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Chapter Four.
Iclung to Inglorious as his bike whizzed around the corner. Inglorious had explained that it was becoming a hard and fast rule in the coalition that only old ladies rode out behind brothers. But for me, Inglorious made an exception, considering who I was. No lie, I’d eyed the massive bike with trepidation, and Inglorious had bullied me onto it. In my backpack was a range of gifts for Clio and Chance. I hoped they’d be received well.
After I’d apologised to Inglorious for disturbing his day, he’d informed me he’d been heading to Hellfire, anyway. It was amusing how Inglorious was so set on being a godfather to Clio’s baby. But Inglorious claimed Chance and Clio owed him and had set his heart on godfather. Plus, Inglorious planned to use the ‘I saved your life’ card. Despite only meeting Inglorious a few hours ago, I knew this man could be trusted. Something about Inglorious radiated good intentions, and while I didn’t think for one minute Inglorious was weak, he was a good man.
Inglorious pulled up on the forecourt I’d seen yesterday, and I peered around curiously as Inglorious slowed the bike and rode towards the clubhouse. There were cars on the extensive forecourt, and the garage itself was huge. Hellfire had eight bays, with a vehicle inside each. Men bustled about, shouting and working. Cautiously, I gazed around for Hellfire’s bikes and saw them parked at the clubhouse. The clubhouse door opened, and Clio exited with Chance behind. Clio’s mouth dropped open as she saw me riding behind Inglorious, and Chance frowned.
Inglorious parked and helped me off the bike’s back before throwing one long leg over and dismounting himself. Clio stared, thoughts flashing across her face, and I blanched at the dislike there. Chance was impassive, but his eyes were narrowed on Inglorious.
“Inglorious,” Chance rumbled, stepping towards him.
“Chance,” Inglorious replied and stepped up to Chance. Silently, they clasped forearms and offered a brief man hug before separating.
“Gotta say, ain’t what I was expecting,” Chance said, nodding at me and folding his arms. I twitched my nose and stepped up.
“Well, I owe you both a huge apology. Yes, I was a judgemental idiot, and I made snap decisions. Those may have been aided by an overdose of Sons of Anarchy. Did I say that show should be banned from tv? Whatever. I also judged Bear’s actions, and I was wrong. Obviously, I didn’t give anyone a chance, no pun intended, and I was basically a brat,” I said, taking in a deep breath. Bear appeared out of the clubhouse door and stood, legs firmly planted apart and arms folded across that massive chest.
“Yeah, you were a cunt,” Chance said abruptly.
“Well, I wouldn’t use the C-word, but along those lines, yes, I was. That’s against how I was brought up to behave. All I can say is my wicked grandmother channelled her way into my system,” I said, holding Chance’s eyes. Amusement glinted but was quickly hidden. I turned to Clio.
“Clio, I’m truly sorry. The shock of finding you’ve sisters and a brother must have been immense. Then, to make matters worse, I acted like a royal brat and threw my weight around. Hell, you must have been reeling, but you took it in your stride, which shames me. Furthermore, I was invited to your home, and I hugely rejected that. So now I’ve brought gifts to apologise, Clio,” I said in a rush. Clio’s eyes narrowed and switched to Inglorious.
“Why are you with her? Why is Thalia on the back of your bike?” Clio accused.
“Caught this one trying to pound the hell out of the pavement, thought it was you, and we got chatting. As for why she’s on my bike, Thalia can explain it to you,” Inglorious grinned. Bear’s face looked like thunder.
“Shit, you gonna forgive?” Bear rumbled. Clio tilted her head.
“Don’t know, but I’m open to bribes,” she mused, and I smiled. Maybe it was possible to make amends with Clio.
“May I enter?” I asked, nodding to the clubhouse. “This was my first time on a bike, and while it was amazing, my legs still feel like jelly. Inglorious believes he owns the road,” I said, paling at the memory of a few close calls. Inglorious laughed and slapped me on the back.
“Chance, we got business, wanna discuss it?” Inglorious asked.
“In a few, dude, grab a beer,” Chance muttered, his gaze focused on me.
“Honest, I’m going to behave. I swear on Grandmother’s life,” I promised. Chance held my gaze for several long moments, and I shuffled uneasily. I’d caused this, and I hoped Chance would let me make amends.
“Clio?” Chance asked.
“Oh, let Thalia in, Chance. Thal can only improve on yesterday’s performance. Plus, she has bribes. I want to see what Thalia brought,” Clio said and stepped inside the clubhouse. As I moved past Chance, he reached out and grabbed my arm in a tight grip.
“Don’t fuckin’ upset Clio again, hear me? Clio means fuckin’ everything; you mean shit. And I ain’t afraid to put out the trash,” Chance warned, and I swallowed hard and nodded.
“I didn’t mean to hurt Clio,” I whispered. Chance tilted his head towards the doors, and I scurried through them. Bear stood just inside, eyes firmly watching.
“What did you bring?” Clio asked as a woman appeared. I stared in amazement; she had a vast Dolly Parton bust and a tiny waist with flaring hips. Blond hair was teased out around her face, and kind, steady blue eyes studied me. She was older than Clio and me, stunningly, jaw-droppingly beautiful, but her mouth was pursed in disapproval.
“Here sit, Inglorious suggested bribes, so I brought violet and rose chocolates. These are Grandmother’s favourites, and I’m addicted to them as well.” I handed Clio a large box of chocolates which had taken ages to find.
“Grandmother?” Clio asked as the blond woman sat next to her. She placed a hand on Clio’s shoulder in support.
“Yeah, we’ve one living grandparent left, our grandmother on mother’s side. Grandfather died three years ago,” I explained.
“And father’s parents?” Clio asked.
“Dead,” I said shortly. I held a lot of angst where they were concerned. “Our parents are too.” I thought I’d told Clio this yesterday, but then a lot had happened.
