Rainer: An MC Savage Motorcycle Club Romance Novel (8 page)

We all touched glasses and began sipping.

It was a welcomed change to see Rainer in this light: drinking a margarita in one hand while petting Mochi with the other. He had a huge smile across his face a majority of the time. It was humanizing in a way. A huge contrast to his usual self: whatever that was. I felt like he was someone I knew for years, but at the same time, I didn’t know anything about him at all. He was a puzzle that I’ve yet to solve, and luckily for him, solving puzzles was the one thing I enjoyed.

The three of us talked for hours about our lives, exchanging stories as if we were old friends that reunited once a year to catch up. I learned that he was a hard shell to crack. A guy who, in his position, had no choice but to put up walls in order to gain the respect of his members. I’m not sure if it was the drinks, but he was a little more open then I thought he’d be. Or maybe it’s because he knew he could just kill us if we ever told anyone else his stories. It’s hard to tell with him.

Rainer explained the different Chapters in his club: himself being Vice President, which made us feel like we were amongst royalty, but he was extremely modest about it. He told us about how Rocket was the Sergeant of Arms and also his biological brother. They both called each other brother unless there was something serious going on, and then they’d use their real names. He talked highly of Sid, who was one of the Enforcers in his club. Sid was his childhood best friend who had always been an asshole, but his intentions were good. The other Enforcer was his other best friend, Lanvin. He talked about how he was a bit slow, probably from all the drugs he’s done, but he had a good heart. Mandy asked him a bunch of questions that I thought he wouldn’t be comfortable answering, but he didn’t object to any of them.

He cleared all the misconceptions we had about motorcycle clubs, and even shared stories about his late father, who was the ex-President of the Crisis MC California Chapter. I could tell from the sparkle in his eyes that he considered all of his members as family. He told us how they all valued loyalty, respect, brotherhood, and the use of violence, only if necessary — which I assume is why he didn’t kill me in the desert. Mandy didn’t really like the violence part but she understood why it was necessary for them. He also let me know that even though they were all pretty much tough guys, they respected everyone unless they were given a reason not to. Rainer joked about how Lanvin surprisingly reacts better under pressure, and how he might have been the one who really saved me from getting shot by Sid the first time.

I didn’t know if it was the margarita talking, but in that moment all I could think about was how attractive Rainer really was. I didn’t crush on a lot of people, usually just TV stars from my favorite shows, but I could tell that I was starting to develop feelings for him. There’s just something about a guy who can be a total badass, bossing a group of other hard guys around and literally killing people in one moment, then the next moment he’s playing with a small dog while getting along really well with my best friend over margaritas.

We exchanged glances throughout the evening, every smile he sent my way seemed genuine. I liked the way he gently placed his big strong hand against my arm whenever he’d laugh as if he needed leverage to prevent from falling. And the funny look we’d give each other whenever Mandy said something that was a little off. And the way he’d put his arms over my shoulders whenever he’d tell Mandy about how I reacted in different situations. I liked the way he combed his hair back with his fingers from time to time, and the way he somehow managed to sneak in a complimented whenever he could.

I also noticed how well mannered Rainer truly was. He offered to do the dishes multiple times and even wanted to help make the drinks, help that was quickly refused by Mandy in her quest to be a great host. The same scary guy who had a gun to my face just hours ago was sitting inside my best friend’s house, drinking margaritas while playing with a puppy at the same time. I knew I was tipsy but was he drunk? Probably not. He seemed sober even after he drank almost half a bottle of whiskey on his own. All I knew was that Rainer was the last person I thought I’d have feelings for, and yet, the feelings were there. With all the shit Mandy says, falling for him was the last thing I expected to come true. I wondered if he felt the same about me.

As we got to the bottom of our fourth glass, Rainer stood up and pulled his smokes out of his pocket.

“Mandy, is that a balcony over there?” said Rainer. From all the crap that Mandy pushed in front of the balcony door, it didn’t surprise me that Rainer couldn’t tell if it was a huge window or an actual balcony.

“That’s so bad for you!” slurred Mandy. “But if you must, yes, that is most definitely a balcony, Mr. Vice President. Oh, and watch out for poop! Sometimes Mochi misses her target out there.”

“Alright, excuse me for a moment. Hope you don’t mind, Candace,” he said.

“No, not at all,” I said, trying to keep my composure.

“Once I finish this, I’ll get out of your hair. Would you like one?” he said, offering me a cigarette.

“No!” interjected Mandy. “No for Candace. She’s a good girl; she’s a pure girl. No cig cigs for Candace. And don’t leave! We get to kidnap you this time, okay?”

I gasped and shrugged at Rainer, who smiled back and made his way out towards the balcony, but not before stepping over large obstacles. I watched as he closed the glass door behind him, making sure to watch his step the entire time.

“Candace,” Mandy said, licking the salt from her glass. “If you don’t make a move on him, I will!”

I laughed. “No, seriously,” she said. “I mean aside from the crime stuff, he seems like a pretty good guy. And I know actual doctors that I wouldn’t choose over him!”

“Weren’t you trying to convince me earlier that he was bad news?”

“Yes,” she said, picking up Mochi. “But I didn’t know any better. He didn’t even kidnap you! I get it now! I get it!”

I began to pet Mandy’s head as she pet Mochi.

Mochi suddenly jumped off of Mandy and ran to the front door. She started barking, then multiple loud bangs against the door soon followed.

Rainer

So this is what it feels like to be normal.

The cold chilly air was sobering. I was down to my last few smokes and any other day, that would have bothered me, but tonight I didn’t seem to mind. I took a drag and looked out at all the street and building lights that surrounded me. I wondered about whether or not I’d be smoking if I lived the way Candace and Mandy did.

That Mandy is quite the character. I never would have guessed those two would be friends. Then again, I never pictured myself having a night like this with them, either.

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy this life they had. It was comfortable, and safe — a nice change from all the crazy fucking shit that I usually deal with day to day. Waking up knowing I wouldn’t have to worry about dying feels like a dream to me. Or to know that my friends and family will most likely come back safe. Or to know that accidents are probably the only way I’d lose someone I loved — all of that must feel amazing.

A privilege I know I’ll never have, not if I continue this life I lead. But this was the life I’d always have, and the life I’d always known. There’s no way I’d turn my back on my club, my family.

Even though I actually enjoyed my time here, all good things must come to an end. After I finish this cigarette, I’m going to make sure I’m out of their lives for good. It’s probably for the best, they don’t need to live the way I do.

Candace isn’t like the other girls. She’s a little strange and unpredictable, but I liked that. Some of her choices are stupid as hell but I couldn’t really blame her, I guess pressure can do a lot to a person.

It’s weird, I didn’t even know her that well but she’s definitely caught my eye. All the shit we’ve been through makes me feel like I’ve known her for years. I hate to admit it, but I think I might actually have a thing for her. It’s too bad I’ll never see her after tonight. I wish we could work something out, but it’s for her own safety that I stay far away.

I guess it really is lonely at the top.

But what if things can work between us. What if I just say fuck it and give it a shot. I know dad would have loved her if he met her. It might take a bit of convincing for Sid and the others but given time, I’m sure they’ll come around. They’d have to anyways if she was my girl.

I know I’ve fallen when I start making excuses for a girl. This hasn’t happened in a long, long time.

I heard the first few banging noises from inside but didn’t think much of it.

Everything seemed fine until I saw Candace rush towards the kitchen. That’s when I knew something wasn’t right.

I tossed my cigarette over the ledge and reached for my gun — then Mandy, red faced and all, motioned for me to hide.

The muffled sound of someone yelling “Open up or we’re letting ourselves in!” creeped through the crack of the balcony door. Maybe it was a neighbor or someone from the front desk? Or maybe it was a cop? I had to remind myself that I was in a safe place.

I ducked behind some plants and watched closely. It was dark outside so I wasn’t worried about being found.

I cracked the door open just enough to hear the sounds from inside, then I pulled my gun out and aimed it straight at the door.
 

If this were my house, there wouldn’t be any hiding. I’d be sitting on the couch with nothing but my leather vest on. Guns loaded, cock out, ready to shoot down anyone that walked through that door.

Luckily for them, this wasn’t my place. And I wasn’t about to ruin Mandy’s home with gunfire, blood, sweat, their tears, and death. Unless, of course, they gave me absolutely no choice.

“Who is it?” Mandy yelled.

“Open the god damned door,” a voice yelled from outside.

Mandy peeped into the hole, turned to me and threw up a peace sign with her hand. I knew she meant two, but I was hoping, for her sake, that it was the former.

Mandy slowly opened the door and looked through the crack. “Like, really though… what’s this all about?” she said.

“Move lady. We’re not here for you.”

Two guys forced their way in causing the door to swing open. Mochi, like the cute little fighter she was, started barking at them. One of them was bald with a beard, the other had short hair, a goatee, and sunglasses. Both wore a leather vest with a patch that said “1%”.

I don’t know who these motherfuckers were or how they found us, but if they even think of laying a hand on one of these women, they’ll be sleeping in body bags tonight.

“Shut the fuck up,” screamed the bald one and without hesitation, he kicked Mochi. My blood started to boil as I tried my best not to pull the trigger.

Mandy ran and picked Mochi off the ground and began to kiss her. The sound of Mochi whimpering was a sound I never wanted to hear, and I’ve heard some terrible shit.

“Aww Mochi baby. You’re alright,” Mandy said as she kissed her. “These men are bad. Terrible bad men.”

These fucking assholes are lucky I’m out here or else they’d be kissing the ground right now.

“Who the fuck do you think you are kicking my dog like that!” Mandy screamed. She was drunk but I was still impressed. She’s definitely got a mouth on her.

“Can you two, like, get the fuck out of my house. If you didn’t come here for me then you’re in the wrong place,” said Mandy.

“Shut the fuck up. Where is he?” the fake Mr. Clean shouted. Even in this dark room, his head still managed to have a nice sparkle to it.

“Who?” said Mandy.

“You know who, woman,” yelled the blind one.

I could understand why he’d wear sunglasses — it hides the face easier. But there was only one person and a dog in here as far as they knew. Plus, it was dark and Mandy had dim lights so I’m pretty sure that guy wasn’t able to see much, if anything, at all. Fucking idiot.

“I have no idea who you’re talking about! How dare you guys break in here and kick my cute little puppy.”

The slurred way Mandy spoke told me that she was definitely feeling the alcohol. She didn’t even really seem to care that these two unknown dick bags could kill her if they wanted to.

As one of the guys turned around, I noticed the back of his vest. It said Wreck MC, which was the same club that bitch Zella worked for.

They surveyed the area, making sure to move through all the rooms in a sloppy matter. I could tell that they’ve done this a few times already on this floor because they were doing a shitty job, which meant they were getting restless.

“See him?” asked the bald one.

“Nah, don’t think he’s here.”

“Wait,” said baldy as he pointed towards the table. “There’s three empty glasses.”

Shit, here we go.

“Oh, now you’re calling me an alcoholic? Get out of here right now before I call the cops,” yelled Mandy.

“My god, lady, you need to calm your drunk ass down,” said the bald one.

“Don’t tell me to calm down you low life mother fuckers!”

“Let’s go,” said sunglass man. “I don’t think he’s here.”

“Yeah, you two get out of here!” yelled Mandy. Mochi began barking at them too. “And don’t come back, either!”

There’s no fear in that lady. Good thing these guys weren’t doing anything about her.

“Lay off the drinks, ma’am. Have a nice day,” said the bald one.

Sunglass guy pretended like he was going to backhand Mandy before he left like some sort of tough guy. I almost shot him right there but they started walking away. He’d be taking his hand out his ass if he touched her.

“Get out!“

I peered out as the door closed behind the two idiots.

Mandy walked to the table and finished a few drops that were left in her glass. I walked in and started clearing the mess they made. “I’m sorry about that, Mandy, I’m not sure how they found me.”

“Probably the front desk, those bitches are always snitching,” said Mandy.

“Candace?” I said.

She peered out a cabinet like a little child scared of a monster. Her innocence still dangling on a thread.

“Are they gone?” she said. I nodded. I was pissed, those two are going to pay for this shit.

“I’m heading out,” I said. “I don’t want to put you two through anymore danger cause of me.”

Both of them pleaded for me to stay, in their drunken state. It made me feel a little better but I knew I couldn’t stay.

“Aww Mochi, did those bad guys hurt you?” I said as I pet her.

“Those fucking assholes kicked her!” yelled Mandy.

“What? Who? Where are they!” yelled Candace from the kitchen.

“There were two of them but the ugly bald one did it!”

I gave Mochi a kiss and pet her softly. My eyebrows furrowed just thinking about what they did to her.

“Wait,” said Candace as she struggled to climb out the cabinet. I walked over and helped her. “I’m coming with you,” said Mandy.

“My world ain’t safe for you, cutie pie. Plus, I’ve already put your life at risk so many times, I don’t think I can let that happen again.”

“It’s okay, it’s not your fault. I kind of like it anyways, it’s fun.” she said, her words a bit slurred. “Plus, what if they come back and you’re not here and they see me? They must have seen me riding with you?”

She had a point. Those two could come back here. But as much as I knew I’d protect her if anything went wrong, would she really be safer with me?

“How else would they know to check this building? They must have followed us,” she said. “That’s why I need to go with you!”

“You should stay with Mandy and Mochi,” I said. “It’s too dangerous out there for you.”

“If I stay, then they’ll be in danger, too,” she said while nudging Mandy. I looked at Mandy, who seemed confused for a moment, but eventually agreed. Did they just use teamwork to get Candace to stay with me?

“Are you sure?” I said.

“Yes!” said Candace. “Right Mandy? Right?”

It was a cute mess watching these two, drunk as they tried to communicate silently with each other.

“You should take her with your, Rainer,” said Mandy. “But can I get a hug at least before you go.”

I smiled and hugged Mandy, who held on longer than I expected, then I began to pet Mochi. I took Candace’s hand before heading out the door.

“Thank you so much for the hospitality, Mandy. Don’t want to trouble you no more, we gotta get going,” I said.

I kept my gun close and peaked outside to make sure they weren’t there.

“Be careful out there,” slurred Mandy. “Candace, call me later and tell me how he is in bed.”

Candace’s face was brighter than a stoplight, but the message to her was the same.

“Let’s go,” I whispered. She held my hand tight and we raced to the staircase, running down all five flights of stairs with our fingers locked. I was sober now, the margaritas barely hit me. Mandy was definitely drunk and Candace seemed okay, but the fear of those two barging in probably sobered her up.

We passed the front desk and Candace let go of my hand and began walking back towards the workers. “Snitches get stitches, bitches,” she said.

They looked shocked and I had to drag Candace away, “Come on, we have to go.”

I pull her out the door and when we got to my motorcycle, we saw two motorcycles parked by mine.

Without hesitation, Candace tried kicking both of the motorcycles but couldn’t knock it down. I’m not sure what she was thinking, these things are usually really heavy.

I gave each motorcycle a little push at the same time she kicked it, knocking them down one by one. I guess she was still feeling the alcohol because she wouldn’t stop telling me how strong she was while asking if I saw what she did.

“Proud of you, woman. You got a hell of a kick there,” I said. She smiled and I never seen anything more adorable in my life.

“Now let’s get the hell out of here before the rest of their crew finds us.”

“Wait, isn’t that them?” said Candace.

I looked over to see them walking out the door headed our direction. I grabbed Candace’s wrist and pulled her behind a nearby wall. “I’m going to need you to sober up. Can you do that?”

Candace smiles and nods. “Don’t make a sound.”

I listen to them as they head towards their bikes.

“I told you you should have fucking stayed out here with his bike,” said the bald one. “President’s not going to be happy when we come empty handed.”

“It’s right there you fuck, I see it,” said the other guy. “But where the fuck are ours?”

I watch as they started rushing towards our area. Just then, Candace pushed my hand away and walked over to their bikes.

“Candace!” I whisper. “What the fuck are you doing?” I pull my gun out.

The guys look pissed when they see their motorcycles on the floor. “What the fuck, who did this?”

“Me!” yelled Candace.

“Who the fuck are you?” said the Bald one.

Candace walks around their motorcycles until both of them have their backs against me. That’s when I slowly walked up and pistol-whipped one of the guys in the head, making him fall to the floor while his sunglasses fly off his face. Then I place the barrel of my gun behind the bald guys head.

“Hands up. You move, you die,” I said as I checked his waist. Once I found his gun, I aimed it at the guy on the floor.

“Don’t even think about it,” I said to the other guy. Just then, Candace kicks the bald guy in the nuts and he drops to the ground and holds his groin in pain. I aimed both guns at each of them and motioned Candace to get behind me.
 

“You like that?” she said as she walked over him.

“You,” I said to the guy I hit, “Lay on your stomach and kiss the ground if you want to live.”

The guy does it right away and I search him for his gun. I find his gun and put it in my pocket then I take his phone and drop it in front of him. Then I walked up to the bald guy who was still writhing in pain and used his neck as a footstool while staring into his eyes as he tried to breath. His eyes were red and his hands were still holding his balls.

I cocked my gun and aimed it at the other guy. “How many more of your are here?”

“It’s just us,” he said.

“Call your boss, and put it on speaker phone.”

I watch him close as the phone rings.