Fuse (Book 3 Hell Raisers MC)

13

DAISY

“Looks like I’m becoming a regular.” Derek, someone who I’ve had lengthy conversations with the past couple weeks stated, I nodded and smiled. He kept saying he was looking at properties to own and all that so he must be someone rich or something because in this area, even if it’s the slums, he’s still looking.

“The more regulars the better for me. Especially if they always have the same thing.” I smiled and pulled out my note pad. “What are you trying today?”

“How are these eggs any style?” He asked and pointed at the part of a list.

“It really started when we wanted to show customers that we have real egg not powder or liquid eggs. I’ve had them a dozen ways but it’s a good choice if you have a favorite.” I told him and he hummed. “And it’s easy to add other things for simple prices. 2 eggs and a pancake, a waffle… stuff like that.”

“How about two over easy eggs, my regular coffee and some sourdough toast.” He was a simple man. I would have guessed a rich guy would want eggs Benedict or a poached egg.

“Any smoothie?” He smirked and told me not yet. He usually had his coffee, sat around and read the paper and around 9am he would order a smoothie before he left at 10.

He was a real stickler for times. I had watched the clock the past two times he was in and it was literally like he couldn’t sit past 10am.

I made sure to get food passed around and in the right place at tables. Trigger… Issac was watching me today and while I still felt ridiculous for having someone watch me all the time it was kind of fun to get more out of the guys than usual. I never knew Issac was into men and women until he said he wanted to take a bite out of one of the bus boys ass when he kept bending over.

I walked back over to him and he had a sweet smile on his face. “That man watches you like you are next on his plate to eat.” Issac was discreet when talking but in a way I knew who he was talking about.

“He’s becoming a regular.”

“Fuse knows about him?” He asked and I went wide eyed and nodded. “Hasn’t said anything?”

“When Vic is here he is touchy and kissy and sends a message. The other guy doesn’t make any moves on me.” I shrugged knowing he had barely even flirted if that’s what you want to call it. He was more overly nice. Still left big tips, bigger ones when Victor was here; which sort of rubbed me wrong but money was money.

“Maybe I should talk to the guy.” Issac was up and moving before I registered what he was planning. “Hi. I’m Issac. My friend tells me you’ve become a regular here. Did you just move to the area?” He asked loudly as he pulled out a seat and just sat with him without an invitation.

“I’m from here. Born and raised and moving back.” Derek told him and his demeanor changed from what I had been seeing. He was tense and seemed annoyed.

“Are you looking for houses or more like commercial? I had a man once who was looking to buy a strip mall and that took forever he stayed with me a while.” I could tell Issac was pretend flirting- he was overly flirty and I had never seen him like that.

I wasn’t sure what Issac was going to say or do but I had other tables and had to leave them alone for a few minutes before hearing them both laugh. I calmed and focused on everyone and collected food and tips and dishes for the end of morning rush. I sat down outside while it was still cool and had my breakfast and then Issac appeared.

“How was your chat?” Derek had left at 10 on the dot and Issac was still tight lipped.

“He’s into you.. but I think he’s a PI.” He told me as he sat and I paused.

“PI? Like for me? Checking on me?” I asked and he nodded.

“I told Vic. We have Rowdy following him so he will lead us back to the person paying.” He shrugged it off and took a sip of his water he brought out with him.

“So stay away from him when he comes in?” I asked and he clenched his jaw but didn’t say anything. “Is he not going to come in anymore?”

“Fuse doesn’t want him to. We can’t fully stop him but when he is found out maybe he won’t come anymore.” Too bad for my tips. I shrugged it off and continued to eat as he seemed to just enjoy some sun across from me.

“You look good Issac.” I had to comment. He was sober and happy and like his old self.

“I feel good. It’s still a roller coaster of emotions and all that… but I feel better than I used to.” He didn’t ever go into things, but he was always careful not to over share. “I heard the ladies want to have a girls night soon.”

“Yeah Sabbie and Fiona said us 3 should band together and have fun when all you guys are busy.” They had something called church most people in the club had to go to. So Fiona and Sabbie told me to plan for a night of girly fun since we would all be bored and lonely.

“That’s tonight?” He asked and I nodded. “Good. Keep the women away.” He laughed and I smiled softly. “Don’t give me that look.”

“I’m sure a bus boy would be fun… but what about love for you?” I asked and he just shook his head and seemed reserved.

“No love no pain. Hookups are all I need when I need it.” There was pain behind those words and I knew why. But I just hoped he would move on someday and let go of his pain.

I carried my pain and resentment around for a long time, hiding it, morphing it into my work ethic- if I didn’t go home I wouldn’t have to deal with people at home.

I made sure to keep the talking points happy and up beat and mostly teasing about other weird customers or requests. And then 2pm rolled around I was off soon and Fiona would be picking me up and that’s when I turned to greet new people and stopped dead at Essie. Victors mother.

“Hi!” I smiled wide and paused. I didn’t know if she was as here to eat, to talk to me, to warm me to leave her son alone… I just froze.

“You said the food here was better than ever so I wanted to stop in for a late lunch. Maybe you can join me?”She had wide eyes and a happy smile so I felt secure.

“I’m off soon but not yet. Would you like the counter or booth? A table?” Might as well cater to her.

“Counter is fine since I’m alone.” She walked with me and talked about her day. She had gone and gotten her nails and eye brows done, she had a little grocery shopping to do since they will stay for a couple weeks, she forgot how much laundry they had on the RV. Just talked and talked until she started to talk about food she wanted. “You know, I think I’ll try this spicy spaghetti option.”

“It’s really good. Let me get that in for you, did you want a drink?”

“Sprite please I have the most queasy stomach driving myself around.” She waved her hands like she was trying to cool off now. I got her an extra ice water as well. Setting her drinks out and then her food order didn’t take much time and finally she asked something for me to put in input on.

“I was thinking about having Victor show me around again. So much has changed.” She sighed. “And of course my husband should just want to sit and relax but no- he is meddling with the old business, did Victor tell you?”

“Tell me about?”

“Some dinner he wants to have again. He said with the whole biker club so we can finally all just see they aren’t so bad. He tells me things aren’t as bad I remember them being when he signed up for it all.” She told me and I could tell that she was one of the types of people who didn’t need another person to have a full conversation she answers for me and it just keeps going. Usually it helps me out and I feel less awkward.

“The club has changed. Ever since Travis has taken over a lot of things seemed easier for everyone in the club.” I chimed in and she sighed.

“But what do they do? What is it I am not supposed to know about? What do they do when they send my baby to Vegas? When they send him places on short notice?”

That was a good question. I never knew or asked. But I knew it wasn’t my place to worry. Victor was the safest one. He boxes, he fights a lot in the ring, he has weapons. Most of the guys do but he had hand to hand weapons.

I’ve seen them in his cut and on his jeans. I was sure he had over 10 pieces of just knuckle and hand wraps. Her mother talked at me for the rest of the afternoon before saying they wanted to have us over again this weekend for another dinner.

“That sounds fun. Victor should know his schedule so he can say if it is Saturday or Sunday.” I offered knowing I couldn’t plan anything without his input too. She ended up leaving, raving about the food and talking to Rafe who was cooking today.

I sent a short message to Victor about his mom coming in and being nice and loving the food. And added on in a second message that she wanted to have us for dinner again and I left it up to him. I went back to work and seemed to have less than 2 hours before Victor showed up ready to take me home.

“Let’s go baby.” He kissed my lips once and then again and then I felt his hands take my sides in and I was lost to the feeling of his mouth fully settling on mine as his hands rubbed my hips and before I realized he was pushing me back a little I bumped a table hard with my ass and hopped into him. “Ok. No more kisses until we are in a safe space.” He whispered, making my giggle as he then rubbed the spot I hit as we walked out.

We got on the bike he had dropped me off in and I curled in to hold on the short way home. It was still warm out so the breeze felt good.

I raised my head as he helped me off and then he took full advantage again. His hands gripped my ass and seemed to massage both cheeks as his tongue did delicious things against my mouth. I wasn’t sure what kind of kisser I was but I knew I just followed his lead. His tongue went over my lips, my tongue came out to meet his.

“Girls night means girls!” I heard Sabbie echo off the walls in the parking garage and I pulled away and looked over and saw Sabbie with Fiona, not only that but Adien was over both their heads with a big smile on his face too. “Adien helped us set up!”

“In my place?” I wondered where we were really going to hang out. I didn’t bring any extra snacks home from the diner to feed anyone and I know I don’t have more than beer, bread and cheese to offer a party.

“I went shopping.” Victor whispered and kissed my temple. “You’ll be a little surprised in a good way I hope.” He pushed me on and I noticed he was staying on his bike.

“You’re not coming in-“

“I’ll be back later Daze. When the brothers are coming for their women. I’ll find something to do before church.” He winked and I wanted to say how much I was looking forward to time before his meeting and maybe even time after.

My period was only 4 days long and I was sure I didn’t have any lingering smell or blood after my shower this morning… I was looking forward to more of him and I having s*x.

“That look just proves you want me here after. Should I bring a stay-over bag?” He asked and I nodded right away and got a cute little happy smile from him.

He gave me another quick peck and said he would see me later before I turned and saw the three waiting for me keeping occupied so it wasn’t like they were watching us.

“Let’s go on up and see what he did. Last time he gave me a surprise it was a car.” I told them and heard Fiona giggle that Travis had kind of done the same by giving her a scooter once.

I walked all the way up with them and made sure to steal a last look before he was completely out of my sight and I swear he winked at me again but I could never be sure.

I listened more than I talked- I was always that way around very extroverted people. I liked listening and not having to talk- mostly because I usually didn’t have an experience to bring up with the usual chatty people.

But then we got to my apartment and it was ajar just a little and Adien said I was going to love it- all over again. I wasn’t sure what could be so big, but once I moved into the living room I noticed it right away.

I now had a beautiful pink peony sofa cover with peony flower pillows. In my kitchen there was a pink and white gingham table cover with a huge vase of peonies in the middle.

“He also got you these.” Adien opened a cabinet I hadn’t filled yet and it was a pink air fryer, a magic bullet with extra cups, and a food processor

“Wow.” I felt a little transparent. He knew what I would need or how I said my smoothies would be easier to have in the morning if I had a little cup… that was so long ago.

“I’m going to go get our margaritas! You girls chat.” Adien called and I watched as he made his way out before I heard Sabbie sigh like she was happy.

“I’m glad he finally found the balls to ask you out. It was getting too painful to watch.” Sabbie said as she pulled out a chair and tossed her sweater on the back and her purse on the side.

“You’re telling me. When I came back I was sure they were going to be a thing with 3.5 kids by now.” Fiona said as she sat. “Of course it caught me off guard that you were still working at the diner I never expected that still.”

“I just got stuck.” I shrugged. “My mom was in debt that always led to a threat to our trailer so I always had to make sure I made double the rent.” I shrugged it off, but to be fair what I saved I ended up spending on my mother.

“That’s a lot as a kid.” Sabbie said it gently like she wasn’t sure what to say.

“If it keeps you out of the house it’s always better.” Fiona smiled and she patted the table so we all came to sit down too. “Trav and Johnny didn’t have the best home life. I know how hard it can get. And I learned, your mom died. I’m sorry- I hope it wasn’t traumatic.”

“I’m sure if you ever met her, you’d know she was an alcoholic. A huge one. Until I was 12 I was sure I never saw her sober. She drank through her liver and refused medical treatments or medication. They eventually told me to call a hospice center. We didn’t qualify for anything but a home nurse that checked in once a day. She didn’t last long like that. I had to pay for her funeral- which was like $1200 for ashes.” I shrugged and then wondered if I should admit it. “I then spread her ashes around our trailer before moving out.” I didn’t want to keep them. She didn’t mean that much to me.

I knew if I said something that evil out loud they would look at me differently. I was the nice girl, but when I hated something or someone there was no coming back.

And I hated my mother.

“I’m sure the Tuckers will love that haunting.” I giggled as soon as Fiona mumbled that. I knew she would know about the park. She didn’t live there but when she moved back I had seen her once talking to a girl who lived a few doors down. She was knocked up, always bruised. The Tuckers almost had Fiona's car towed when she was helping the girl leave her hellhole and Fiona could have sued them for the entire park's worth if she wanted to.

“So the Tuckers- they’re mean?” Sabbie asked, looking almost confused.

“They make villains look nice. Poison apples in that place would work wonders.” I muttered knowing the old bat looked like the Evil Queen from Snow White.

“Imagine the city version of the Hills Have eyes people… they’re rude, mouthy, no manners, and entitled.” Fiona grumbled out and it made us both laugh because the imagery was spot on.

We giggled and laughed and gossiped and somehow they got on the topic of bad s*x. I added in my small experience with the doc and Fiona apologized for thinking he was good. Then somehow we got onto the topic of doctors. Then appointment and shots and then I was asked if I ever had to do a smear test a second time and I was a little lost.

I was scared to admit it so I just shook my head and said it all seemed normal and routine for me. I giggled and laughed and before too long we were all a little wine and margarita wasted and Aiden was showing us his dance moves and what we could all do to drive our men crazy so they take us home and ravage us until we pass out.

“I’m not too sure I should do that, Vic does that enough.” I laughed before seeing the shock on their faces. “The doc was bad, not Vic.” I shrugged and giggled as they demanded to know more.

“I was sure he was all tight and bound waiting for marriage!” Sabbie screamed when she told me she needed to know.

“He looks like he’s been to hell waiting. I guess it’s because he has had a taste and knows he waited way too long to enjoy it so he wants it more.” Fiona smirked and I couldn’t help but giggle. My head felt dizzy and I could tell the alcohol was letting me relax way past my previous comfort zones. They listened and they didn’t judge me for things that were just my own life lessons.

Fiona and Adien were having a silent conversation after he asked her how many men she had been with, and knowing how beautiful she always has been, I was surprised when Aiden announced that she kept her legs closed after what Tank did to her, since we were all now aware of why they broke up. “I didn't trust after him, it was just easier to not go there with men. And then he showed right back up and so did my neverending libido.” She shivered and sighed.

“That must have been a lot to work out mentally.” Sabbie said and I bit my lip. I wondered if this is how men felt too. I always knew that Vic had women when he wanted them. He rarely had someone on his arm ever when I was close but I heard the guys all talking about who he wanted and had and pined for the night before. I knew I wasn’t the only one, but I wondered if he was slightly peeved that I also didn't wait for him.

“I know you’re not talking. How many men did you sleep with before you and Whiz finally got together?” Fiona asked her and I saw Sabbie turn bright red.

“To be fair I had more fun with toys than with other men. I tried a few... maybe 5 or 6 with a real real try. But honestly I am just glad that my man... can be a man in bed for me. The perfect man.” Sabbie looked up and made a purring noise before shivering and saying she needed to call him.

“Wait whoa, I thought this was girls night.” Adien said and I giggled again as she tried to get up off of my floor and get to her phone on the kitchen table. She grabbed it and before too long we were all giggling as she left a very needy voicemail promising just about everything she wanted done to her.

“And you know I love you powering into me-” I giggled as Fiona gagged now and begged her to end the call.

“I think you forget that he is also like my little brother. I am happy you're happy Sabbie but knowing what he does is like knowing what my brother would do with some chick and that’s too much detail.” Fiona laughed and then her phone was going off and she was all smiles. “Hi.”

“There goes her man.” Aiden laughed and I nodded before I heard a soft knock at the door. I saw all of them turn to me like it was my job, and technically we were in my place so I stood from the couch and fixed my clothes all the way to the door. Looking out there were 3 big men waiting outside and I smiled before opening up.

“Hi babe.” Victor pushed his way in and against me and instead of hanging up I watched Fiona trot up to her man and kiss him.

“I guess I’m all chopped liver.” Sabbie huffed since Whiz didn’t move inside. He started to walk in and before I could really watch what would play out, Vic had my lips and tongue playing with his. I heard her scream and then giggle before I pulled back to see what she said ow about, which was thankfully just her shin hitting the side of the coffee table.

“Poor baby having to wait for her man to come get her.” Whiz cooed before bending over and lifting her up so she wasn’t rubbing her leg and she was in his face. She hesitated to kiss him so I watched him grab the hair at the back of her neck and make her kiss him which even made me giggle before Vic did the exact same move to me.

I felt his fingers slide alone my scalp until he cradled the back of my head and then he gripped every so lightly to show he wasn’t going to hurt me but guide me. I let him pull me in and then I followed his lead.

“Bye!” I heard Aiden shout and I almost wanted to pull away to say it properly back but then Vic’s tongue teased my lips and I sighed and opened my mouth.

“Let’s all go.” I heard Tank say and I sighed again knowing that meant we were about to be alone to do anything we could.