Chapter 13

Sophie

It was Friday afternoon, almost a whole week after my horrible date with Jacob, and I had yet to see that controlling asshole once. I wasn't looking forward to him coming into the bakery again so I had been a nervous wreck all week. He had never shown up at the florist shop before so I felt much more relaxed there than I did here.

It was one bad date, make that a really bad date, but for some reason, it had me on edge.

Maddie told me to call her if I saw him coming in. Tuesday when I came in for work, she was excited to hear how it went until I told her what a dick he had been. Now she was ready to ban him from the store but so far that didn't look like it would be necessary since he hadn't come by.

I was hard on myself all day on Sunday. How can I be such a bad judge of character? And why were all the guys I dated such losers? The only guy that was proving his loyalty to me was Daryl. And he was the one I shouldn't be interested in at all, so why was everything always coming back to him?

And in a few minutes, he should come strutting in the door as he does every Friday. I was looking forward to seeing him, but I knew I shouldn't. I had no idea why a guy like him was interested in me besides the fact that I had proven myself to be an easy conquest. No matter what he said, he probably just wanted another taste since I gave it to him so easily last time.

Believe it or not, that was so out of the norm for me.

As much as my body wanted his again and as incredible as his kisses were the other night I was doing my best to push him away. As I was straightening out the display case I wondered why I was so attracted to him? Sure, he was a good-looking guy, but the world is filled with them. Daryl wasn't full of the typical come-on lines that many guys use, in fact, he kind of lacked any type of charm. Most times he was more gruff than friendly and a smile was a rare thing for him.

I should be more turned off than turned on.

But he did have a way of looking at me as if I was the only person in the room. That nothing else mattered but me. And lastly, we just had some crazy chemistry that turned me on fire whenever I saw him.

Unfortunately, it was the club holding me back. I simply couldn't get past what I knew about it. They skirted the edge of the law more often than not. I know they say they aren't a 1%er club, but the secret meetings and the middle-of-the-night unexplained phone calls that I saw Chrissy dealing with just left a bad taste in my mouth. Not to mention my biggest problem, I needed to be number one, not some club.

Daryl wanted me to get my head in the right place. It still wasn't. I was frisky last week and he turned me down. I wanted to feel loved after that debacle with Jacob and even though I was unhappy that Daryl wouldn't let things progress beyond kissing, he did the right thing. I knew now that I would've regretted it in the morning. He knew me better than he should.

And just when I can't stop obsessing about him, I see him drive past the bakery and park the van a few spots down from the store. Of course, right then three people decided to walk into the bakery. Really? It had been quiet for the last half hour and now we get busy when Daryl shows up.

I briefly met his eyes as I went about filling the orders of the people in front of him. Two loaves of french bread for one. A half dozen cupcakes, three of our oversized chocolate chunk cookies plus a loaf of pumpernickel bread for another. The last person was Mrs. Topper. She was a sweet old lady but always very indecisive.

While she was looking at Maddie's creations, I glanced over to Daryl. And just like that day I first met him he got to me instantly. It wasn't only those broad shoulders that stood out as he leaned up against that damn tall cake refrigerator we had. Nor was it his perfect biceps that were bulging since he had those muscular arms of his crossed over his chest. He wasn't overly bulked up like Striker or Diesel, but he was still muscular and that was easily seen since every single shirt he ever wore was sleeveless.

And with all that going on, it was the look he was giving me that had my panties getting wet yet again. His lips held the tiniest of smirks but it was his eyes that got to me. As I stood there helping elderly Mrs. Topper figure out what was going to take care of her sweet tooth, Daryl was looking at me as if I was the answer to his.

His desire for me was coming through loud and clear. It was getting hard to concentrate on helping Mrs. Topper with soaking panties and the incredible need to jump his bones in between the birthday cakes and the pastry displays. He had questioned my customer service skills in the past and I was ready to show him how damn good they actually were when Mrs. Topper started giving me her order.

Except, I messed everything that she was saying. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Topper. I missed that. What did you want again?"

She looked at me then she looked at Daryl who dipped his head in acknowledgment to her. When she turned back to me she said, "If I was younger I'd want one like him, too but I guess I'll have to settle for two cherry danish, one of those small fruit tarts, and a Kaiser roll."

It was a struggle not to laugh as I boxed up her order. After she counted out the exact change to cover her bill, she turned to leave the store. Daryl stepped over to hold the door open for her. Mrs. Topper was short as she was plump but she looked up at Daryl who was looking every inch the hot biker and said, "In my day, I would've kept a guy like you locked in my bedroom. You would have enjoyed it, too." And then she was gone.

My mouth hung open in shock. Daryl just stood there watching her walk down the sidewalk. When he turned toward, we both burst out laughing. I had tears running down my face I was laughing so hard. Finally, when I could, I giggled, "Who knew Mrs. Topper has a thing for bad boys."

"How do you respond to something like that?" he said shaking his head.

"Lucky for you she left and you didn't have to. That made my day!"

"Thank the fuck none of the guys where here. I'd never live that down." Daryl walked over the counter with a huge smile on his face. It was a beautiful sight. That man just never smiled enough.

"I'll keep that in mind," I told him with a wink. "I'll go and get the club's order. Be right back."

I was still giggling when I went back to grab the club's order. Again, Maddie had several oversize boxes that I was going to either need help with or make several trips. "Are you trying to make these guys fat, Maddie?" I laughed.

"I know. I know, but the order is for thirty men and there is no way each guy is going to eat one thing. Plus, I enjoy baking for them," Maddie said as she wiped her hands on a rag. "Let me give you a hand with them. Is Trax here?"

I don't know why I blushed but I did. "Yes, he is."

"Was that the two of you I heard laughing?"

"Oh my God, yes! Mrs. Topper practically propositioned him. Said if she had a man like him in her bedroom she'd never let him out!"

This time it was Maddie's turn to look shocked. "Old Mrs. Topper?"

I shook my head yes.

"Mrs. Topper, who has to be at least ninety years old and uses that sparkly pink cane? That Mrs. Topper?"

"The one and only. You should have seen the look on Daryl's, I mean Trax's face. It was priceless," I laughed. It was starting to drive me crazy that he had two names.

"You told her didn't you?" The deep raspy voice let me know that Daryl had followed me into the back.

"I'm sorry it was too good not to." He said he didn't want the guys to know, he said nothing about Maddie.

Daryl shook his head. "That was embarrassing."

"No," Maddie said walking over to him and patting his scruffy cheek. "It was sweet and inappropriate but it also shows women of all ages can appreciate a good looking man."

This time it was Daryl that blushed. "Are all women fuckin' crazy today?" he growled. "Where's the damn order?"

I pointed to it and Daryl picked up all of the boxes as if it was nothing. I helped him out to the van with them, but he followed me back into the store to pay. He was trying to be mad at me but I knew he was having a hard time since I was smiling the whole time. As I was ringing up the order, Maddie placed another large square box by Daryl.

"This is for Bear. Tell him it's a new recipe I am trying for a triple chocolate mousse cake. It needs to be refrigerated, but I would appreciate him letting me know what he thinks." And then she dashed into the back before either one of us could say anything.

"She so has a thing for Bear."

"And I know Bear has a thing for her."

"Then what's their problem?" I wondered out loud.

Daryl shrugged his shoulders. "Hell if I know, but it ain't like we should talk."

"True."

Then he surprised me with, "You didn't talk to Marci."

Yeah, he had me on that one. "No, I didn't. And I didn't talk to Chrissy as I lived with them and already saw what she went through."

I could see that Daryl wasn't happy with me. That man could speak volumes with just one look. "You gonna or should I just let this drop? I ain't gonna keep pushing you no more like some loser."

"Why you're putting up with me, I don't know. I think I want to try for us, but it scares me. It really does. This week I was too nervous that Jacob would come in. I'm sorry."

Daryl's face got that tight look and I knew he was angry. "Did that prick show his face here?"

"No. He didn't, but I was worried he would." Daryl's face softened and his broad shoulders relaxed. "How should I get in touch with Marci? I really don't know her. I just know who she is." I owed it to us to see what she had to say. Marci had been with Colt for several years so she was the perfect person to talk with.

"Hang on." I watched him pull out his cell and scroll through his contacts. He turned his back to me while he made a call. I heard him talking softly for a little while until he faced me. "What you doing after work today?"

"Nothing, why?"

"What time do you get out?"

"Three o'clock."

He went back to talking on the phone before saying thanks and hanging up. "After work meet Marci at the coffee shop down the street."

I wasn't expecting that. Plus, it touched me that he was this interested in me to go to all this trouble to get me to change my mind. He really was already almost doing that by being the nice guy he was. He looked like a gruff biker, but I was finding out that it didn't mean he wasn't a really good guy.

I guess there's no time like the present to talk to Marci. I wasn't sure she could give me that final push to change my mind, but it scared me to say I wanted her to. The more time I could spend with Daryl would enable me to get to know him better. If that happened and I allowed myself to fall for him, more than I already had, I stood the chance of setting myself up for some major heartbreak.

At least Marci would be able to give me a better idea of what club life was all about for the women.

"Okay, I'll meet her when I get out," I agreed.

And that had Daryl almost smiling. There was a hint of a smile happening and that silly little thing made me happy.

"Okay, I'll call you this weekend," he said looking at me quickly before he grabbed the box for Bear and started to leave. He made it three steps before he stopped. He hesitated for a few moments and I wondered what was up.

Daryl turned and headed back to the counter putting the box down as he continued around it and stood in front of me. He looked at me with those beautiful blue eyes of his and I couldn't help but smile. Then he took my face between his two rough hands before leaning in to kiss me senseless.

When he was done I couldn't speak a single word. He rested his forehead on mine whispering, "As good as that was and that was fuckin' good, we could do so much better when it's you, me, and a bed. Think about that, Sophie."

Daryl then took a step back from me. He was having as hard of time leaving as I was. Then he grabbed the bakery box and walked out the door. It was at that point I knew I was losing the battle to resist him. And frankly, I wasn't sure if this self-imposed war was something I wanted to win anymore.

It wasn't too long before I was finished with my shift and headed down the street to meet up with Marci. Even though I had never met her before, I knew a bit about her. She was married to Colt who was the club's VP. I remembered meeting him that first I was at the clubhouse. He was intimidating with that big scar he had going down his face.

Chrissy had shown me many of the photos she had taken at the clubhouse so I had a basic idea of what Marci looked like. When I entered the shop I saw her sitting at a table off to the side. She waved at me with a gentle smile. I grabbed a latte before sitting down to join her.

Marci was a very petite woman with beautiful straight black hair cut in a short bob. She was short and adorable while Colt was much bigger and taller, plus that scar gave him a very intimidating look. She didn't look like she belonged with a guy like Colt.

"Thank you for meeting with me, Marci. This whole MC thing has me confused and worried. Daryl thought talking to you would help," I told her after I had sat down.

"I haven't heard Trax's real name used in quite a long time," she said with a smile. "All he told me was that you wanted to know more about what club life was for the women. I wasn't aware he was looking to make anyone an ol' lady."

I knew she was fishing for information, but I had to be honest with her so she could be honest with me. "That's how he introduced himself to me as Daryl. I didn't even know he was with an MC. Hell, I didn't even know what they were. We're still at the getting to know each other phase or we would be if I let him into my life."

"It scares you?"

"Totally."

Marci took a sip of her coffee before asking, "How did you and Trax meet?"

I figured I'd try the non-slut version first. "I had a flat tire and he changed it for me."

"And..." She knew there was more. And boy was there. That was the slutty version.

"Well...this is really embarrassing. But it began to rain before he could change the tire, so we waited it out in my SUV. And...it kind of got quite frisky in there." I hesitated for adding, "Twice. But then he did change the tire before heading off on his bike. We didn't exchange numbers so I figured that was it with him."

Marci had a slight smile on her face the whole time. Maybe with how loose things are at the clubhouse she's used to women being slutty around the guys as it didn't look like this was phasing her. "But you saw him at the clubhouse that night he hit Wolf. You didn't know he was a Road Devil?"

"No, I didn't. I saw the vest, but not the back." Then I couldn't help but giggle, "I spent more time with him with it off than with it on."

"I get it," she laughed. "I've known Trax for a long time. He's a good guy that works hard at his job and never causes any problems in the club. He keeps it low key unlike his brother Sugar. So what's holding you back?"

"The club scares me. I learned what I have from my cousin, Chrissy and living with her and Diesel. He could never tell her what he was doing as it always was 'club business.' He could have to leave in the middle of the night or be gone for days and she had no idea why. The club comes before everything and I don't want to be number two in someone's life."

I could see that Marci understood what I was saying, but I had to be missing something. Right? She and Chrissy were so happy in the roles as ol' ladies. They were two out of a handful in the club as the rest of the guys were too happy screwing around to settle for one woman.

"I get what you're saying and yes it is that way to a degree, but it's also so much more. For our safety, the guys don't tell us club business. Sure, sometimes Colt needs to get something off his chest and he'll share it with me having me swear I'll never tell anyone and I don't. I would never do that to him. He knows he can totally trust me, just like I trust him to do what's best for us." I could see by the expression on her face that she believed that.

"The club is a family, Sophie. Once they take you in, you have them you for life. These guys need the brotherhood the club offers. Often it gives them a family that they don't have. I can only think of a handful of guys that have family outside the club. Even Trax, he has Sugar who is his blood brother, but besides that, as far as I know, there's no one else. Colt doesn't have anyone either. They need what the club offers them which is a sense of belonging," she explained before taking a sip of her coffee.

I was getting a new perspective on the club. I hadn't really consider the brotherhood it offered them or how it gave them a place where they belonged. That's when I remembered Diesel talking about it, too. I could see how this could be important to the guys. They were their own family. All I had were Chrissy and Aunt Patty who had moved to Florida. They were the main reason I moved back east.

"I'm starting to better understand what the club means to them," I told Marci. "It has a whole bigger purpose than just a bunch of guys to ride motorcycles with."

Marci smiled, "Exactly. And since Chrissy is fairly new as an ol' lady, we are getting to know each other a lot better. We hold a lot of power with the men so that if anything comes down to us or a Hellion, we win. They know they can get easy pussy anywhere. An ol' lady is special because once we're claimed, there is not one guy in the MC that won't treat us with respect. They know they can count on us for anything and we will always have the guys backs. Any member including the prospects would lay their life on the line to protect us if anything was to happen."

What did she mean if anything was to happen? What type of dangers came with these guys? "Why would they need to protect you?" I asked. My latte had grown cold as I listened to Marci. Trax was right in having me talk to her. It made me understand the club better, but it also gave me more questions too.

"We haven't had any problems in a while but the MC life isn't all hearts and roses, it's a gritty rough life. The Road Devils control a certain territory and they need to maintain that. Sometimes other clubs or gangs try to move in on it and they need to fight back. I've been through a few of those, but the club has strong numbers and Bear will not let them lose an inch of what they control."

"That there could be violence concerns me. I'm not used to this at all," I sighed. "Shit, I wish I knew what to do. Was it easy for you in the beginning?"

Marci laughed at me. "I think Colt had it harder than I did. I'm a handful."

Marci a handful? She looked so sweet and nice, plus the fact that she is taking all of this time to talk me through club life. I just don't see it. "Okay, I think that definitely needs further explanation."

"Do you know how I met Colt?" she asked with a smirk.

I shook my head, "No, I don't."

"My car ran his bike off the road. I didn't see him and swore it was his fault."

I felt my eyes widen in surprise, "Did he get hurt?"

"A little. Some scrapes and bruises, as he was able to throw himself off of the bike when it flew off the road. It was his bike that really got messed up. His back end scratched up my front panel so we both were pissed. I thought he was being reckless and he blamed me. He didn't have insurance on the bike so I was angry at him. I wanted my car fixed. I had noticed the club name on his cut so I went to the clubhouse twice to find him. The first time he wasn't there, but the second time they let me in and he was drinking at the bar. I was yelling about him being irresponsible when it came to my damages."

Marci leaned over toward me and I could see her smile at the memory. "He let me rant as he drank his beer. I didn't care that everyone was looking at me. Finally, I said to him 'What are you going to do about my car?' He stood up from the barstool towering over me staring me down. When I didn't budge, he picked me up throwing me over his shoulder and carried me up to his room. It didn't phase him that I was screaming and beating on his broad back the whole time. Colt tossed me onto his bed and the next thing I knew he was on top of me."

"Were you scared?"

"Hell no, I was too angry. He may have been a lot bigger than me and he was certainly intimidating with his scar, but I was never scared. It was actually the opposite because the madder I got at him the hotter he was making me feel. In fact, he had yet to even say one word to me yet, but when he did he shut me up."

She had me dying to know what came next, "What did he say?"

"He stared down at me for the longest time before he said, 'I was riding next to your car staring at you because I thought you were the hottest chick I ever saw, but you were too busy looking at your damn phone. Your car veered into me because you weren't paying fucking attention that's how I know it was your fault.' We didn't leave his room for over twenty-four hours. And now we're married and he puts up with my crazy hot temper. Sophie, I wouldn't change a thing about him. I love him and this club more than I ever could imagine."

What did these MC guys have that had us women dropping our panties as quickly as we could? I was glad to see that I wasn't the only one that gave myself to one of these guys so easily, but Marci gave me hope. Even though I was still concerned about the possible violence they dealt with Marci had said it wasn't that often. I felt a smile start and it spread completely across my face. I had made up my mind. I was going to give Daryl a chance.

And it felt really good.

"You're going to do it, aren't you?" she exclaimed.

"I want to. I really do. How do you deal with not being the first thing in his life? He loves the club more than you."

Marci took a sip finishing up her coffee. "He does, but he doesn't. They start out that way and while the club technically should be their number one priority, in the end, I know that if it came down to me or the club, Colt would choose me. He loves me too much, but I also would never make him choose between the two unless we were in extreme danger and I had no other choice, especially if we ever have kids. I know what they say, but I also know what's in his heart. Does that make any sense?"

I couldn't stop smiling as I looked at Marci, "It does. It really does. Now I can't wait to see Daryl again."

"Come here," Marci said standing up to hug me. "Oh, I hope you end up being another ol' lady. But if you have any questions call me and I'll do my best to help you understand. Let me give you my cell number."

Maci and I exchanged numbers and we both went our own ways shortly after. Later that night I was sitting at home in my favorite comfy clothes thinking about Daryl. I was really looking forward to getting to know the man he was. And I wanted more kisses from him. Lots more.

And I couldn't wait for the sex. It was going to be so good that I was considering texting him tonight. I picked up my phone three times before I finally sent a simple text.

SOPHIE:

I'm all in.

After the text, I watched TV for a few hours while I constantly checked my phone. It was going on eleven o'clock when I decided it was time to go to bed. Daryl had yet to answer me so I assumed and hoped it meant that he was simply too busy to answer the text.

I turned off the TV and just before I was about to stand up from the sofa, my door flew open slamming against the wall. Splinters of wood flew into the room.

My heart began to race as I tried to realize what was going on. Standing in the doorway was Jacob. Except, he looked nothing like the Jacob I knew. The eyes that looked at me were ones that belonged to a madman. They were wild and crazy as he stared straight at me. Fear flowed through me like I never felt before.

"Jacob, what are you doing?" I tried to make my voice sound firm and not terrified. "You broke my door!"

"You're coming with me," he demanded.

When he took a step toward me, I took a quick inventory of everything around me and saw nothing I could use for a weapon. Maybe I could reason with him? "Jacob, hold on. I'm not going anywhere at this hour with you or anyone. Talk to me, what's going on here?"

Instead of answering me, he stalked toward me throwing my coffee table out of the way. Shocked I tried to take a step back but fell onto the sofa forgetting it was behind me. Jacob went to grab my arm and I tried to slap his hand away.

That's when the shit hit the fan.

I had no idea what was going on but I knew I didn't want to go anywhere with him, so I fought him. And he fought back. I did my best to fight him off. The coffee table broke and at one point I went flying over the sofa, but in the end, his strength won. Plus, the fact that he slugged me in the cheek and that put me down and out was the final straw.

I woke up in the front seat of his car with my hands' duct-taped in front of me as were my ankles. Once the fog cleared and I realized that I was in big trouble. I tried talking to him again. "Jacob, why did you hit me? I only wanted to talk and figure out what's going on."

He ignored me.

"Jacob, there's no need to have me tied up. Pull over and let's talk about this."

Nothing.

Now I was pissed. I tried being calm, now it was time to fight for my life. I swung my hands around and started hitting him on his shoulder. "Jacob, pull this fucking car over now! What the hell do you think you're doing? This is fucking crazy! Let me go!" I screamed.

That's when he pulled a gun on me. "Shut up! Don't use that language with me. My fiancée does not talk that way. You're mine and I won't tolerate you talking like trash. It's bad enough you associated with thugs, but all that stops now."

"Are you crazy? I'm not your girlfriend. I'm definitely not your fiancée! Pull over and let me out!"

Maybe screaming at him wasn't the best idea, but I knew I was in really big trouble. He was making no sense. What scared me was that he was also delusional, not to mention the gun he had in his hand aimed at me. You can talk to a sane person and hope they see reason. If they have lost touch with reality, you're screwed.

I was really screwed.

This is when having a boyfriend as a biker would have come in handy. Except, Daryl and I weren't quite there yet and I had no idea where he was. I really needed his help.

I could see his face getting red and Jacob's breathing got heavy. He looked over at me a few times and then back at the road. "Daryl's going to kill you when he finds out what you've done," I sneered at him.

That earned me a punch to my face.

The next thing I remembered was trying to wake up as he dragged me from the car. Once Jacob realized I was awake he dropped me onto the grass. "Get up," he demanded.

"Where are you taking me?"

That's when he pointed the gun at me again. "Women obey their husbands. Stop being such a bitch and follow my directions! Get up!"

I got up and even though my hands were still bound in front of me, my feet were free. I thought he was going to head us toward the house, but instead, he pushed me toward the dense brush along the side of the yard. I can't tell you how many times I fell tripping over rocks and branches until we ended up in this small clearing in front of a rundown shack.

This was the start of a weekend full of terror. I didn't know if he was going to kill me. I was waiting for him to rape me. And the entire time I was praying that someone would find me.

Deep down I knew there was only one person that cared enough to even try. That was Daryl. So I prayed nonstop to a God I hadn't talked to in too many years for Daryl save me.