It was not the same. Not the same rush as before. It was rougher, too. However, somehow, it was ten times more powerful, and soon became a rush when I left the Dyna in the dust. I had never put the Sportster through its paces, and I was thoroughly impressed when I roared by Chibs and took the lead after he had shown his ass and blew dust in my face at the start. The Dyna had more power, if just a little, and speeding was nothing new to either of us, but he had never tackled the machines I had ridden and driven, and by his yell when I zipped passed him, I knew I had the upper hand.
It took a few weeks before I came up with a new challenge. Since the last little challenge at the cabin, we had been working diligently to secure everything and keep our eyes and ears open for L or the rogue Indian Hills, which had been confirmed thanks to our kind and ever loyal brothers in our Reno charter. Chibs had called in a favor, and Hench, their President, was more than happy to scope out things for us, as he had been having issues with Gaines for the past few months. Rane also made a call to the Nomads, who now were flocking around the area like crows over carrion, just waiting for someone to screw up. Hench and a few of his guys had staked out in Indian Hills and took a few pictures of Gaines with L in shady places, such as bars and old motels. We received a yellow envelope from one of the patrolling Nomads passing through Charming. He had found Tig at the same gas station I had been kidnapped at, and Tig immediately called an emergency meeting at the clubhouse.
I followed my brothers and Chibs into chapel, and none of us had a chance to sit down when Tig squeezed in and held the envelope up. Chibs narrowed his eyes, squinting to try and read the penned letters.
"What is that?" he asked.
Tig grinned and held the envelope up.
"Reno, brother," he replied.
Chibs reached into his pocket for his reading glasses before grabbing a cigarette and placing it between his lips.
"Open that shit up," he ordered as he felt his pockets for his Zippo.
We gathered around Chibs as Tig opened the envelope and pulled out a stack of 8x10 prints, the first with a small Post-It stuck to it. He handed the photos to Chibs, who peeled the note away.
"'All taken in Indian Hills. Confirmation of your suspicions. Date and time tagged in the corner.'," he read around the cig, then pulled it out of his mouth, "Signed 'Hench'."
"Holy shit," Happy said.
Chibs set the prints down and spread them across the table. All the shots were zoomed in, although taken with a very high quality camera, and every detail was clear. It was indeed L, and he and Gaines were in the majority of the pictures taken. Others were of L walking out of diners and motels, and one of his backside as he was gassing up a black van.
"That motherfucker," I growled.
"Now if only we can get proof that Indian Hills killed Mickey," Tig said.
Chibs shook his head as he scanned the pictures.
"May not need to," he said, "L's workin' with Indian Hills. Soon enough, we'll have evidence, but I know they killed him."
"They've stayed awfully quiet, though," T.O. said.
"They're waiting," Rat said.
"Aye," Chibs agreed, "They're settin' a trap."
I bit my bottom lip nervously.
"So what happens when we don't take the bait?" I asked.
Chibs' expression was bitter.
"Then I'll be expectin' a desperate phone call," he replied.
"What now, brother?" Tig asked, "We may be safe, but Reno won't be. Gaines finds out Reno is on to them, they'll kill them, too."
Chibs stacked the photos, leaving the Post-It aside.
"Rat, go get a piece of paper and find a new envelope that'll fit these," Chibs said.
Rat nodded and turned away.
"Tig, ya can call Reno and tell them they don't have to get so close anymore, but I would like them to keep an eye out. Thank them, as well," he continued.
Tig nodded. Chibs slapped the photos on his palm and smiled.
"Let's mail these anonymously to our favorite sheriff," he said.
I smiled, and we all agreed before Chibs dismissed the emergency meeting.
Rat returned from the garage office with the requested items, and Chibs put the photos inside before writing a quick note, leaving it unsigned. Satisfied, he folded the paper, placed it inside the envelope, and smiled at me.
"We're on the home stretch now, darlin'," he said, then leaned over to kiss me.
And that's exactly what I was thinking when I turned the last corner on the track, my heart laughing, and the roar of Harley Davidson's deafening.
Tig was standing at the side of the track, finishing off a cigarette and holding up a bandana he had swiped off of my head, and flagging me in when I crossed the finish line just seconds before Chibs, not only winning the race, but a slave for a week. It wasn't that Chibs wouldn't do the things I asked regardless, but it was nice to ask for things just to tick him off and rile him up. He had won the last challenge, only taking advantage through sex and one night with a shoulder rub, which later turned into a very heated make-out session on the couch. After that, he forgot all about it. However, now that I had won, I had a list of things to do. Unfortunately, that meant he got to pick the next challenge.
I slowed down and turned around to ride back up to Tig as Chibs followed.
"How?" Chibs asked loudly.
I parked beside Tig and removed my helmet. He praised me and kissed my forehead.
"That's what I'm talking about!" he said.
Chibs pulled up beside me and killed the engine. Tig and I watched as he propped his hands on his thighs and stared at the tank of his bike in deep thought. He was silent, wracking his brain and shaking his head.
"I don't get it," he finally breathed out, then looked up at me and gestured to the red machine between my legs, "How the hell did ya beat me? That thing has power, but not enough to overtake this! What'd ya put on that to make it faster?"
I laughed.
"Are you accusing me of cheating, my dear Filip?" I quipped.
Chibs scoffed and I grinned.
"Because, I thought you might have been letting me win," I continued.
He just shook his head.
"No! I was actually tryin' to beat ya! How the hell did ya do that?" he asked.
I smiled at him.
"I'll tell you a secret, sweetheart," I said, then leaned over and whispered, "I'm just that good!"
Chibs grinned and shook his head. I laughed at him.
"Hell yeah, baby girl! High-five!" Tig exclaimed.
I high-fived him and turned back to Chibs.
"Fine. Ya one this time," he said, then leaned over and arched his eyebrow, "but I get to pick the next challenge."
"I know, but for now, you're my slave!" I said.
Chibs smiled and rolled his eyes. Tig shuddered.
"I don't even wanna know!" he exclaimed.
Chibs and I looked up at him.
"Let's just get the hell outta here," Tig continued, "It's getting late. I'm going to head back home and Venus and I are going to drive out to the cabin."
"Ya bringin' the drinks?" Chibs asked.
Tig nodded.
"We need to go trade out for the car and get the food up there," I told Chibs.
He nodded.
"Blankets, too. It's gonna get cold tonight," he said.
I nodded in agreement. Tig folded the bandana he had used as a flag and tied it back around my head.
"There ya go, darlin'," he said.
Chibs shifted and started his bike.
"C'mon, Tiggy. Cal and I'll escort ya back home," he said.
Tig nodded, and I started my own bike before waiting on Tig.
With Halloween coming up, and the promise of safety from our sister charters and even the law, the club had gotten a bad case of Fall fever. Some of the guys had taken up going fishing every morning, Venus, Brooke and I had been craving caramel, apple, and pumpkin everything, and all of us wanted to go camping. We could not, unfortunately, but we could spend an evening at the cabin, eating barbecue and s'mores with apple cider, drinking, and telling ghosts stories around the campfire. It was a get-away everyone had been looking forward to for two weeks, and now that it was here, we were all too ready to head out.
Chibs and I took Tig home and said goodbye before riding outside of Charming on the way home. When we arrived, we traded the bikes for the Challenger, packed all of the food in the trunk, and loaded Harley before Chibs took the wheel and I shotgun. As Chibs was buckling up, he glanced in the back to see the dog stretched out, a king among dogs on his royal throne.
"That damn dog is gonna outgrow the backseat," Chibs said.
I smiled and looked back to see Harley, who was big enough now to fill up the back bench, stretched out comfortably in the seat he had spent nearly every week traveling in. That was his space, and he knew it.
"He's all legs," I commented.
Chibs smiled and started the car. I glanced over him and smiled to myself. All legs like his daddy…
During the ride to the cabin, though quiet, we hummed with excitement, and once we arrived, we quickly settled and had what need to be refrigerated in the fridge, paper plates, plastic silverware and red Solo cups set out, and everything else ready to go. In fact, we had it done so fast, we still had half an hour before anyone else arrived.
I put my hands on my hips and scoped out the kitchen before deciding that there was nothing more to do.
"What now?" I asked.
Chibs shrugged off his jacket and hung it on the coat rack. Harley had climbed into his favorite chair and was out.
"Let's take a walk. Go explorin'," Chibs said with a shrug.
I smiled, liking the sound of that.
"Right behind you, baby," I replied.
Chibs smiled warmly and held his hand out. I took it and walked out the door with him. I linked my arm with his as we crossed the porch and walked across the gravel to a trail at the tree line. We carefully treaded, keeping an eye out for protruding roots and loose rocks. We talked idly, looking around and taking note of the changing leaf colors.
"I hate that we can't come down here more often. I used to love comin' out here," Chibs said.
I looked up from my boots to his face as he looked around in wonder.
"Go hiking a lot?" I asked.
He smiled, his dimples deepening and, to my surprise, his cheeks tinging red.
"No. Jackie Boy, Ope and I would come down here, pick a tree, and see how high we could climb. Jackie had the advantage of bein' younger, and Opie had the advantage of height, but I always won."
I smiled.
"Chibs of the Jungle," I said teasingly.
He laughed.
"Fuckin' love climbin' trees," he said.
I laughed and held his arm tighter as we walked off of the trail to a clear spot overlooking the lake. We had walked about a quarter mile away from where we had laid Juice to rest, and I had yet to see this side of the lake. Where we had taken Juice home, the lake splashed up the bank. Here, the bank was high, and even though there was an abrupt drop between the ground and the water, I spotted a worn area where deer, small animals, and I'm sure the boys had made a way to get in and out of the water. Perhaps to fish, and possibly swim.
"Holy shit! It's still here!" Chibs exclaimed.
I looked up in surprise to see him jog over to a massive tree growing out of the bank, a thick rope with a knot near the bottom dangling over a big nail that had been pounded into the trunk, creating a place to hang the rope and keep it out of the way. Chibs pulled it off of the nail and wrapped his hands around it, pulling and testing to make sure the limb it was tied to was still sturdy. He grinned like a little boy with it did not break.
"Ah hell yes!" he said excitedly.
He twisted the rope, then suddenly, an idea flew into his head. I could see it in his eyes. Some devious plot was brewing in his wonderful mind, and I was afraid to ask.
He looked up at me, gave me a cheesy grin, then puffed his chest out, proud of himself.
"New challenge," he announced.
I felt my jaw drop and I squeaked.
"What? Hell no! You have to serve your sentence!" I exclaimed.
His smile did not falter.
"Ah, come on, love!"
I crossed my arms over my chest and stared at him.
"I challenge ya to swing into the water," he said.
I scoffed.
"Are you kidding me right now?" I asked.
The man fucking giggled!
"You know that water's gotta be cold as hell," I went on.
Chibs jutted his bottom lip out and shook his head.
"Nah. It's been warm today. It'll be fine," he said with a shrug.
I just stared at him like he was crazy. It was true. For Fall, it had been almost hot. Warm enough to wear shorts and a tank top for sure, and even though it was getting late and the area we were standing in was shaded, it was still warm. Still, that water had to be ice cold.
"You seriously want to jump in that water?" I asked him, "Are you crazy?"
He grinned.
"How about this?" he proposed, "I jump in and have to stay in for 30 seconds without any whinin'. If I make it, ya have to jump. If ya stay in for the same amount of time without complainin', no one wins and I'm still your slave. However, if ya jump or whine, ya lose."
"That's cheating, Filip. And if we both lose, what's the point?" I asked.
Chibs weighed the rope in his hands.
"What's the matter, love? Scared you'll lose?" he challenged.
I smirked, my competitive side emerging and screaming no. He knew that would get to me, but I didn't let that stop me from suddenly wanting to win.
"No," I said, trying to sound confident.
Chibs glanced up at the branch the rope was tied to and pulled it back. He was seriously thinking about doing this!
"What are you going to do about your clothes?" I asked.
His response was all too quick.
"Strip," he replied.
My jaw dropped. I glanced back up the trail where I could just barely see the roof of the cabin.
"We are not skinny-dipping when one of the guys could show up any minute!"
Chibs eyes widened.
"Jesus Christ, Callie girl! I wasn't plannin' on doin' that! I was just gonna take my shirt and boots off. Jeans'll air dry," he said.
I sighed in relief.
"But if ya want…" he said with a wink.
I narrowed my eyes, trying not to smile.
"No!" I said sternly.
Chibs laughed. I put my hands on my hips.
"You in?" he asked.
At that, I cracked a smile.
"Yeah, I'm in," I said.
Besides, I wanted to see if he'd actually go through with it.
"We have an extra change of clothes in the car, anyway," I continued.
Chibs eyebrows knitted together.
"We brought a change of clothes?" he asked.
I crossed my arms and stepped up to him.
"I packed an emergency back a few weeks ago. Just in case we needed to make a quick get-away," I replied.
Chibs smiled and pulled me close.
"That's brilliant, baby," he said.
I smiled widely and received a soft kiss.
"Or for emergency jungle swinging into the lake," I said jokingly.
Chibs just laughed.
I stepped back and gestured to his ensemble, which was just dark blue jeans, his favorite riding boots, and an army green v-neck that showed a wedge of his million dollar bill tattoo through the collar.
"Well, come on, then. Let's see you strip," I said.
Chibs eyes darkened and he gave me a crooked smile. I stood back and enjoyed the show. He hung the rope on the nail in the tree trunk, then lifted one long leg to remove his boot and sock, then the same with the other. He pulled off all of his rings and beads before placing them inside his boot. He then pulled his shirt off, exposing his tattooed torso. I had to bite the inside of my cheek to keep myself in check. Hot damn!
Chibs tossed his shirt on top of his boots and worked to pull his wallet out of his back pocket and unclip the chain ever so slowly. He knew all too well what he was doing, and even though I acted passive, my body was on fire. The summer had done his body wonders, as he was able to shed those last little pounds that he lost before the wedding, and put back on after eating hearty Scottish food for two weeks, then dropping it again. He looked amazing, and I hoped to hell he lost his own challenge, because as soon as he came running. I was shoving him back in and showing him what his little strip tease had caused.
Chibs tossed his wallet and chain in the grass.
"Where's your phone, baby?" I asked.
Chins looked up at me and patted his pockets, confirming that they were empty.
"In my jacket in the cabin," he said.
I nodded.
"'Kay. Go for it, Tarzan," I said playfully.
Chibs laughed and pulled the rope back. He twisted it tight, then looked back at me. I hoped and prayed that the limb didn't snap.
"Don't hurt yourself," I warned.
He smiled and glanced back at me.
"I've done this a million times, darlin'. I got this," he reassured me.
I crossed my arms and watched on as his hands gripped the rough rope, his biceps protruding. He may be the tree climber, but I was going to climb him like a tree.
Chibs backed up the incline with the rope in hand, then put a bare foot on the knot.
"Oh, Jesus, it's been a while," he grunted.
I smiled at that.
Chibs scooted back as far as he possibly could, then perched himself on the knot and the rope launched him in an arc around the tree and high above the lake. He let out a shout of excitement and let go at the peak height over the water, falling and splashing into the water. I jogged up to the tree and caught the rope. Chibs emerged from the water and flung his hair out of his eyes.
"Ah, mother of Christ!" he shouted.
I giggled.
"Is it cold?" I asked.
He swam a little bit closer and shook his head.
"Not really," he said.
I just smiled to myself.
"Bullshit!"
"No, really," he said, then leaned backwards and floated, "It's actually quite refreshin'."
I snorted. He was going to snap his dick off.
"Okay, then your 30 seconds starts now," I said.
Chibs glared up me.
"Bullshit! My 30 seconds started ten seconds ago!" he barked.
I laughed and compromised, counting down from 25 in my head. Chibs floated and swam around, his body adjusted to the temperature. Unfortunately for me, he breezed through his time limit. So now, I had to make it 30 seconds or risk losing my slave. Just half a minute in icy cold mountain lake water. Easy, right?
"Your turn, lovely," he said.
I sighed and reached into my pocket for my cell phone, then pulled my boots and socks off, stuffed my phone into a sock and those into a boot. I noticed Chibs eyes glaze over with lust as he watched me begin to unzip my hoodie and strip off my t-shirt. I refused to remove my bra or jeans, but I removed my rings and my crow and rose necklace and put them inside my boot with my phone. After checking my pockets to make sure they were empty, I took the rope and twisted it.
"Pull back all the way, darlin'," he reminded me.
I did as instructed, and pulled until the limb above was left with no give. I then lifted a leg and placed my foot on the knot, finding it a lot harder to do than Chibs had led me to belief.
"Jump on it," he said.
I gripped the old rope for dear life with my hands and toes and went for it. The air suddenly rushed around me as the ground below fell away. I held on as I reached the highest point, and let go with a small scream. I proceeded to hit the water hard, and next to the pain of the collision came the muscle locking torture of icy cold water.
I scrambled to surface and emerged with a sharp intake of air. The water here was deep, and I had to keep kicking my legs to stay afloat.
"Holy hell!" I breathed out.
I rubbed my eyes free of water and opened them to see Chibs floating towards me, grinning like an idiot.
"Is it too cold for ya?" he asked.
I held my jaw tightly closed to keep my teeth from chattering.
"No," I said stubbornly.
He just laughed. I knew it was probably evident I was freezing for the goosebumps on my skin. He moved up to me and locked his arms around my waist. I stared at him in surprise.
"Thirty seconds, love. Ya can't leave for thirty seconds," he said.
And with that, I was locked in. There was no form of escape that didn't require getting kneed in the crotch or gouged in the eye. Holding me there meant that neither of us won, and I suddenly understood his little game. It wasn't about one of us obtaining or losing our personal servants for a week. It was about irritating the hell out of me. There was no way he was not going to let himself have a night of fun, and misbehaving and getting on my last nerve was just one of those things. I was so getting him back for this.
"Chibs! Come on!" I pleaded.
"Nah-ah, love. No whinin'," he said teasingly, this big toothy grin on his face.
I huffed and let my guard down, ceasing my futile attempts to push away from him and holding his shoulders.
"God, who can you stand it?" I asked.
Chibs smirked.
"I'm from a place where its possible to have all four seasons in one day. I'm highly adaptable," he said.
I gave in and smiled.
"My rough and rugged Scotsman," I said endearingly.
Chibs smiled shyly. I moved my leg to try and part from him, as I knew my 30 seconds was almost up, but when I tried to feel for the bottom, I felt nothing but a watery abyss, and quickly held fast to Chibs. He just smiled and locked an arm around my waist. He looked proud of himself, loving that I was dependent on him to keep from drowning. He was in the hero position, and he was eating it up.
"God! Are you standing?" I asked when I noticed he wasn't bobbing up and down.
He smiled and nodded. I growled and put my arms around his neck.
"I hate tall people," I grumbled like a tired child.
He chuckled and hugged me. The long-legged bastard…
"If it's any consolation," he said, "I'm standin' on the balls of my feet."
I raised my head to look at him, what little anger I had dissolving. I couldn't stay mad at him. I loved him too much. However, despite the frigid cold temperatures, I felt flames licking my body once more. Being this close to him half naked in the water would have done it for me anyway, but the setting sun hit his eyes, highlighting the reddish tones in his irises, his long hair, being weighed down by the water, just barely touched his shoulders. A thought passed through my mind that I would not dare vocalize, for the last thing he needed was an ego boost. My favorite color on him quickly went from black to wet.
I smiled at him and cupped his cheeks.
"You're a shithead," I said lovingly.
Chibs grinned and I moved in to kiss him. I felt his lips turn up in a smile and he held me tighter. He moved a hand out of the water and grasped the side of my face, fingers locking into my wet hair. He tilted his head and kissed along my jawline, his scratchy facial hair tickling me. I moved my hands to hold his shoulders and tilted my head away as he lightly bit down on my neck. I gasped and closed my eyes. He removed his teeth and kissed the spot he bit, causing the fire he had ignited inside me to go to war with the icy water chilling my skin.
"I better stop, or I'll be startin' somethin' I can't finish," he said.
He raised his head and pressed soft kiss to my lips. I smiled and wrapped my arms around his neck. As I did, I noticed just how cold his skin was as the undersides of my upper arms rested on his shoulders.
"Yeah, we should go dry off. You're ice cold," I said, running my hands down his shoulders.
He smiled and shrugged.
"I'm fine," he said stubbornly.
I smiled and butted his forehead.
"Jus' wait 'til I get ya home, though," he said lowly.
I laughed and lightly splashed him, causing him to break away from me and laugh as he wiped the water from his eyes.
"Come on. Let's head back up to the cabin."
Chibs reluctantly agreed, and swam back up to the bank with me. I climbed up the worn trail first, and walked over to our clothes. As I approached the piles of shirts and boots, I turned to see Chibs just now walking on to land, entire body drenched, and jeans clinging to him. My eyes widened. What a shame to make him change into something dry…
That's when a truly evil, yet genius plan flew into my mind. I looked down at our clothes, then quickly picked all of them up and threw his t-shirt on. Chibs stopped and stared at me. He could see my idea from a mile away.
"What are ya doin'?" he asked in an accusing tone.
I grinned and began to back up, holding his clothes hostage.
"Callie," he said strictly, "Bring me my clothes. I'm freezing!"
I laughed and shook my head defiantly. Chibs' eyes darkened and narrowed—a look that could kill had he not been smiling.
"You're askin' for it, love," he said lowly.
I snorted.
"You're asking for it. Standing there half naked and dripping wet," I growled, "Fucking sexy bastard!"
Chibs gave me a predatory grin and snapped his teeth.
Up the trail, we heard the crackling of tires against the gravel. Chibs and I looked up the trail. Someone was here. We stood absolutely still and listened as the engine died and the doors opened. I heard Tig's voice, and knew that the alcohol had arrived. I turned back to Chibs and gave him a shit-eating grin.
"Don't ya even think about it! Bring me my clothes!" he ordered.
"Come catch me, big boy," I taunted.
Chibs launched for me, and I squealed and tore back up the trail.
"Ya little shite!" Chibs barked.
I pushed my legs as hard and as fast I could, trying to outrun Chibs. I should have known better than to challenge him to a race on foot, as his legs were longer, stronger, and I had an incline to my disadvantage. However, the cold water had, like I said, constricted Chibs' jeans, and even though I was in the same boat, I managed to beat him up the trail and ran around to the front of the cabin.
"Callie!" Chibs shouted.
I ran around the corner and was forced to slow down, for not only was a barefoot and the ground was covered in sharp gravel, but I nearly ran straight into Venus' car. Tig was just hefting a cooler out of the trunk and Venus was shutting the driver's side door.
"Hey," I said casually, and carefully walked across the gravel.
Tig stared at me.
"What are you doing wearing Chibby's shirt?" he asked.
Venus shut the car door and marched up to me.
"Your hair is soaking wet, sugar," she said.
Chibs emerged from around the corner and stopped. I bit my lip to keep from laughing.
"Good Lord, Filip!" Venus breathed out.
Chibs' cheeks and neck turned red.
"Jesus! I don't even wanna know!" Tig said, and resumed getting the cooler and hauling it up to the porch, but it only took him about 20 seconds before he couldn't stand it, "What the hell were you two doing?"
Chibs shrugged.
"Not skinny-dippin', tha's for sure!" he replied.
Tig smiled and shook his head.
"I'm going to go get the car keys," I announced, leaving Chibs outside with Tig while Venus and I entered the cabin.
When I returned, Chibs was leaning against the trunk of the Challenger while Tig was letting Bonnie go do her business in the grass. I pressed the button on the remote to unlock the car and opening the front door to pop the trunk. When I turned around, Chibs rushed me, pinning me between his arms and the car, and his lips crashed against mine.
"I'm gonna get ya for that one, lovely," he said lowly.
I smirked.
"We'll see," I said, then pecked his lips and turned away.
He snorted.
"Well, can I at least have my shirt back?" he asked.
I just laughed.
I had heard that Scots were natural born storytellers. Whether that was a myth or a stereotype was uncertain. However, if that was true, then Tig must have had some Scottish in him. Either that, or he was a natural born entertainer, because after a few drinks, he had all of us captivated and sore from laughing so hard. Chibs, though had not had as much to drink, was just as hilarious.
Our little camp-out was not huge. The club, their Old Ladies, our dogs, and little Felix. We pigged out and after s'mores, gathered around the campfire, and listened to Tig and Chibs' ghost stories. Some were simply entertaining, some funny, but a lot of Tig's were just fucked up. Chibs and I were perched on the picnic table, wrapped up in a heavy blanket to block out the cold wind as we listened to Tig try to scare us. I was backed in between Chibs' legs, my back and head resting against his chest as his arms locked securely around my midsection.
"Since the wife escaped prison, no saw her again, but they believe she carries the head of her dead husband in her bowling bag," he said lowly.
Venus rolled her eyes.
"Is this a true story, Alexander?" she asked.
Tig's eyes widened.
"You think I'm making this shit up?" he exclaimed.
"Oh, it's real," Happy said, "Happened right outside of Modesto."
Venus paled. I could see Hap's eyes glitter. He was fucking with her.
"Man, I thought that happened up in Tacoma?" T.O. asked.
Rane's Old Lady, Trisha, chuckled.
"Yeah. Back in the 70's," she said.
I smiled and looked up at Chibs.
"Did that really happen?" I asked.
Chibs smiled.
"He tells that one every year. Happened back in the 70's. She's long dead now," he said.
"Unless she's like, some 200 year old demon lady," Rat said.
I laughed and sat up. Chibs whimpered.
"Where ya goin'?" he asked.
I turned and placed my feet on the bench below.
"Gotta pee. You need anything while I'm inside?" I asked.
Chibs smiled softly.
"No, sweetheart," he replied, "But hurry back."
I laughed.
"I will," I assured him, and slid out from under the blanket and walked back up to the side door that led into the kitchen.
Inside was quiet, the trash bags from dinner sitting under the table ready to be taken to a dumpster. I shut the door behind me and saw Brooke walk in with Felix, patting his bottom and looking miserable.
"Hey," I said.
"Hey, Cal. You wouldn't happen to have any Advil or anything, would you?" she asked.
"I can check. I think I have some Excedrin," I replied.
Brooke walked over to the freezer and grabbed a couple of ice cubes, rubbing them on her forehead.
"That'll work. I can't shake this headache," she said.
I nodded.
"I'll go check. If not, Chibs might have some Aspirin hidden around here somewhere," I said.
I walked into the living room and picked up my bag, which was hidden under my cut on the couch. I opened it up and rifled through my things before finding a bottle of painkillers. I clutched them and put my bag back under my cut before returning to the kitchen. Brooke was at the counter preparing a bottle for the baby.
"Here, Brooke," I said.
She looked up to see the bottle and sighed in relief.
"Thank-you, Callie. That smoke just made my head explode," she said.
I smiled sympathetically. Felix fisted her hoodie sleeve and a pissed look swept over his face before he began to cry.
"Oh, don't start, little man. I'm getting it," Brooke said to him.
Felix just cried in response. Brooke huffed and looked up at me.
"He's just hungry," she said tiredly.
I put my hand on the counter and shifted my weight to one foot as I watched Felix cry.
"Need a break? I can feed him for you. Let you rest your head until the pills kick in," I offered.
I wasn't sure what made me ask. I had fed him before, but only for a minute, and I knew I would need the practice. It had been a few weeks since I had quit taking the pill, and I had yet to change my mind.
Brooke's eyes widened.
"Oh, would you? I mean, if it's not a problem. I don't know how much longer I can take the room spinning," she said.
I smiled.
"Sure. Just let me go to the bathroom first," I said.
She nodded and thanked me. I walked to the bathroom and quickly did my business before washing my hands and returning to the kitchen. Brooke passed my nephew to me and tossed a towel over my shoulder.
"Hold him up kind of high. Keep the bottle tilted up where he can get the milk. Go slow, too," she instructed.
I held him carefully to my chest and she passed me the bottle.
"Thank-you, Callie. I'm going to lay down in the bedroom for a little while. Call me if you need me," she said.
I nodded and followed her into the living room. I sat with Felix on the couch and held him up higher than usual.
"Now, don't you dare puke on me, dude," I said.
Felix was notorious for spit-up. His little tummy was not fully with it, and if you didn't take it slow with him, or held him up just right, he would blow like a geyser. I had learned that the hard way. Chibs had been feeding him, taking him off Rat's hands while he went to help with a bike. I had offered to feed him to see if could do it, and had done fine until he finished. Tig was standing behind the bar having a drink, and I had been sitting in front of him with Felix when his little eyes grew large and he blew all over my shirt. That had been it for me. I quickly passed him back to Chibs. Tig gagged and immediately ran into the office and puked in a trashcan. I made it to the kitchen sink and dry-heaved in it, Chibs' dying of laughter. I knew that unless I grew a pair, Chibs would be in charge of all things vomit when we had kids. And God forbid he got sick with some stomach bug. He'd be on his own.
I placed the bottle in Felix's mouth and his crying ceased. He eagerly sucked on the bottle, and I had to pull it away.
"You're just wanting to puke on Aunt Callie. That's your whole plan, isn't it?" I asked.
Felix just stared at me. I smiled and gave him the bottle back. He drank it slower this time. I leaned back and relaxed. I had to admit, once he started and ceased the crying, it was kind of nice. This small, soft, warm thing making little noises. Being cute for a brief moment. He was still a little temperamental, but he was developing his personality, becoming as sweet as his parents were. It made me all the more eager to try again.
"Ya look good with that wee bairn in your arms."
I looked up to see Chibs stepping into the living room.
"Jesus, Filip! I didn't even hear you come in," I said.
He smiled.
"Sorry. Got sick of Hap and Tiggy arguin' over whose story to tell next," he said, "Wondered what was keepin' ya."
I smiled and looked back down at Felix.
"Relieving Brooke for a while. Her head was killing her," I replied.
Chibs smiled warmly and sat down beside me. Felix let go of the bottle.
"You done?" I asked him softly.
Chibs held his hand out and I gave him to bottle before wrapping my arms around my nephew.
"You're a natural," he said lowly.
I looked up at him and smiled shyly. Chibs leaned to the side and laid his head on my shoulder.
"Can we start tryin' yet?" he asked hopefully.
I smiled down at him.
"Impatient?" I asked.
He smiled meekly.
"It's been a few weeks," he said with a pout.
I smiled and reached up to stroke his cheek.
"Soon, baby."
He smiled, satisfied with that, and looked down at his nephew and stroked the top of his head. He was becoming impatient, and to be honest, we probably could already start. However, I wanted to wait until I felt completely ready. Now that I was, I too was impatient. I couldn't wait to start expanding our family, but also couldn't wait to see Chibs be a dad.
It took a lot to wake me out of a deep sleep. Chibs' shuffling around or moving on the bed did nothing, nor did the sound of closing doors, banging around in the kitchen, bathroom, or that one creaky floorboard in the middle of the hall. Nothing…except the strong urge to go to the bathroom.
When I rolled over onto my back, I could feel it. I groaned and stretched around the ache in my abdomen, more or less brought on by the sound of hissing water next door. I didn't realize it until I turned my head to see Chibs' side empty, and knew he had hopped into the shower. I groaned, wiped my eyes clear of sleep, and slowly stood up. Normally, I would wait until he was finished, although he had come in plenty of times while I was showering. I didn't like interrupting, but this could not wait.
I padded down the hall to the bathroom door and quickly knocked, dancing on the balls of my feet as I did.
"Filip?" I asked loudly so he could hear.
"It's unlocked, sweetheart!"
I turned the doorknob and shot into the humid room, swiping the door shut with my eyes set on the toilet. Chibs, who was concealed before the shower curtain, was laughing.
"Mornin', love," he said.
I sat down and did my business, sighing in relief and my bladder rejoicing.
"Morning," I sighed.
I looked up at the shower, and could just see a blurred blob of him behind the curtain. I bit my lip as I took some toilet paper from the roll. I was tempted to jump in there with him.
After finishing my business, I went to wash my hands. Inside the shower, I heard a loud thump, followed my Chibs' amusing reaction.
"Fuckin' hell!" he barked.
I looked up at the mirror over the sink just in time to see him bend over to pick up what I assumed was a shampoo bottle, his ass rubbing against the curtain, giving me a clear view. I smirked as I dried my hands. His ass in tight, wet jeans had nothing on it bare. The man's posterior, as well as the rest of him, had been on my mind all night since we had taken our little dip in the lake. When we returned home, we had been too tired to take advantage of the rest of the night, but that did not keep my mind from wandering. His bright smile and that endless laugh. His chest and arm tattoos. The way his jeans hugged his hips. Running my fingers through locks of brown and silver. Feeling the muscles in his back and arms. Kissing his scarred neck. Imagining the feeling of his rough fingers over my skin, his bare torso above mine, gruff voice in my ear.
I took a deep breath and pulled myself from my reverie as an aching need began to build. It was almost as bad as a cigarette craving.
"Likin' what ya see, Callie girl?"
I jumped and looked up to see Chibs' wet head poking out of the shower curtain. I smiled and turned around.
"Oh, don't get me started," I said.
Chibs grinned, shut off the water, and exited the shower with a towel wrapped around his waist.
Sweet Jesus!
"Why not?" he asked, taking my chin between his fingers and kissing me, taking my breath away.
I cupped his jaw and deepened the kiss. He moaned softly and backed me into the counter. Our lips parted and we explored each other's mouths. Chibs gripped my hips and lifted me up on the counter edge, and I put my hands around his neck.
"God, Callie," he breathed out.
I cradled the back of his head and kissed down his cheek and to his ear.
"That's why," I said breathlessly.
He let out a throaty growl.
"Ya little minx," he said gruffly, "If we didn't have church, I'd take ya right here on this counter."
I laughed and lightly nipped his earlobe.
"Can't we just skip it?" I asked, knowing well that was never going to happen.
"As much as I would love to, darlin', I think we'll have to take wait 'til later," he said.
I playfully pouted. He laughed and kissed me.
"As soon as we get home," he said.
I smiled.
"I'm holding you to that," I said.
He laughed and kissed me once more before we parted. I left the bathroom to let him dry off and get dressed, damning him for leaving me worked up. As soon as we returned, he was in for it.
It wasn't until the mid-afternoon before we returned home. I had had a hard time focusing on anything, no thanks to Chibs. I felt anxious and impatient, and every little thing he did had my body on fire. I tried to distract myself. Actually listen to what the guys had to say at church. Watch the road instead of how long Chibs legs looked over the Dyna. How badly I wanted to ride with him, but the Dyna didn't have a pillion and the Glide was at home. I felt like I had our wedding night in Scotland. Actually, this was almost like the insatiable desire I felt back at The Quiet Spot, which, although really did not start the shitstorm we currently found ourselves in, felt like the situation that had triggered everything. My mind still ran back to it. The hot metal on my back. Our voices echoing across the water. My heart was racing now like it had then, and after what happened in the bathroom this morning, I was simmering. It was like back at the rally, after I attacked Gaines, and Chibs had me pinned against the sheet metal of the storage building. If that memory alone did not leave me hot and bothered, remembering making out with my Old Man in the dark on top of his Harley did. I often daydreamed about him like that all the time. However, in the back of my mind, I knew my mind was in the gutter for a reason. Our wait was over.
That made me all the more nervous. Excited, but nervous. This would change everything. This was our future, and I was ready. I did not dare think about the long-haul. That would have me back on the pill for sure. No, I was thinking in baby steps, and each little thing that could happen. Of course, anything bad could happen in a flash. That came with it. My mind was on the good things. The actions that would determine our future. Surprising him with the test. His reactions were probably what I anticipated the most. Since we baby-sat Thomas for an afternoon, I imagined how he would be with ours, and what the baby would look like. All these things played alongside my simmering hormones, and I knew it was time.
When we returned home, I was ready to pounce when Chibs' cell phone rang with a call from Reno. I was forced to impatiently wait, and what I assumed would be a quick call turned into an hour. I decided to give up the idea of immediately hitting the sheets and took Harley out to play. He had been dying to go out and play with his squeaky pig, and I took him out to the carport and tossed the toy with him. I leaned my backside against the trunk of the Challenger and through the toy down the driveway, where it landed in the gravel with a squeak. As Harley charged for it, I absently looked around, my eyes landing on the Dyna parked beside the Sportster. My mind immediately went into gutter mode once more, and I suddenly had an idea. A stupid idea if anyone came up the driveway, but a clever one all the same.
Heart pounding with excitement, I called the dog back and coaxed him back inside the house with his toy. I through it down the hall and Harley ran for it and took it to the living room. I softly closed the door and tip-toed down the hall to the kitchen, where I could hear Chibs' voice. When I peaked inside, I spotted him on the back porch, still on the phone, burning a cigarette to ash. I smirked and put my plan into action.
I slipped down to the foyer and pilfered through the coat rack before I found his cut. I snatched it and crept back to the side door. I placed the cut in the floor, then pulled my t-shirt over my head, unclasped my bra, then shoved my jeans to the floor, leaving myself in only my panties and boots. Then, I tossed the heavy leather over my shoulders, which swallowed me, and pulled it around me to conceal my chest before stepping back outside, leaving the door ajar. It was chilly out today, but if my plan worked, that wouldn't matter. Things would warm up soon enough.
I walked over to the Dyna and mounted it backwards. I then leaned back against the gas tank and propped my feet on the back fender. Once situated, displayed right in the doorway, I was ready. Luckily, I could hear him reenter the kitchen with the thumping of the sliding glass door.
"Callie?" he called.
My heart leapt into my throat.
"Out here!" I called.
Chibs' footfalls grew louder, and I heard him trip and suddenly stop.
"What the…?" he asked quietly.
The door then swung open, and I grinned. Chibs face fell and his eyes grew impossibly huge.
"The wait is over, sweet boy," I said.
A sly smile crossed his lips, and he stepped out of the house and down the steps.
"As if ya didn't look sexy enough on that bike," he said lowly.
I smiled and sat up.
"No one looks sexier than you on this beast," I said.
Chibs eyes darkened. I grinned and patted the leather. He shot over to me like a rocket and mounted facing me.
"Time's up?" he asked hopefully.
I smiled and nodded.
"And ya thought this would be a good spot?" he asked.
I just nodded. He growled.
"You're gonna be the death of me," he said gruffly.
He then locked his lips to mine and I grasped his arms. The kiss was rough, yet fiercely passionate. His hands reached inside the cut and cupped my breasts. I gasped softly as he teased me with the pads of his thumbs and gently leaned me back against the gas tank. He sunk his teeth into my neck. I whimpered and held his shoulders tightly. He raised up, breathing heavy, and in one swift motion, ripped the panties. That only lit me on fire, and I shot up to grasp his t-shirt and yank it over his head. He ducked out of it and violently threw it to the concrete before grasping my hips while I blindly worked to unbuckle his belt. At the instance of the SAMCRO buckle coming loose, Chibs pushed me back against the tank and pulled my legs up, locking them around his waist and pushing himself between my thighs. I held his arms for balance. He held my side and the handlebar, and eased himself in.
I think I could have tumbled over the edge from that alone. That deep ache finally being fulfilled. I let out a strangled moan, my voice echoing off the sheet metal roof of the carport. I clamped around him instantly.
"Jesus, love. Wanted me that bad?" he grunted out.
I put my hands on his chest and began to explore his skin with my lips.
"Just thinking about…what…happened at the…lake yesterday…You drive me fucking nuts," I said between kisses, giving extra attention any scars I ran across, "Couldn't stand it any longer."
Chibs chuckled and coaxed my face back up, making me look at him.
"Ya got my attention, sweetheart," he said, then placed a warm kiss to my lips.
I melted into the leather on my back and with slight encouragement, he began to move within me. I put up little resistance, my body on 11 since this morning. He moaned softly and moved with ease. He ducked his head down, pushed the leather aside to expose my chest. He slid up slightly for better reach, and took my left breast into his mouth. I wrapped my arms around his head and cried out as a jolt of pleasure shot through my chest. I arched into him, receiving a low hum of approval.
He raised up again, holding me flush to him, staring at me with a mischievous grin. He began to move his hips in slow circles. The change made me pulse around him.
"Fuck, Filip!" I breathed out.
His pace began to quicken, and all too soon, I felt the knot begin to tighten in my stomach. He inhaled sharply and kissed me, his tongue invading my mouth. I had no control over my emotions of the guttural growl that ripped its way up my throat. We were sprawled out across nearly 700 pounds of machine, and yet it rocked as if it were only 70. I prayed we didn't somehow knock it over. Chibs clung to me, his boots scraping concrete as I dug my nails into his shoulders. He detached himself from my mouth and trailed impatient kisses across my cheek and ending in a long, warm kiss in the hollow below my ear, turning my spine to rubber. I whimpered softly as his teeth nipped my earlobe, and I could feel his hot breath ghost the outer shell.
"Tell me what ya what, love," he said lowly.
He raised up and I looked up at him. Watching him move, trying so hard to keep a steady pace and not let his impatience overwhelm him. I felt short of breath as I watched him, fifty thoughts of filth running through my head. I wanted him to be rough as much as I wanted him to be gentle. I wanted to take advantage of my week-long slave and tease as much as I wanted to let him be tender and drown in his affections. I only had one answer for him.
"You," I breathed out, squeezing my eyes shut as the knot tightened more.
He ran his hands up my stomach, and my hand almost automatically flew out and I placed a palm on his chest. Just being touched was enough to bring me impossibly close, his hands moving like the fire building inside almost too much.
"Filip, please," I pleaded.
That was all he needed, and pinned me beneath him. His thrusts became increasingly shorter. I grasped his waist, clawing his hipbones and making him groan. His long hair fell around his face, his expression a mixture of determination and ecstasy. His thrusts were making me lose all sense of reality as I felt bursts of pleasure with each stroke. My pleasure began to build, and I could not contain the desperate moans that came out of my mouth. My legs began to twitch with the impending explosion.
"Don't you dare stop," I breathed out.
He grinned.
"Wouldn't…dream of it, my love," he managed to get out.
With that, he moved with reckless abandon. The knot burst and my legs shook erratically around him as I climaxed. I cried out for the whole world to hear, my own voice coming back as an echo.
"Filip, Filip, Filip! Shit!" I cried.
Wave upon wave doubled in intensity, and I clamped around him so hard that he was locked in place. He shuddered and moaned loudly.
"Callie!" he hissed, then jolted as he climaxed.
His lips crashed against mine as we rode out the last of waves of pleasure. His shoulders were shaking, and despite the chilly temperatures, we were both overheated.
"Holy shit," I breathed out.
He buried his face in my neck, trying to regain his strength again. I hugged him and kissed his shoulder.
"You okay, sweetheart?" I asked.
He sat up and inhaled deeply, then smiled.
"Aye, but I ain't done with ya, yet," he said.
My eyes widened in surprise. Shit.
He scooped me up, keeping my legs locked around his waist as he managed to balance me and dismount the Dyna, leaving whatever discarded clothes behind as he carried me to the door.
He blindly navigated down the halls, keeping us in a heated war of tongues and teeth as he maneuvered us to the bedroom and laid me down on the sheets. I threw his cut from my shoulders, draping it over the footboard. He looked a little disappointed to see it off. I just smiled innocently. He took a hold of my legs, starting at my thigh and stroking down to my boots, removing each slowly, causing me torture. He then removed the rest of his clothes and crawled over me. I smiled up at him, still not believing that this man could still make me a nervous mess. A good nervous mess, though.
"What is this? Ensuring you knock me up?" I asked teasingly.
Chibs' expression softened, changing from that look of orneriness and lust to loving and warm. He took my hands and pulled me up. He sat on his knees and guided me onto his thighs.
"I could go for two, three, or possibly four," he said.
I raised an eyebrow at him.
"What? Rounds?" I asked.
Chibs threw his head back and laughed.
"No!" he replied, "Kids."
I laughed at that.
"Nah, love. Rounds are infinite," he said and winked.
I blew my cheeks out, smiling and shaking my head.
"Now you're going to be the death of me," I said.
Chibs chuckled and took my hands in his.
"Four?" I asked in disbelief.
He smiled shyly and shrugged.
"Tha's just me dreamin'," he said.
I smiled and squeezed his hands.
"Let's just go for one first," I said.
His smile lit up his face.
"Aye," he said softly, and kissed me, this time gently.
I put my arms around his neck and guided him into me. I let out a shallow breath as I felt him fill me completely, penetrating me as deep as possible. I locked my eyes with his and began to move. I watched pleasure wash over his features and his eyelids flutter. I took his face in my hands and he smiled sweetly. I believe it dawned on us what we were doing—something beautiful. Something that would change our lives forever. We were creating something for a change, instead of meddling in destruction.
I could see his spirit lift whenever something was created or fixed. Problems, alliances, the clubhouse and TM, watching Brooke and Rat get married, or own relationship blooming, and not to mention, watching Felix enter the world. Now it was our turn, and it felt right. More than right. Absolutely complete. My soul was joined with Chibs, and now we were completely blending ourselves—making something with half of me and half of him. A living capsule of each other that we would have endless amounts of love for. It was not just about expanding the SAMCRO family or providing heirs for the throne. It was finally completing a mission we had accidentally started. Creating a ground for the live wire that was our lives. Chibs had expressed how much love he could give unto a person. His heart was massive. I found that, even though I knew I could love deep, I discovered just how deep through Chibs. Infinite amounts.
We had spent many hours and several sleepless nights discussing bringing kids into the world. Weighing the pros and cons. It was just as big a risk as a person entering and take on the responsibilities of SAMCRO. It could fry us. Cause us to fight. Shatter us if something terrible were to happen. We knew those risks—Chibs better than I. We accepted them, because those turmoils would not blow us apart. We had both admitted our love and devotion to each other time and time again. We were not trying for a baby for the sole reason of bringing new purpose to our lives, but I found it a pro. This was not for everyone, but I wanted that purpose. I had always been about family. That's why I joined the club in the first place. Among the death and destruction, we were a fiercely loyal and loving family of misfits, and I loved all of my brothers as if they were blood. Loving a creature that was blood would only make me love it that much more. For Chibs, this meant everything to him. As much as I wanted it for me, I wanted to do this for him even more.
I held Chibs' hands and kissed his palms, his self-harm scars and the phoenix tattoo before holding him tightly and kissing the shallow scar on the left side of his face. I felt him relax beneath me and clutch my waist tight. I could feel him tensing, and I was just as close. I caressed his cheeks as I moved faster. He let his head fall to my shoulder and put his arms around my neck, kissing from the crook of my neck to the top of my arm. I felt white hot heat begin to pool in the pit of my stomach, and took his goatee to coax he head back up. He kissed me passionately, holding me in a death grip as he met my thrusts. I held the sides of his cheeks, my body beginning to shake. Our slow, sensual movements became fast and erratic, until Chibs held me fast to him, our moans getting lost in each others' mouths as we peaked. I whimpered and tears brimmed my eyes, the intensity of this orgasm even stronger than the last. He growled out his pleasure, but neither of us parted until we came down again.
I fell into him and tried to catch my breath, residual pulses from him causing me to twitch.
"God," I breathed out.
He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me, his lips pressing into my shoulder.
"Tha gaol agam ort," he said softly.
It took me a second to realize that he was speaking Gaelic.
"What does that mean?" I asked.
He raised his head and smiled softly.
"I love you," he replied.
I smiled widely and quickly kissed him.
"I love you, too, my King."
