Page 3 of Royal's Reign
One
Present day (3 years later)
Royal
“This is meant to be a celebration,” Grinder slaps me on the back, joining me at the bar. “Yet you look as miserable as fuck.”
I snigger back at him, trying to make light of it, but he’s not wrong. Sure, it’s my 30thbirthday, and the age thing — I don’t give a shit about. What’s got me sat here, rejecting all the club girls’ offers to suck my cock amongst other things, knocking back whiskey like we’re about to hit a prohibition, and deep in thought, is the fact that I’m the new president of this charter.
Yesterday, my uncle, Horse, the presidentof thischapter, announced that he’s stepping down after the sudden death of his VP and long-time friend in a motorcycle accident. His health hasn’t been the best lately, and his weather-worn face clearly shows signs of fatigue. Losing his friend was the last nail in the coffin–no pun intended.
Horse made it clear to the council, and the rest of our brothers, that as far as he’s concerned, I’m the one he wants to take his place.
Sure, the vote in Church earlier today went strongly in my favor, voting me in as the new Prez of the Saint’s Outlaws, Tampa Chapter. My request for Grinder to be at my side as my VP was quickly agreed. Yet, being President, it blows my mind. Am I really the right person for the job?
Don’t get me wrong, I would never turn it down if that’s truly what my brothers want, but what about the other council guys? Creep, Hammer, and even Junk, despite his slight psychosis and claims of being followed, have more club experience, are already on the council, and are thus better equipped to lead than I am. It leaves me with serious concerns.
Will the transition be as simple as my uncle suggests? At least having Grinder by my side will make it easier.
Are they really going to support me 100 percent as their president? I’m not convinced that at least some of them don’t have any apprehension.
Can I do this?
I guess only time will tell.
Horse dropped the bombshell on me a couple of weeks ago, admitting to me it had always been his goal to have me take the coveted position. From the very moment I’d become a full member, before I’d even stepped into the role of Road Captain, albeit temporarily while Hammer recovered after taking a bullet on a run in with an out-of-town two-bit gang, my uncle had been molding me into what he deemed the perfect Prez. His words of recognition had filled me with pride and sparked a fire within me to prove myself. So today, at Church, I had accepted the role given me, but since then, the demons of doubt had danced within my mind with every shot of whiskey that passed my lips.
“You need to chill out, Prez. This is one momentous day for both of us.” Grinder calling me Prez startles me and clears my head a little. “Grab a couple of the girls and a bottle of the best stuff. The main rutting room is free. Go get yourself truly fucked, mind and body.”
“Maybe I will.” If I drink enough. Get my sack emptied, and maybe I’ll be able to clear my mind of all the shit that’s taken up residence there.
“That’s what I’m planning on doing,” he snickers, giving me another pat on the back. “Poppy, sugar. Pass us over two bottles of single malt and then get your ass around this side of the bar. You’re with me tonight.”
I’m just knocking back what’s left in my glass when a cool blast of air rushes through the room asthe front door flies open. Wind and rain instantly cool’s the hot room and I’m up on my feet ready to tackle the threat to my club, but as I push forward with Grinder at my side, it quickly becomes apparent that the intruder is in the shape of a wet, tear-stained and terrified, Giorgia Moore.
I move to go to her, but Grinder is three steps ahead, gripping her by her upper arms, looking like he’s about to reprimand her for coming here against his previous warnings. But when his initial instincts take in the look of utter fear on her face, he quickly brings her into him, engulfing her within his powerful arms. Someone turns off the music, and all that can be heard are Gio’s painful sobs.
“Grinder,” I grit out, my heart squeezed tight at the sight of Gio’s distress. “Bring her through to the office.” I turn, stomping my way towards the door that leads through to the back, knowing that Grinder and a scared Gio are right behind me.
Fire flows through my veins along with the need to avenge whoever, or whatever it is that’s behind Gio’s pain, but for now, I must check my anger and find out what the fuck has happened.
Giorgia
What had been a fun night out with friends had quickly turned into me running for my life.
It was the first time I’d had a chance to catch up with Ambrey, Suzie and Kate since I’d moved back tothe city from Long Beach, after finally finishing my bachelor’s in art. It’s been almost five years since we met. The times I’d made it back to Tampa while at college I could count on one hand. Between studying and the part-time job taking up my time, it was long overdue.
Drinkswith my girlfriends at CoCo’s bar in town has been a blast. The cab company was super busy, showing a wait time of over an hour despite the journey only taking around ten minutes. So, I decided to take the bus back to the room I rent out towards Palma Ceia. It’s only temporary, as is the job I’ve managed to land working in the accounts department of one of the top companies here in the city. It’s not what I imagined doing for the rest of my life, but until I can find something more permanent, that will use my actual qualifications, at least I’m pulling a paycheck.
After checking the bus times, it’s clear I need to get moving, especially now that a summer shower has started to come down. Standing around waiting for a cab, I’m only going to get wetter and wetter. Might as well make a fast dash for the bus that’s due soon. Cutting through, down a narrow street that connects to the road where the bus stop is, will save precious time. Maybe even the option of dodging some of the rainfall if I stay close to the buildings.
It’s dark, and the street lighting is not the best, but despite my reservations, I take the shortcut. I’m about halfway down the quiet street when I hear a scufflecoming from down a dark alley between two buildings. I stop. The sound of raised voices instinctively draws me, and I turned to take a closer look.
The weak overhead light from the side of the building gives me only a partial view, but it’s enough to show the outline of the scene playing out just past two dumpsters that sit against the brick sidewall.
The shadowy outline of what must be a man, given his build, falls to his knees. Two further men crowd over him. One watching on while the other inflicts a swift punch to the head followed by a rain of powerful kick to his side. His painful cries seem to echo within the void between the two high-sided buildings.
I immediately know that the right thing to do would be to step forward and stop them. But my feet stay firmly put. I’m not deluded enough to think that I can take on two fully grown men. The smartest thing for me to do right now is to move out of sight and call 911.
