MC: LaPonte Page 3

  "I really wanted you to be my sister but I want you to be happy more." She looks sad.

  I move over to her and give her a hug. "I don't want to be sad today. How about we call Tracy and go shopping?"

  "I would love to but I can't, I have some work to clear off my desk and I'm on the schedule for Patches until six. How about we go on Saturday? Danny is taking the boys fishing. I have a free day and I know Tracy does too." She smiles bright. I love Jess.

  "Sounds perfect. I'm going to get out of your hair and get some errands done." I hug her again and we set a time for Saturday

  I think about calling Paul all day while getting my shit done. I hate that I'm not sure where I stand with Danny. If he doesn't want to be with me he should just say so. I've talked myself into calling him and go for the phone as soon as I get the groceries put up. "Detective Harris, this is Kate from the women's shelter."

  "Kate, call me Paul and please tell me you’re thirsty. I've had a hell of a day and I could use a pick me up and a beer." He says. I can hear the smile in his voice.

  I smile, "I was going to say yes to meeting for coffee but a drink sounds great." I can't believe I agreed so quickly but now that it's done I'm a little giddy with excitement.

  "I can pick you up in twenty minutes." He says. I know he's still smiling.

  "Perfect. It will give me time to change." Holy crap! I can't believe I'm doing this. I've always hated first dates.

  I hang up and run to my bedroom. I strip down, find a skirt and blouse that's not too dressy but wicked comfortable. I might as well feel good. I know I'm going to be stressing out as soon as Paul gets here. I do the hair and makeup thing and make it to the living room as Paul knocks. I open the door and smile. Wow, he is handsome.

  "Hi. I just made it." I smile as I step aside for him to come in.

  "You look beautiful." I notice his dimple is showing. He bends and kisses my cheek.

  "Let me get my purse and jacket." I'm a little flustered with the kiss. His dark hair and blue eyes spark something in me. He smells sweet and musky at the same time. I step back grabbing my jacket from a peg behind the door, as I'm shrugging in to it I note he made no move to help me. Right away I chastise myself for comparing him to Danny. Snagging my purse I lock the door and step out. Paul closes the door checking the lock and guides me out to his car. Opening the door he waits until I'm settled. I score a point for him and shake my head for being such a dork. I watch him go around the front of the car and check out his body, tall, wide shoulders, fine ass, still dressed in his work clothes. He looks like a bad boy detective in his dress shirt, black jeans and a black leather jacket. He wore a sports coat and jeans the last time I saw him. I guess when you look like him you can wear whatever the hell you want.

  "I thought we'd go to R&R, they have a limited menu but it's a great bar." He smiles. I just nod thinking this is going to be awkward, the MC owns the bar but cops and firefighters seem to have claimed it. I hope Rob's not working this afternoon. "Have you been there?" He asks as we round the corner. R&R is literally five minutes from my house.

  "Yes, my friend's husbands are the VP and President of the MC that owns it. It's a great place but I only go for special occasions. Do you go often?" I wonder why I haven't seen him there.

  "I moved here from south Boston about three months ago. I know the area but I'm just starting to go out with the guys. Coming into the station as a lead detective put me in an awkward position. The guys don't give trust so quickly after the indictments were handed down to so many officers." His voice takes on a low tone, like he's disappointed.

  "It has been a rough year for the PD. I'm glad they cleaned it up though. Since they have, women are coming forward moving out of abusive relationships." I tell him thinking I'm glad to have a couple of days off. I've collected so much overtime but ended up exhausted. My boss is going to have to step it up while I'm gone.

  "People shouldn't be afraid to call the police. I can't imagine having to stay in an abusive relationship because you’re more afraid of the police than your abuser." He shakes his head with a sad look.

  "Let's change the subject. I'm off work for a couple of days to regroup and you're off duty. I'm all for leaving work alone for my days off." I tell him with a smile.

  "Thanks, I could use a break from work today." He smiles right back as he shuts the car off.

  I take in a breath while he comes around and opens my door. I’m hoping I don't see anyone I know. "Thank you."

  Walking in I'm surprised by how many people are here. It's only going on six. A group of firemen and women are playing pool laughing and ribbing each other. I recognize some cops I've dealt with from work; they give me a nod as we walk by. Paul takes me to a booth along the back wall. He asks what I'd like and goes to the bar. I look toward the bar and feel relief wash over me when I see Prospects serving. "Thanks for coming out with me." He says as he slides into the other side.

  "Thanks for asking." I smile.

  "I asked about you and was told you have a saint like reputation. I was hoping that only applied to work." His face lights up and he winks at me.

  "They must have me confused with someone else." I smile back. His smile is infectious. We talk about nothing and everything. He orders some appetizers and another beer each. I'm having a good time and I'm completely relaxed. Paul is great at making me feel comfortable, he laughs at himself while telling stories about his family not hiding his own embarrassing moments. I tell him of me and Jess' antics in the group home and have him cracking up when Steve steps up to the booth. Oh shit. "Hi Steve. This is Paul Harris. Paul this is my friend Jess' husband Steve Knight." Steve puts his hand out looking a little confused.

  Paul just looks at him. "You're the VP of the MC." His words come out harsh. I guess looking like an Indian male model makes him easy to recognize. Paul makes no move to shake his hand. What the hell? I look at him, holy crap! I've never seen someone actually sneer. I can't imagine that look being anything else. Where the hell did that come from?

  Steve puts his hand down and looks at me. "I am." He looks back at Paul.

  All I can think is what a jerk. Steve is a great guy and Paul just totally disrespected him and gave him that twisted mouth look. I look at Steve with pleading eyes.

  "Need a ride?" He asks understanding my look.

  "Yes, thank you." Paul stands when I do. He looks surprised. I look him in the eye. "Steve is my best friend husband, I consider him family as well as a friend. I really had a great time with you until you were so rude to him. If you would have given him a chance, you probably would have become friends. Thank you for the food and beer. Please, lose my number." I turn to Steve; he gives Paul a look and guides me out throwing chin and 'later' to Rob who is standing behind the bar. Oh Jeesh! I was so wrapped up in Paul I didn't even notice Rob working behind the bar. I just look down and walk the way Steve guides me. Rob manages both MC bars. He spends more time at The Plank than here. Of course, he would have to be here tonight though. Fucking men.

  "I'm sorry he treated you like that Steve." I sneak a look to the side. He doesn't talk much but I can usually read him pretty well.

  "Why are you spendin time with an asshole like that?" He's pissed.

  I stop and look at him. He clears his emotion and looks back at me while opening the door to his truck. "It's a long story. The short version, I want to have kids before it's too late. I asked Danny about seeing more of each other and he couldn't get away from me fast enough. I'm not into playing second fiddle to Club whores so I decided to start going out with guys when they ask me. I figured it wouldn't interfere with the two days a month Danny carves out for me. This was definitely a mistake. I wanted to be safe but hoped I didn't see anyone I knew. I'm glad you came. Did Rob call you?" I speak so fast, I'm nervous, but look up at him.

  "No, Digs did." He looks at his feet. "Can't blame you for wantin kids. Love my boy and can't wait for my girl to get here." He smiles at me. Dear lord he is so handsome when he talks about
his family.

  I jump into the truck very unladylike. He chuckles. I really like Steve. When I first met him I was terrified of him. He rarely talked but watched everything. Over the last few years he's more relaxed and talks to me, though sometimes it sounds like he's barking orders. I'm not terrified of him anymore but I sense an underlying danger in him, like he holds it in check. He drives me back to my house. "Thanks for the ride and understanding." I tell him.

  "Anything Kate." He smiles as he pulls into my driveway. I open the door but he stops me with a hand on my arm. "Harris' been askin questions about some of the Brothers. Don't like thinkin he's usin you to get answers." He looks serious and scary.

  "I wish I knew that before I agreed to the drink. Sorry you had to save me. I wish people would just be straight, it would make life a hell of a lot easier to live." I shake my head and feel like a deflated balloon. Freakin Paul.

  He looks at me. "You get in, call Jess, she's worried. Heading to the club, got shit to sort." He lifts his chin to me. I smile and slide out. He waits until I'm in the house then pulls away.

  I have no idea why I'm smiling as I dial Jess. I don't like that she was worried. "That was a bust." Is the first thing I say.

  She laughs. "I'm glad Steve was able to get you home. Rob called me to let me know Steve had you. I'm sorry it went bad."

  "I have the biggest smile on right now and I have no idea why. I was having a good time until he wouldn't shake Steve's hand. How rude!" I'm still smiling. I obviously have issues.

  She's laughs again. "Rob said you looked happy. He was pissed though. The guy was grilling the Prospects earlier, that's why he was even there tonight." She sounds serious now.

  "Crap!"

  She giggles, "Maybe Danny will hear and shit or get off the pot."

  I put my hand over my face and groan. "Shit, by tomorrow the entire club will know. I'm going to have to move and change my name. Is there surveillance at R&R?"

  "Yep!" She sounds so happy about it. Fuck!

  "You don't have to be so excited that I'm going to be the center of everyone's morning gossip." I say feeling a little put out. Shit! "I guess I don't have to worry about Danny dating me twice a month for the next twenty years anymore." I lay my head on the counter as I slide onto a stool. I'm such a moron. First I go out with a guy that is just looking for information then I let him take me to a bar that; everyone knows me, has video playing in the security office and have to get rescued by Steve. "I shouldn't be allowed to have any more days off." I tell her seriously considering calling and begging for work tomorrow.

  She giggles again. "Come to the Bakery tomorrow. Just show up whenever you get up, you can help us so me and Tracy can leave early and go shopping with you." I hear her smile.

  I sit up, "ok. Love you Jess, thanks for sending Steve."

  She laughs, "He called me, told me he was taking you home and going to sort something at the club. He must have seen the video."

  Oh crap, he said Digs called him! I slump on the counter again with a groan. "I'll see you tomorrow." I hang up before I hear anymore.

  Danny

  Who the fuck is pounding on my door? "It better be fuckin good!" I yell over my shoulder and slide out of JJ, slapping her ass, I tell her to get dressed. Pulling off the rubber I pull on shorts and yank open the door. What the hell? "Not the best time VP, what's up?"

  "We need to talk. Meet me at the bar." He turns and walks away. What the fuck? He's pissed about something.

  When I turn around to get some clothes I see JJ getting her shoes on. I have nothing to say to her. After 16 years with my ex and her psychotic behavior, two years being a good example for my son, fuckin the whores at the club has become a favorite pastime for me. She walks by me and out the door without a word. Shit. Usually I'm in bed when they leave or I leave, I don't really notice if they say anything. I wonder if they all do that? Fuck, now I really feel like a dick. When the fuck did I stop caring and start treating them like whores? For the first time I think maybe this isn't such a favorite past time to them. I get my clothes on and head out to the bar. JJ is sitting on Luke's lap laughing. I shake my head. Fuck, maybe it is me. I need to get my shit together.

  "Steve, what's up?" I say sliding on the stool beside him.

  "Cop's been askin questions about some of the Brothers. Surveillance tagged him at R&R. Digs called me, Rob called Jess."

  What? "Why'd he call Jess?" I know Rob and Jess are close but he shouldn't be talking club business to her. She's pregnant and doesn't need this stress.

  "Kate was with him, havin a drink. Was havin fun, laughin, talkin. Said he doesn't see her happy like that often. Prospects told him about the cop askin questions, that's why he was there. With Kate lookin happy he wanted Jess' opinion."

  "Kate was out with a cop? My Kate?" What the fuck? "She's out on dates? What the fuck?"

  "Not sure what your Kate looks like. You're with her two nights a month. Had to guess, I'd say Kate is lookin to be someone's for the rest of the month."

  "What the fuck?" I want to punch him in the face. Pissed, I turn to go back to my room. I need to see what the fuck is up with Kate. Out with a fuckin cop? Fuck! Who else is she fuckin?

  "Brother." I turn back to him. "Think before you fuck it up. She's waited for years. Now she waits for you to finish fuckin anything that walks through the club door. It's not a secret around here. You're not interested, let her go. She wants a life, kids, a man to stand by her every day not two a month. She's looking for a family she's never had. Pretty girl like Kate has her pick. Waited for you until today. Not sure she deserves the anger rolling off you." He says low, fuck he's right. I'm not so sure he wouldn't kill me in my sleep if I hurt Kate. Fuckin selfish bastard is exactly what I've turned into. I fuckin hate those guys.

  I wipe my hands down my face. "Fuck."

  "Talked to your sister every day for three years. Asked her out every week for six months. Knew she was worth it. First date we had, I never left. Moved my shit in the next day, had the alarm put in, staked my claim. Wasn't takin the chance of someone takin my Jess. Six years later, I still work at keepin my Jess. To claim someone, you gotta put the work in, if you’re lucky, she'll claim you back." He gives me a look.

  "When the hell did you become fuckin Oprah?" Jesus the guy doesn't normally hand out advice but he's a smart mother.

  He looks at me, "Don't know about Oprah. Know if a woman fights, it's good. When she stops, it’s bad. Need to give Kate a reason to fight. Unless she's not worth it. Hear the guys talk, the whores are young and better than the last ones. You lookin to live out your dreams in pussy, let her go so she can live hers." He stands. "Brought Kate home before I drove here, she's safe for tonight. Get your head together, decide what the fuck you want. Plenty of Brothers waiting for a date with her. Told me she’s accepting them from now on. She's at the Bakery tomorrow with Jess."

  I nod, "Thanks Steve." He just walks away.

  I sit back down and get a shot of jack from the Prospect. Fuckin cop takin out my Kate. Steve's right. She's not even mine. I've been stringing her along forever. Fucked her twice a month thinking it's enough to keep her happy. What the fuck is wrong with me? Selfish bastard. She's beautiful, dark hair down her back, almond shaped blue eyes, tits with those big fuckin nipples, and curves in all the right places. Fuck. Just thinking about her gets my dick standing at attention. She knows I've been fuckin the whores. Fuck! How the hell did I think she wouldn't know? Jesus, I've been such a fuckin dick. I wipe my hand down my face. She's accepting dates from now on. Fuck!

  Duncan sits beside me. "Brother, you don't want to fuck with VP. Word has it he took more than half the gang by himself in less than two hours. He's the guy that gets sent where people go missing without a trace or are found dead in their bed behind security. He's just not someone you fuck with, even if you're family."

  "What are you talking about? I'm not fuckin with him." What the hell is this now?

  He looks at me, "He just left here pissed
. Where the fuck is your head Brother? He's been watching you for a while now. Fuck, everyone has. When VP is pissed he's dangerous. Every fuckin Brother here knows you don't hit his switch. You need to get your fuckin head out of pussy and back in reality Brother before your family tie doesn't hold your weight." Now he's pissed, he stalks off.

  What the fuck? I'm here every fuckin day and I don't see what the fuck is going on? Shit. Missing people, more than 17 in two hours? Holy shit! I'm definitely not trying to piss him off. Brothers watching me, what the fuck.

  "Danny you want to finish what you started?" Luke yells from the couch. JJ's still sitting on his lap. She doesn't look thrilled, I shake my head no. "Caroline is free for a while. We could make it interesting. I like watching them eat each other." I shake my head no and head back to my room. I need to get the fuck out of here. I haven't been home since my last date with Kate. It's the only nights I spend at my house.

  Fuck. I'm fucked up; I just turned down a three way and/or two whores eating each other out to go sit home alone. For some reason my dick shrivels and doesn't even twitch at the thought. I was just fuckin hard thinking about Kate. I guess it's time. I need to clear my fuckin head.

  Chapter Five

  I drag myself out of bed and shower. I know what I want to buy so I hurry to the Bakery hoping to get Jess and Tracy out and shopping by noon.

  Walking through the door Peg gives me a smile. I walk around the display and make myself a coffee. While I'm there I make the order Peg is taking. I drink while she takes the next order. I'm happy to help her clear out the line drinking my coffee in between orders. She hugs me and promises to bring a refill to the back for me. I push through the doors and notice Danny by Jess. I smile and then stop.

  "You've been fucking whores at the same time you’re sleeping with her?" I take a step to the side and lean against the wall. Tears are falling down my face. Jess doesn't let up. "What the hell is wrong with you? She's been in love with you forever. She deserves more than social diseases from her man, even if you are just part time. Damn Danny, she deserves some respect. What were you thinking?"