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“Hey, property taxes are due, man. I knew the two of you together was coming, so did Free.”
“Well, I didn’t.”
“And here I was thinking you were the smart one in the house.”
“I thought the ride would clear my head. Get me far enough away I wouldn’t think about her. Instead, all I’m thinking about is right now Topaz is probably on a pole with some—” Three rocks flew through the air slicing the surface without skipping this time.
“Personally, that shit turns me on. Watching men wishing they could, but knowing they can’t.” A satisfying smirk crossed his friend’s lips. “You’re acting like this was more than the world was gonna end last man on earth thing.”
“I might have claimed her,” the words rushed from his mouth as if they all came from the same breath as the air stilled around him.
“Might?” Hollywood asked. “Because Topaz isn’t some girl that doesn’t understand what it is to be claimed. You don’t need to explain to her what being an Ol’ Lady is. If you said it, really said you’re mine—”
“Her ex was lynched,” he said stopping Hollywood from speaking and glancing over his shoulder to make sure no one else heard. “Like, right in front of her. I didn’t say everything in church. She was in a ball in the corner.”
“Fuck man.”
“She didn’t jump up when the men left. She was rocking thinking I was dead, then thought I was a fucking ghost and she’d lost her mind.”
Hollywood ran his fingers through his dark brown hair as his jaw clenched.
“I’m a target. The little ones Chaos, Mayhem, Maddox, Lil’ Mama, Cream, fuck even little Beno and we know Hack is.” Onyx’s hand scooped up a hand full of rocks and began picking out the ones he couldn’t skip. “She won’t live through another loss like that. I shouldn’t have claimed her.”
“She claim you back?” Hollywood’s voice had a tone akin to when they worked the streets and his authority wasn’t to be questioned. “Because a woman who’s been through it, ain’t taking your black ass on lightly. She’s following her heart to the only place it can go.”
“And if it kills her?” he countered. “Mentally, if not—”
“Don’t. You want to stop it, then I say let’s go back to the clubhouse and have church. We need to come up with a plan on how to finally deal with ACT UP. They had no right coming onto our property and taking you and Topaz. That was just wrong. We need to deal with it. As far as Topaz goes, she loves you and you want to be with her right?”
Onyx was shocked at Hollywood’s words. “We’re fucking, but how do you know Topaz loves me?”
“I don’t, but she hasn’t been the first to pop up when a guy looked lonely for a while and since you came around, she doesn’t take her eyes off you. Plus, you two argue like an old married couple. That’s how I know.”
“You’re right, we need to deal with ACT UP. Let’s go back to the clubhouse.” Onyx needed a plan. One that could possibly keep Topaz safe and allow him to feel right about allowing himself to finally love.
“Good deal brother.” Hollywood turned around. “Red, let’s ride back to the clubhouse and meet in the chapel for Church he’s ready.”
“’bout damn time,” Red said. “We ain’t planning this shit without you brother. Let’s go.” Red’s bike roared to life and he circled his hand in the air signaling them all going for a ride.
Hollywood put his arm around Onyx’s shoulder to lead him back to his bike. “You gonna marry her?” he goaded Onyx.
“Once she sees me in a tux at your wedding—”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa there Onyx…” Hollywood released his hold. “I’m enjoying living in sin.”
“I’ve heard the screams of joy.”
This time Red led, as Onyx rode twos with Hollywood back through the park toward the exit. The good hour or so to think about what the hell he actually thought they could do. The Carpenter was a man who got away from the major attack, but he was the head of the snake and the Steels would understand that. He’d been there when Hollywood rescued Free from the snake in Berrington. Cutting off the head gave them all room to breathe and brought a sense of safety to the ranch. Now, another had slithered in and he didn’t know who he was, but he would use all his skill to find out.
Driving down the highway, he was able to clear his head and be prepared for their planning meeting when they arrived back at the clubhouse. Fresh air and a ride with men going not only for his safety, but because they too needed to cool off, so they didn’t fuck up a mission that was bigger than this moment.
Filing into the clubhouse, prospects and women were just getting ready for their dinner meal to be served. He was hungry and thirsty, but knew he only had time for a drink right now. At the bar, Zoe and the new prospect Half Wit was serving beer and shots to all the people.
“Give me a beer, Zoe.”
“Sure coming right up, Onyx.” She walked over to him. “I get off in an hour do you want me to help you relieve some of that pain you got there.” She pointed to his face that was still a bit swollen and bruised.
Topaz’s words blared in his ears.That goes both ways.“Um, no, not tonight darling, I have other plans.” Onyx grabbed his beer and headed for the conference room.
