Glory (8 page)

Hanna passed by with several big candles in her arms. “Another flare?”

“Yeah.” She sighed. “Who knows how long this one will last? Can you help me with these?”

I nodded and grabbed a couple of the large candles from her arms. Since there was no more music playing, the bar lost some of its appeal. It didn’t matter much since there wasn’t much time until closing anyway. As patrons gathered their things and left, Hanna and I began strategically placing the candles all around Neptune’s, lighting them with matches. It would give us some illumination for clean up later on.

The dark had never scared me. I kind of liked it actually. It was good at hiding things that you didn’t want others to see. And in the dim light of the dive bar, I felt like my secrets were safe.

One by one, Glory members dispersed into the night, heading to who knew where. But Hastie and Seven remained, waiting for me. After a while, Lucky returned to their side. What had happened? Could he not find a woman for the night?

Most people stayed away from Glory MC because they were seen as troublemakers. But in the short time I’d worked at Neptune’s, I learned that not all of them were mean bastards. As long as you didn’t confront them about Glory business or threaten them, most were actually quite friendly.

“Be back in a second,” I told them as I disappeared into the backroom to gather my things. This time, I didn’t bother wearing my jacket. With the sun down, I didn’t have to worry about radiation and sun sparks. Tucking it over my arm, I came back out and found Seven sitting on the bar top, her legs dangling off the edge.

Her short skirt rode up high on her thigh, no doubt showing off her toned, tanned legs. As she pulled it up higher, I realized what she was doing.

“Hurt like a motherfucker,” Seven said as I approached. There was still enough light that you could make out the black and white tattoo of a prowling tiger high on Seven’s thigh. One dark head, Hastie’s, and one light head, Lucky’s, hovered over her as they eyed the artwork.

“That’s a wicked tat,” Hastie commented.

“Thanks!”

Lucky just looked at it with mild interest.

“You got any tattoos?” Hastie asked as I approached.

“Nope. How many do you have?”

“Twenty-six.”

My eyebrow shot up. Impressive. And
hot
. “Can I see them?”

A wolfish smile appeared. “I’d have to get naked for you to see them all.”

“Please, don’t,” Lucky cut in and I laughed.

Seven hopped down from the bar. “Ready to go?”

“Yeah, I’m just going to say bye to Hanna.”

“Got to be somewhere after this?” Hastie bit down on his lower lip, giving the effect of a diamond shining as his piercing caught the light. My gaze locked onto it and as if he knew, he ran his tongue over it.

“No,” I said, a little too breathlessly.

“Good.” Hastie held up a flashlight. “I’ve come prepared.”

“Nice thinking,” Seven said with an impressed nod.

“Whenever you’re ready.”

After I said my goodbyes, we left Neptune’s together. In the darkness, I became acutely aware of my surroundings and the people around me. Hastie’s presence was a burning source of heat beside me. The inner child in me suddenly sprung to the surface, eager to play and cause mischief as long as we were veiled in shadows.

It was so dark the night might as well be solid for all the flashlight did. I couldn’t even see my hand in front of my face. Lucky turned to face us, walking backward to his Harley as he spoke. “How much do you pack?”

I let my confusion show in my expression. “He’s asking how much experience you have on a bike,” Hastie translated.

“Oh, not much.”

“First time for everything, right, babe?” Hastie threw his leg over his black Harley.

I’d seen Harley-Davidsons before but the bike in front of me was clearly one of a kind. It was head-to-toe black. Matte, not gloss. None of that shiny shit for Hastie. The words
Glory MC
were painted nice and sleek on the gas tank. There were chrome accents that when you looked closely enough were actually exquisite details of a skull. Spikes sticking out from everywhere made this thing look like a beast. It fit the man perfectly.

Lucky’s bike, in contrast, had flash. It was a little rock n’ roll and a little ghetto fabulous. Instead of the classic black, his was decked out in white and was thus a shining beacon against the night sky. It was clear that Lucky wasn’t a member of Glory yet because his bike didn’t conform to the sea of black Harleys whenever Glory MC rode together.

“Hop on,” Hastie said with a tilt of his head.

Grinning over at Seven, I caught the glimpse of excitement shining in her eyes. As much as she disliked the driver, there was no question that she liked the idea of riding on one of Glory’s bikes. Decision made, she threw her leg over the bike before wrapping her arms around Lucky’s middle. A family of butterflies suddenly took flight in my stomach.
Holy crap. Was I really going to do this?

The summer I turned seven, I learned how to swim. I remembered that first jump into the water clearly. On my arms were a pair of those obnoxiously orange inflatable swimming aids that let everyone know I was a newbie. Decked out in a teal blue bathing suit and goggles because I didn’t like the feeling of water in my eyes, I remember looking over the edge of the dock into the water below. It looked deep and very, very wide. I knew without a doubt that because of the swimming aids, I’d be safe, but that didn’t eliminate the fear that nagged at me despite the insurance.

That was how I felt now. As the engines of both Harleys revved like they had trapped a beast inside, I felt that same irrational fear. But instead of retreating, I did exactly what I had done when I was seven. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped.

The leather seat felt hot to the touch beneath my ass. I immediately felt the jolt of power between my legs as Hastie revved the engine and kicked up the kickstand. As my balance went off, I instinctively wrapped my arms around his torso, plastering myself against his back. Hastie was warm. And he smelled delicious. Like leather and male.

On a loud roar, Lucky took off first. Before I could change my mind and hop off, Hastie gunned it, sending us forward in a rush of warm air. My hair flew behind us like a scarf in the wind, and as I got used to the feeling, my body began to relax.

There were always a few
firsts
that you would always remember—your first car, the first time you had sex. I knew I’d remember this ride like all the other memories ingrained in my head. I squeezed Hastie a little tighter, grateful for his sturdy presence. This wouldn’t have been so exciting if I had done this with someone other than him.

But then Seven’s high-pitched scream broke the moment, startling me and probably Hastie, too. I flashed her a concerned glance as I felt Hastie’s chuckle roll through his body. She was a vise around Lucky, squeezing him as if he was a tube of toothpaste and she wanted that very last drop. Her eyes were shut tight and her body was pressed to his as Lucky increased speed. As he did, Seven let out another wail, which caused Lucky to laugh so hard his head tilted back in total reverie.

I grinned even as I thanked God Hastie wasn’t speeding like Lucky was. Otherwise, I’d no doubt be joining Seven in her cries. I curled my arms around Hastie tighter and let my cheek rest against his cut.

Though it was dark, the headlights gave us some illumination. Despite the obnoxiously loud roaring engine, I allowed myself to enjoy the scenery that the solar flares made as we rode by. No more foliage lined the roads we were on, just bare trees and a few boulders dotting here and there. At any other time during daylight hours, I would’ve seen the exact same scene and thought how desolate the world had become since the flares. But in that moment, as the star-cut sky acted as a veil over us and the wind blew through my hair in a refreshing caress, I couldn’t find a single fault in what lay before me.

It was beautiful. Fucking perfect.

I got so used to the purring between my legs that when we started to slow down to pull into the gas station, I had to hide my disappointment from the others. Out here, there were only a few lights illuminating the area. The ground beneath our feet was cracked with age and sun-exposure, making the asphalt uneven as we rode in. Reluctantly, I pulled away from Hastie as we came to a full stop. Lucky rode in, his headlights shining directly into my face.

“Augggh!” I used my arm to block the intense rays and hopped off the Harley. Just like that, paradise was over.

“Sorry, running low,” Hastie said by way of explanation.

As Lucky’s Harley came to a stop, Seven jumped off it like it was on fire. “What the fuck, you asshole!” She followed that with a heavy punch to Lucky’s arm. “Are you trying to kill me?” Lucky winced as the blows continued to rain down on him, but that ever present shit eating grin was on his face as he laughed. “Stop laughing at me,” Seven cried out. “You did that on purpose!” She punctuated that with a kick to Lucky’s shin.

“Ow!”

“Dick,” she spat.

Lucky grinned back with a wink.

Seven’s gorgeous eyes narrowed to slits. “Easy, girl,” Hastie chided as he pulled her as far as he could form Lucky. Seven fought his hold, kicking, using her elbows as weapons. By everyone’s actions, it was clear that the drinks earlier were starting to take effect. I couldn’t help the bubble of laughter that escaped my lips.

I stepped forward to grab Seven’s hand before she decided to punch Hastie. As I hauled her to the gas station’s convenience store, Hastie went to fill up on gas.

The lights in the store flickered above us. One lone customer was buying a pack of cigarettes at the counter but other than him, the clerk was the only one person inside. Even in the late evening, the air was as hot as dragon’s breath. My hair felt sticky against the back of my neck. The clerk shot me a dark look as I weaved through the measly stocked aisles, looking for something that would cool me down.

Packages of stale cookies filled one section while the next aisle was completely bare of stocked items. I checked out the freezer aisle, hoping to find a bottle of soda but the only two things left were two battered orange fizzy drinks. I turned to the clerk. “Got any other drinks around here?”

“I’ve only got the slushie machine.”

Following his gaze, I caught sight of the slushie section I had missed earlier. I guess that would do, except I had no idea how I’d be able to keep it while riding on the bike. Seven beat me to it and was already making one for herself.

That was when Hastie walked through the door to pay for his gas. I quickly made a slushie for myself, figuring lime would be the safest option. Seven was more adventurous, mixing the raspberry, lime, and whatever the blue shit was to make one that looked like a rainbow.

As we were leaving, my eyes landed on a small fireworks stand by the door. “Wanna light some fireworks?” It could be fun in the blackout. A good way to make most of the night.

Seven nodded enthusiastically at my suggestion and I turned to look at Hastie. I knew the moment when he was game. The dark glint in his eyes gave it away. Smiling as I sucked on the straw of my slushie, I grabbed a few different packages and piled them on the counter by the cashier. As Hastie pulled out his wallet again, I grabbed a couple of extra lighters that would be useful later.

As we came back out, Lucky’s eyes went wide as he took in the stash in Hastie’s arms. “Wow, I had no clue we’d be lighting it up tonight. I’m game, but we can’t do it here.”

“I know just the place,” Hastie chimed. “Come on.” He placed the fireworks all in a backpack, which I then strapped to my back before hopping onto the Harley. As the beast purred, ready to rock n’ roll, we were stalled by Seven.

“I’m not riding with you again,” she said as she tossed Lucky a dark look.

“Aw, babe. Didn’t like it the first time? I promise it won’t hurt so much now.”

Seven rolled her eyes at Lucky’s mocking tone. “Hurry,” Hastie called out impatiently. “I wanna do this.”

“Ugh! Fine.” Seven threw her legs over the white Harley.

“Brace yourself, baby,” Lucky taunted as he peeled out of the gas station. Seven’s cry of distress was an echo in the wind, followed by our peals of laughter.

SIX

Magical Things

Hastie

E
yes shielded by a pair of shades, the only source of light stemmed from my headlights, making it quite difficult to see farther than my thirty degree spread. Yet it didn’t really matter. I knew these roads better than myself.

Between my legs, the engine purred like a content lion. I pushed it harder, hearing Indy’s squeals of excitement and feeling the way her arms tightened around me as we kicked up speed. I couldn’t have created a more perfect moment than this.

In no time, we reached the destination I had in mind. For once, I mentally cursed the speed of my Harley. Lucky dismounted but left the headlights of his bike on, maintaining a wash of light that allowed us to see through the darkness. This was the perfect place for lighting fireworks—a large, open area with flat pavement and no foliage but for the wheat field a few feet away. Swinging my leg off the bike, I took the bag of fireworks from Indy and began to open the packages. Indy held the flashlight over me, allowing me to see what I was doing.

While I did this, Lucky took that opportunity to further tease Seven. “Harleys can be too much to handle for some people.”

Seven’s voice barely held her irritation in check. “Oh, I can handle the Harley just fine. It’s you I can’t stand.”

“Maybe you’re not as tough as you think you are.”

“You think because you ride a motorcycle and can grow facial hair that you’re tough? Oh honey, you’re delusional.”

“And what about you? What makes you think you can be a bitch to everyone?”

I rolled my eyes at their bickering. By the tone of Seven’s voice, she was reaching her breaking point. “I don’t have anything to prove to you.” Turning to Indy, she said, “We’re going to need another way back because there is no way I’ll be riding with that asshole again.”