Page 11 of Link's Property
“So, what was it like growing up with a bunch of bikers?”
“Noisy.” She shakes her head. “That’s why I come out here. To think.”
We come through a clearing and my feet pause in place. It’s one of the most breathtaking views I’ve ever seen. There’s a mountain ridge in the background, and a beautiful, serene lake with water as smooth as glass. I take it all in, breathing in a deep lungful of the crisp, clean mountain air. Savoring the peace. The tranquility. It was always noisy in the home I grew up in too. There was nowhere to escape for privacy or quiet. The halls were filled with sobs. I would’ve given anything to come down here and just sit and think.
“This place is unbelievable.”
“Yeah. It’s my little slice of heaven.”
She jumps up onto a boulder and takes a seat. I climb up and join her, taking in the silence. Feeling the calmness seeping in. It’s the first time in months I’ve felt like I could breathe. There isn’t a thick smog of heavy-breathing men closing in on me, no stale smell of cheap spilled liquor making me want to gag, no pressure building in my gut knowing the rent is due. I can’t believe the gift I’ve been given.
“So, what brought you here?” She pulls out a pack of smokes and offers me one. I shake my head, no thanks. Smoking is a habit I’d rather not pick up. I honestly hate the smell. Our director had the worst cigarette breath, and every time he yelled at me, I wanted to hurl. The association keeps me away from the things, which I guess is a good thing.
“I lost my job,” I tell her. “And got evicted from my apartment.” When it rains, it pours, doesn’t it? And last night it hailed on me. But being here, in this place, I get the feeling it’s all going to be okay. I have a job, a place to stay, and a man who has always kept me safe. I wasn’t sure if coming here was the right thing to do, but I’m so thankful I did. Officer Price has saved me once again.
“Well, I’m glad you’re here.” She smiles. “The only girls I ever get to interact with are the sweetbutts, and most of them are bitches.”
I’m gathering she’s talking about Cherry and Kira and the few others I met this morning. I could tell right off the bat that I’m not going to get along with Cherry. She reminded me of the bullies I met in the detention center, thinking she owns the place. Wanting to assert her authority and let me know where I stand in her kingdom. But Link put her in her place, telling her I’m his family and she better treat me like a queen.
The only part that rubbed me wrong was the family part.
“What does sweetbutt mean?” I ask. “Is that code for girlfriend?”
Rory’s eyes roll as she shakes her head. “It’s the club term for whore. My dad likes to claim different, but I know the truth. They walk around in practically nothing and sleep with the guys.” She lets out a growly sound, and now I’m feeling growly over what she just told me.
“And what do their wives think of these sweetbutts?”
“I don’t know. But if I were an old lady, I’d be pissed.”
“Old lady?”
“Yeah, that’s what they call their wives. I know.” She rolls her eyes. “It’s a ridiculous term. They also call their business meetings ‘church.’ Their cars are called cages. Oh, and the handlebars on their motorcycles are called Ape Hangers. And their leathers are their cuts.”
I’m going to have to start taking notes. It feels like the MC speaks a different language.
“What else can you teach me about this place?” From the outside, it looks like a massive compound. There are buildings everywhere, and then this beautiful lake. It’s like I’m at a ski lodge.
“My dad is the president.” She takes a drag. “So he’s the top chief. Ripper is the enforcer, which means he keeps all the other men in line. Once you meet him, you’ll understand.”
I’m shocked Link isn’t the enforcer. After all, he was a police officer. Enforcing laws has always been his thing.
“Then there’s Skully who’s the VP, and Raid who’s the road captain, and the list goes on and on. Each brother has a different patch on their leather cut, so you can tell their rank. The prospects don’t have their leathers yet. They’re still in training. You can tell who they are though by their age. Most of them are probably around your age. Do you have a boyfriend?”
I shake my head and look back out at the lake. I certainly do not. My last boyfriend did his damage, always calling me an idiot for not knowing certain things. I hated school, so I didn’t retain much about wars or economics or geography. When I didn’t know what the capital of Missouri was, a state I don’t even live in, Chad bought me one of those geography books for dummies and told me I needed to know basic things if I was going to be his girlfriend and socialize with his friends. So, I ripped the book in half and told him he could wipe his ass with the pages and to never call me again. Next thing I knew, he was dating my roommate at the time, which is why I had to move, ending up with the landlord from hell.
“Do you have a boyfriend?” I ask. The girl is gorgeous. I bet the prospects are all over her.
“No. I’m not allowed to date. It’s my dad’s highest rule: no one is allowed to touch his princess.”
I can hear the irritation in her voice. She takes in another long drag of her cigarette, obviously not happy with the fact. I would’ve killed to have had an overbearing father who wanted to protect me. She doesn’t realize it, but she’s really lucky.
“Rory!” The loud, booming voice has us both startling. Two huge men are stalking down the path as if they’re on a mission.“Been looking for you,” the bigger one barks. “Your ass has school.”
“And those are my goons,” she sighs under her breath. “The overbearing one that just shouted is Ripper. The other one is Raid.”
Ripper and Raid. King and Link. Each one as dominant as the next. And just as big. They all look like lumberjacks in leather.
“Calm your shit,” Rory snaps, quickly snubbing out her cigarette and dropping the butt. “I was just having coffee with Shayna, and I can always watch the classes later.”
