you can relax, and enjoy yourself and spend time with the club."
"And you," he added.
I smiled and nodded.
"And me," I repeated, "Filip, you deserve nothing but the best and I feel like shit for not being able to put more effort into your birthday. You mean so much to me, and I love you, sweetheart."
His eyes watched me lovingly.
"Come down here. Take that towel off," he said.
He sat up and tugged at the towel, pulling me down and taking my mouth as his. He freed the towel, tossing it aside and gathering me up into his lap as I lowered myself into the pleasantly hot, soapy, bubbling water. He pulled me flush to him and pushed my hair out of my face. I held his shoulder and placed a palm to his chest.
"Today was absolutely perfect, sweetheart. Don't doubt that. You are all that I need. You and our little angels."
I smiled widely and my cheeks burned. Chibs smiled and kissed me softly.
"I'm more than happy to hold your hair, wait on ya hand and foot, rub your back or your feet. Anythin' to make ya feel better, pregnant or not," he said, then cupped my cheeks and locked his focus on my eyes, "A little abuse ain't gonna bother me, love. You're my beautiful," he paused to kiss my cheek, hands running down and across my hips, "wonderful," a kiss to my neck, "sexy Old Lady. And I love ya to death."
I wrapped my arms around his neck.
"Not to mention I've thought of nothin' but this since we were at the clubhouse," he admitted.
I laughed and cradled the back of his head.
"Come here, birthday boy," I said lowly.
I slowly, kissed him, my body heating up the way the water couldn't. He moaned and reached for my chest. I let out a surprised moan when he began to rub, my changing hormones making them more sensitive. I clutched him tightly to me and took his bottom lip between my teeth. He purred and opened his mouth, allowing our tongues access to each other. I raked my fingers through his hair, feeling him shiver at the sensation. I was determined at this point to have him melting. I could care less if I got off at this point. My mind was on him.
I broke the bone rubberizing kiss, moving to his ear.
"Tell me what you want, baby," I said lowly.
He went limp, his head falling back.
"Oh, darlin', you're gonna be the death of me," he breathed out.
I chuckled and kissed down the hollow beneath his ear, down his neck, and to a sensitive spot under his chin I had discovered during the days of constant bed time when we were trying for a baby. When kissed, he was gone. When I pressed my lips to it, he tightened his arms around my torso and moaned.
"You," he said huskily, "I want you."
I smiled at him and kissed him deeply as I straddled his legs. I stroked his chest and reached down into the water, guiding him to my center and lowering my hips. It was the first time we had made love in weeks, and I couldn't suppress the moan that arose from my throat. He might be the death of me.
I held him close to me as I moved my hips, gripping him and causing his eyes to roll back.
"Mmm, love," was all he could get out.
I kissed his collarbone and lightly raked my teeth across his neck, careful to not make contact with any of his sensitive scars located below his jawbone. Chibs was gone when I looked up at him. His dark brown eyes clouded. His cheeks flushed and his lips parted, soft moans of pleasure coming out each time I lowered myself, impaling myself further each time. I hugged his warm body to me, working to bring him over the edge as he nuzzled his face into my hair. It was wonderful watching him relax into bliss, losing sense of reality and knowing I could make him feel that way. It was heaven, being in the bubbles, watching him and feeling him. When I began to rotate my hips in a circle, he gasped and held me impossibly close, whimpering to my shoulder. He twitched inside me, indicating he was close.
I continued to circle him, relishing the feeling of him. Chibs dug his fingertips into my back.
"Callie," he whimpered.
I coaxed his head back up and kissed him deeply. He held my hips, guiding me faster. I moved with faster, more deliberate strokes, and that was all it took. He shuddered and cried out to the ceiling as pleasure overtook him. I held him tightly as he rode out his orgasm, shaking and trying to catch his breath.
"Jesus," he breathed out.
I smiled and kissed him gently.
"Happy Birthday, Filip," I said softly.
He smiled warmly and kissed me.
"Did ya finish?" he asked, furrowing his eyebrows.
I smiled and shook my head.
"That was for you, baby," I replied.
His tune suddenly changed, his eyes going from that of bliss and deep relaxation to intense and absolutely smoldering. I didn't have a chance to question him before his roughly kissed me, threw my legs around his waist, and lifted me out of the water. I pushed away and stared at him in shock.
"What?" I asked.
He grinned.
"Ya ain't gettin' away that easily," he said huskily.
I felt my cheeks and chest heat up. He captured my lips and grabbed a towel as he blindly carried me out of the tub, barely finding time to shut the jets off before carrying me down the hall. The temperature change made me gasp and hold Chibs even closer to take refuge in his body heat. He carried me into the bedroom, gently laid me across the sheets, and climbed over me with a predatory grin. Yes, he was definitely going to be the death of me.
He gathered me in his arms and slowly entered me. I let out a shaky moan, in awe of the sheer pleasure from him entering alone, and knew I could blame it on my hormones doing their job on my plumbing. When he began to move, it was ecstasy.
"Oh, Filip," I moaned.
He cupped one of my breasts and took it into his mouth. I instantly arched my back, thrusting more into his mouth and whimpering. It didn't take him much time to make me delirious anyway, but now that things were beginning to change, it was all I could do not to explode within in a few strokes.
Chibs was ruthless. He could feel how aroused I was—how close I was. Every sensation was white hot torture. His thrusts were as intense as they were careful, and I hopelessly lost to the world, knowing nothing but the beautiful man above me.
Chibs chuckled.
"You're not gonna last, are ya?" he asked teasingly.
I growled and gripped his biceps.
"Can you blame me?" I choked out.
He grinned and his lips crashed against mine.
"Me neither," he said breathlessly.
My whimper was lost in his mouth. I gripped his hips, encouraging him. It wasn't long before I felt my stomach begin to knot. I gripped his hair and bit down on his shoulder as my pleasure built upon itself. Chibs ministrations sent me over the moon, and it I had no idea if I was about to tip over the edge or if I already had. Making love with him was like infinite pleasure.
"Oh my God, Filip," I gasped.
Chibs kissed my neck.
"Let go," he whispered.
I didn't even know I was about to lose it until he spoke, and on cue, I exploded hard around him, his name echoing off of the walls. As I came, so did he, growling into my ear before going completely limp and falling to my side. I looked up at the ceiling, willing my breathing to regulate and heart rate to slow again. Chibs scooted closer to me and wrapped his arms around me. I curled up against him, feeling sleep approaching quickly as my exhaustion caught up with me. Chibs hugged me close, touching his forehead to my temple as he reached down and stroked my stomach. I smiled tiredly and held his hand to my stomach.
"I love you," he said softly, kissing my cheek.
I sighed contentedly and closed my eyes.
"I love you, too, my King."