Karma (Kings of Rebellion MC Book 1) (10 page)

The last couple of days have been really weird. Not because of the people around me, no they’re a great bunch of people. A real family and they couldn’t have done more for us after what we have been through. No, the weirdness comes from me, because I’ve been cooped up in a room, locked up in chains for longer than anyone should and it’s affected me. A lot deeper than I would have thought and could only see when I came here. That’s not even including the shit Demon put me through with his club members. They had all loved to abuse me.

It’s taken two days for me to eventually freely come out of my room during my stay. Yesterday it took Elise taking my hand and guiding me, but today I got dressed and walked out by myself. It might sound dumb, but to me it’s a big step. The last clubhouse I was in had me parade around naked, tempting its members to do whatever the hell they wanted to do to me. Here, they smile at me when I pass and there are no rude comments and I find that weird, which I shouldn’t. I know that it will take time to return to my usual self and as much as I want my confidence back, I don’t want to return to the bitch that I was. That part of me, I wish would stay away forever.

As I walk down the corridor, I bump into Grim and I’m almost knocked down on my ass. His hands catch me in time and bring me back against his body. I can’t help but feel uncomfortable, and not in a bad way either. I’ve noticed Grim around a lot, and he always seems to have a watchful eye on me. Not in a creepy way but in a careful way and I know if I were to ask him he would deny it. I can already tell he’s that type of man and I don’t want to ruin his street cred in front of the club members.

“Sorry.” He begins. “Are you ok?”

“Yep.” I quickly answer.

“I didn’t hurt you?” He looks down to my stomach, looking to see if I’m bleeding through my shirt like before.

“No, I’m good.” He doesn’t look convinced. “Honestly, Grim.”

He frowns, but nods at my answer. He hasn’t let go of me yet and I honestly don’t want him to and I don’t know how I feel about that. I hear a lot of laughter from ahead and my heart speeds up. I step back, stepping into my room again to be alone.

“You want me to walk you?” Grim asks. “They’re loud but harmless I promise.”

He smirks a cute smile, which I’m sure not a lot of people see and I feel myself smile back.

“That would be great.” I step around him and hear his footsteps behind me.

We don’t say anything and I respect him for that. I’m sure he has a lot of questions but he keeps them to himself. I like the quiet lately but when I see the amount of bikers and family members around the clubhouse, I realize I won’t be getting that anytime soon around here.

Grim looks at my reaction and motions with his head for me to follow. “Come on.”

We reach a small room with a large table and chairs. Elise and Natasha sit at the table, stuffing their faces. Brace, along with a handful of Kings’ Members stand around, talking amongst themselves. When I enter they all turn to look, exchanging glances between Grim and me, but then quickly return to their business. When I sit beside Natasha, Brace places a drink and some toast in front of me and then he sits opposite me with his own plateful and winks when he sees me watching.

“You need food, put that weight back on your bones.” He demands. “All three of you look too skinny.”

“I don’t think I’ve ever had that problem before.” I laugh as I take a bite. I’ve never been chubby, but I’ve never been happy with my weight either. Is any woman? Now that I’ve lost a significant amount of weight, I realize I want my old body back. We are all skinny, so I get where he’s coming from.

“Dad!” Elise scolds. “What have I told you? Don’t talk weight with girls.”

“She knows I don’t mean it like that girl, watch your mouth and eat.” He points down to her piled plate.

Natasha laughs and returns to eating while the members laugh.

“So Lauren, you don’t sound American. Where are you from?” Brace asks.

I swallow my toast before answering. “I’m from London originally but I’ve lived in America for a few years.”

“Told you, Grim.” Brace turns to Grim who is looking right at me.

I continue to eat my breakfast when Brace asks how I ended up with the Devil’s Spawn.

“Brace.” Grim interrupts. “She’s eating her breakfast.”

“No, it’s fine.” I add. “It was my ex actually. I slept with his friend and he walked in on us and went crazy. He scared me so much I ran back home, but when my family had enough of me I came back to find Andrew with two Devil members in my bedroom.” I leave it at that, not wanting to share too many details at the table.

I glance up at Grim and see he doesn’t look too happy at all.

“I’m sorry about that, Lauren.” Brace apologises.

“Yeah, her ex is Demon’s nephew.” Natasha delivers and I see everyone tense and stare at me.

“Switch?” Grim asks. “He is your ex?”

“Before you ask, I didn’t know anything about him. He kept everything a secret. When he revealed who he was he said he had wanted to keep me away from Demon, but now that I betrayed him I deserved it.”

“Nothing at all?” Brace asks.

“No,” I snicker. “I was completely fooled.”

Everyone goes quiet as they let the news settle in. “Great, dad.” Elise frowns at him. “No more questions.”

Brace nods. “Sorry Lauren, I just need to know this stuff if we want to keep you safe.”

“I get it.” I reply.

“We’re heading back home in a few days now that I have Elise back. You’re welcome to come back with us.” Brace offers.

“Thank you, I think I will.” I smile over at him, generally happy that I will be going back and further away from Demon and the rest of the remaining Devil’s.

“Is that invite open to me too?” Natasha asks and I’m truly shocked.

“Of course,” Brace agrees.

“Then count me in. I need a new start.” She smiles at me. “You can’t get rid of me that easy.”

That afternoon, I lounge on the sofa people watching, something I haven’t been able to do for a while. I watch the old ladies watch over their excited children, and catch a quick moment with their gentle giant biker men. The men all look like big, tough bikers and they probably are with other people but they sure as hell aren’t with the women in their lives. Then there are the attractive club whores, who are respectfully keeping away from the taken bikers while the old ladies are here.

“Hello, Lauren.” I look up to see a very large man smiling down at me. I’ve seen him around but I haven’t spoken to him yet. I look at his leather vest and see a President patch stitched on.

“Hi.” I reply, sitting up a little straighter.

He sits down beside me. “I’m Savage, the president here. I’m sorry I haven’t come to talk sooner. This Devil’s business has kept me busy.”

“It’s fine.” I assure him. I haven’t really been up to talking to anyone until now, but I don’t say that I just continue to smile.

“No it’s not, I’m in charge here and I should have made you feel welcome. You’re more than welcome to stay as long as you like, you have our protection. If anyone gives you shit, you come to me.” I have no doubt that everyone here listens to what Savage says. He’s a very intimidating man.

“I’ve decided to go back to England with the others.” I let him know and he nods.

“I think that’s a good choice. Get away from here and go back home.” He stands and holds out his hand to me to shake. “Good luck Lauren, and remember you’re always welcome with the Kings.”

I watch him walk away, slightly in shock and feel the sofa dip down next to me. “I see Savage had a talk with you.” I hear from Elise. “Everything ok?”

“Yeah,” I breathe. “Just introducing himself.”

I go back to watching everyone around me. The children have followed Savage to go outside, leaving the women alone together. One club whore smirks over at one of the old ladies, quickly walking away from having her ass beat.

“They don’t usually cover this much skin.” Elise says as she sits down next to me.

“Who?” I innocently ask.

“Don’t act like you weren’t watching the whores.” She laughs. “I used to wonder why the old ladies could stand them. I still don’t. I even hate when they flock around my dad.” She makes a funny face. “It’s gross.”

I laugh along with her and watch the weirdness between the club whores and the old ladies. Not in a mean way, just because the old ladies look like tough women and the club whores, not so much. The old ladies will beat the crap out of those sluts and so they should for creeping on their men.

As we watch, I hear the reporter rattling on the TV on the other side of the room. The president here, wanted to know if there was any news on the Devil’s clubhouse, which there wasn’t and I thought that was weird. I’m not really paying attention to what she’s saying, but the word
Decoy
stands out and I sit up straight.

“Lauren?” Elise asks as I walk closer to the TV but I don’t answer. I’m fixed on the television screen and order the prospect behind the bar to turn it up.

I watch, completely stunned as the screen shows the Decoy men walking past the camera crew. My heart beats faster, these are friends of my sister. Really close friends and more like family to her seeing as though our parents are stuck up and I was a bitch to her. I see Max, my sister’s boyfriend smile at the camera and tears gather in my eyes, feeling sad for everything I did to him and Maisy.

The presenter goes on to talk about them staying in America for a little while as they work on their new album.

“You doing ok?” I hear Grim from behind me. I don’t want to take my eyes away from the screen, so I just nod. “Lauren?”

“I’m ok.” I answer, still not looking away. “I know them.” I whisper so quietly I don’t think he has heard me.

“How?” He asks, stepping closer to me. So close we’re almost touching.

“My sister, Maisy is with a member and close friends to the rest of them. I’m not a great sister to her, so they don’t like me much, but they’re familiar to me. I haven’t seen anyone from before.” Tears gather and I hold back a sob. I quickly turn to face Grim. “Please don’t say anything to anyone. I don’t want Maisy in danger.”

He frowns at me. “Why would I tell anyone? That’s your business to tell, not mine.” He takes a step closer, my breasts touching his chest. “I would never put you, or anyone you care about in danger.”

I nod, believing his words. I don’t know him very well but I know he’s the type of man to keep his word.

“Lauren?” Grim asks. “Call me Brandon.”

I stare up at him, shocked by the sudden change in him. “What?”

“Call me Brandon. It doesn’t feel right you calling me Grim. You should call me Brandon.” He smiles.

“Ok, Brandon.” I giggle.

He continues to smile and then steps away. “We need to talk to Brace.”

“Why?” I ask nervously.

“You need to see them,” he points to Decoy on the TV. “I think it will do you good.”

“He won’t listen to me.” I argue.

“No, but he will listen to me.” He smirks and leads me away. I then remember that Brandon is the vice president of the UK charter. Of course Brace would listen to Brandon, his position is under him and I guess that means Brandon is in charge while they’re out here.

When Brandon finds Brace, he’s busy talking with Choke, who’s another British Kings member.

“VP” Brace greets him. “What can I do for ya?”

“It’s more for Lauren.” Brandon gestures to me. “She needs to get to a certain hotel, to talk to some relatives.”

Brace looks surprised. “You sure that’s a good idea, Lauren?”

“This was my idea.” Brandon adds. “I saw how upset she was and I think she needs to do this before we leave. This will stop her other family from starting to look for her.”

Brace thinks this over. “Why are you telling me, Grim? You know you have the final say.”

Brandon smirks, “Thought I’d ask for your opinion.”

“Well, I think it’s dangerous but I agree with you. Besides, didn’t you say you lived close by, Lauren?” Brace asks.

“Yeah, not too far,” I answer.

“We could split up, some watch over the hotel and others drop by Lauren’s old place and pick up some clothes before we head back home.” Brace gives me a smile and then looks back to his vice president.

“Sounds good to me,” Brandon adds.

“We need to tell Savage, he has a right to know because this is his town.” Choke advises.

“True.” Brandon nods his head. “But I want it known that Lauren rides with me.”

“Grim, that’s usually the President’s choice and seeing as this isn’t our charter that is Savage’s choice.” Brace reminds him.

“I don’t give a shit.” Brandon growls. “She rides with me.”

Brace nods his head and Choke sighs loudly and shakes his head. When Brandon takes me out of the room I stop him from walking so damn fast.

“Brandon, slow down.” I pull on his arm.

“Shit, sorry.” He says. “I just don’t like being in other charters because I don’t have a lot of power.”

“I get that.” I smile. “Thank you for doing that for me.”

“Not a problem.” He flashes me a wide smile, one that I haven’t seen before and at the sight of it my heart beats so fucking fast. Shit that’s a good looking smile. “I’m off to find Savage and I’ll catch you later.”

He turns to leave, but I carry on watching him go. I slowly walk back to the sofa I was sitting on earlier, thinking a lot about going home and what I will say when I see Max. I need to say sorry for everything I did to him concerning my sister. I just hope they will give me a chance because I was a complete bitch to all of them. If I was them, I sure as hell wouldn’t give me the time of day.

I know I will be back in the UK soon, but I don’t feel completely rid of Demon. I still see him in my dreams and Strike gives me the shivers every time I think of him. I can’t seem to shake the feeling that I haven’t seen the last of them. That’s why I think Brandon has a point. If I go and meet the guys from Decoy, I can still be keeping Maisy safe. The last thing I want is for her to get dragged into all of this.

“Wakey, wakey.” I hear Natasha as she throws herself down next to me. “You shouldn’t fall asleep out here.” She laughs.

“I didn’t realize I did.” I wipe my eyes and see what she has on her lap.

“Here.” She thrusts the plate at me. “Eat.”

I gratefully take the sandwich and savour the simple food. It might be just a ham and cheese sandwich, but I haven’t had food like this for a while. I actually groan as I eat the second and Natasha laughs.

“Do you and the sandwich need a private room?” I hear Brandon behind me and almost jump up from my seat.

“Brandon!” I shout with a mouthful of bread and quickly cover my mouth with my hand.

He laughs and sits down opposite of me. “You ready to leave in an hour?”

I swallow down my food. “Ready?”

Brandon nods. “Savage gave me the go ahead, we leave in an hour. You need to write down your address and tell them what you need. I’ll come find you soon.”

When he walks away I fill Natasha in on everything and she’s happy for me.

“They’ve offered to get my crap but I honestly don’t want any of it.” Natasha admits to me after I ask.

“Why?” I’m left confused.

“I was a different person back then, if I have my old clothes I think I’ll feel like I’m dressing up as someone else. When I go with you to England, I want to start over from fresh.” She smiles. “A brand new me.”

As soon as Natasha told Brace that she wanted to come along with us to England, they had to get her passport and apply for a VISA. Luckily for us, The Kings have their hands in everything and knew someone who could speed the process along quicker than usual. So we should be hearing back anytime soon.

“That sounds perfect.” I’m honestly happy for her and I know where she’s coming from. I did think about forgetting my belongings, but I’m still me and I paid a lot for all that shit. I want it back.

When I’ve finished my sandwich, Natasha gets up and gives me a hug. “Just be careful.”

There’s a knock on my door and Brandon stands there, short sleeved top with his leather vest over the top. “You ready?”

I grab a thin jacket, provided by Elise and follow him to meet Savage. We pass many bikers in layers of leather jackets and Brandon laughs.

“I’m so fucking hot out here and there’s these fuckers who have thick jackets on!” He laughs. “By the looks of you with yours, you’ve gotten used to this heat too.”

I look at my arms and shake my head. “No, I just like to cover up.”

Brandon stops his laughing and frowns. “Shit.”

“Don’t you dare say ‘sorry’.” I quickly add, pointing a finger in his face.

He holds his hands up in surrender. “Ok.”

We get to Savage’s office and there I tell him the address to my old house, because I don’t want to ever be back in that place again. They know the hotel where Decoy’s staying, so after Savage gives everyone the run down on what to do he looks to me.

“Grim tells me you’re riding with him, you good with that?” He asks me and I get the feeling he would like me to say no.

“I’m good.” I answer him and with the go ahead from Savage, everyone gets moving.