Bad Vibes (Inkspirationz Book 1) Page 4

  “Beauty is pain,” she shrugs, acting like the show off I know and love.

  “I’d rather be bringing the pain instead of wearing it.” I laugh, leading the way towards our front steps.

  “Mmm, smell that?” Izzy asks, with her nose tilted into the air. “Mira’s cooking,” we sing in unison.

  Entering the tiny house, the three of us share with my brother, we’re greeted by the amazing smell of whatever our little homemaker Mira has whipped up for dinner. “Mmmm,” Izzy and I sing in harmony again. “Smells amazing in here.” Izzy calls out.

  “It better.” Mira replies, from somewhere within the kitchen. “Jacob and I have been slaving away in here all day, haven’t we Jacob?” Mira coos as my son giggles and throws one of his toys for attention.

  With my arms outstretched, I sing, “Hey my little J.”

  “Momma,” he replies, opening and closing his little hands with excitement.

  Freeing him from his high chair, I turn to Mira. “How was our boy today?” I ask, grateful that I have such amazing roommates that don’t mind helping me raise my son.

  “Perfect as usual,” she chimes, stirring sauce on the stove.

  “Good boy,” I sing, as his little face lights up. “Momma missed you,” I coo, kissing his chubby cheeks. I can’t believe he’s turning three in a couple of weeks, my heart cries. Where’s the time going? I worry, as that little gleam of Jason glows behind his eyes. Let’s just hope he stays away, I comment to myself. If he knows what’s best for him anyway.

  Moving around the stove, Mira asks, “How was your day?”

  “Oh, you know,” I say, shrugging it off. “It was eventful to say the least.”

  “That bad huh?”

  “Sort of.”

  “She did meet someone, though,” Izzy chimes.

  Quirking her brow, Mira sings. “Our Scarlett?”

  Rolling my eyes, I speak up, “It’s not like that.”

  “What’s it like then?” Mira asks, as Izzy begins setting the table.

  “He’s from the Glory Bounds.” I start, “Which means there’s a possibility he might also know my dad.” I add as a small part of me wonders if I’m just drawing conclusions because they’re apart of the same Club.

  “Oh wow,” she replies, processing the information for a mere second before she asks, “Is he cute?”

  “I didn’t really pay attention,” I lie, but clearly not well enough.

  “Right.” Izzy teases. “Like you didn’t notice he’s gorgeous.”

  “He’s far from gorgeous.” I retort, trying my best to cover, even though I’m not completely blind. I smile on the inside. I did however notice how well he takes care of himself despite being a biker.

  “Are we talking about the same brooding Biker?” Izzy giggles. “Because this guy is fine,” she calls out for effect.

  The two of them completely ignoring me now, Mira sings. “Details.”

  “He’s tall, like six feet, with that faded hair style, you know the one where it’s shaved underneath and at the sides but there’s enough hair to run your fingers through.” Izzy purrs, as she demonstrates.

  Following along with a nod, Mira says. “Ok.”

  “He’s rugged and all man.” Izzy exaggerates. “And did you get a look at his hands Scar? Clearly, he puts his all into his work,” Izzy claps with excitement. “I can only imagine how hard he works for other things,” she adds, making suggestions with her brows.

  “Well, he’s all yours if you want to find out.” I offer, doing my best to put distance between us. The last thing I need is a man to complicate my already complicated life.

  Turning my way with worry, Izzy’s brow creases. “You’re not interested?”

  “Hardly,” I breathe, feeling a slight pang as Mira turns towards me with soft eyes.

  “Not all men are abusers, Scar.” She softens, as she joins Jacob and I at the table.

  Ashamed everyone knows about that part of my past what I hate most of all is that I let Jason abuse me not only with his fists but with his words and his actions. “I just don’t have the energy to put into someone else.” I share, admitting only half the truth.

  Knowing me better, Mira persists, “Is that all, or does it have something to do with the fact that he’s a biker?”

  “Well it certainly doesn’t help his case,” I chuckle, as my son wiggles to get free.

  “You really hate the Club that much that you’d refuse to go out with a member?” Izzy asks, with concern.

  “Why are we even talking about this?” I huff, “It’s not like I’m going to see him after this tattoo is done.”

  “So, you are going to do the work?” Izzy speaks up from behind the door of the fridge.

  “It’s good money,” I shrug, “and it’d be great experience to do a custom memorial piece.” I explain, lowering my eyes with grief.

  Not buying it, Izzy nods with an, “Mmmhmm.” Then crosses her arms. “And what happens when he wants another one?” Izzy throws at me.

  I hadn’t even considered that. “Then one of you can take him,” I state, doing my best to pass him off.

  “Oh no,” Izzy shakes her head, “You don’t get to pass him off like that, it’s not fair to him or you.”

  “Why me?”

  “You’ll see.”

  “This better not be another one of your setups Izzy.”

  “With all my best efforts my dear Scare Bear, this wasn’t me.”

  Returning to the stove Mira laughs, “Scare Bear? Where’d the sudden nickname come from?” She asks, checking on dinner.

  “Oh, you should have seen it,” Izzy starts, while she’s collecting the plates, “the scowl on her face all day, Scary,” she drags out.

  Defending myself with a chuckle, I wave her off, “There was no scowl.”

  “Wasn’t there?” Izzy teases, as I redirect my son to back to the dining room.

  “There might have been,” I admit, upon a laugh.

  “Oh Scar, what are we going to do with you?”

  “I’m fine guys, really,” I mumble, dropping back into my chair, “Why does everyone feel the need to set me up all the time?” I sigh, “Can’t I just get a pass for a little while,” I pause, “at least until Jacob goes off to college or something.”

  “Girl you’ll be all dried up by then,” Izzy teases, as she places a pitcher of water on the table.

  Knowing the girls won’t let that happen, I laugh, “That’s fine.”

  “That is not fine. Scare Bear or not, I won’t let that happen to you.”

  “Is that so?” I play along, “And how are you,” I stop, “you know what, I’m not even going to ask.”

  “That’s probably for the best,” Izzy all but cackles, causing both Mira and I to look her way with ‘judgement’.

  Heading back towards the sink Mira asks, “Is Kurt coming home for dinner?”

  “I’m not sure?”

  “You know he’s been hanging around with the girl next door, right?” Izzy points out, and the idea of my brother spending time with someone makes me happy.

  “Good for him,” I whisper, “he deserves to be happy?”

  “She’s a lot younger though, Scar.” Izzy adds.

  “How much younger?” I worry, directing my son back into the dining room.

  “Pretty young, like just starting high school young.”

  “I’m sure it’s fine.” I shake it off.

  “It’s not if her parents find out he’s an adult,” Izzy points out. “He could be in a lot of trouble if they get into ‘something’ and he gets caught.”

  “You think so?”

  “Scar, he’s going to be nineteen, she’s what fifteen, maybe sixteen at the most? She’s still considered a minor.”

  “Good point,” I relent as we gather around the table. “I’ll touch base with him when I see him next.”

  “Please do. I wouldn’t want Kurt to land himself into trouble.”

  Chapter 5

  Brody
>
  Frustrated with the Club for summoning me after they gave me the day off, I pull into the yard with annoyance. Parking my bike amongst the ranks, Michael looks on from the Clubhouse doors, I wonder how badly he’ll tear into me for disregarding their call? I worry as a couple of members race off the lot ahead of me.

  Nodding at the members lounging around on my way in, there's no doubt they’re all hungover from last night's patch over party. “Wolfe,” Michael summons from inside the Club’s meeting room, “I heard you wandered into Inkspirationz.”

  How did he hear that? “Awh, yeah,” I nod, leaving the guys out front as I make my way inside. “I thought it was time I honored Snake and maybe my old man too,” I explain, feeling like I’ve been caught spilling Club secrets already.

  With his eyes on me, he tips his chin, “And, how’d it go?”

  “Good, I guess. I need to stop by there tomorrow with a missing photo.” I supply, knowing full well he could put me on Club business and blow this entire thing, “If that’s all right,” I add.

  “That’s fine,” he smirks, as his cold eyes stay narrowed. “How is she?” He asks, leading me into what I fear might be a trap.

  “Who?”

  “Our little Scarlett,” he smirks, causing my insides to tighten at the way he utters her name.

  “Snake’s Scarlett?” I reply, continuing with the charade.

  “The one and the same,” he trails off baiting me further.

  Doing my best to cover, I lie. “I had no idea it was her.”

  “I kind of find that hard to believe,” he continues, shuffling his feet. “You out of anyone should know it’s her,” he narrows those cold eyes even further. “After all, don’t you carry her picture everywhere you go?” He points out, knowing that Snake kept a picture of his daughter firmly tuck into his pocket. “And yet you had no idea?” He plays along, with a slight tilt of his head.

  “I’ve never actually met her,” I challenge, “I’ve only ever heard stories.”

  “Huh,” he chuckled at my omission, “I could have sworn you two knew each other."

  “Nope.” I offer, shaking my head.

  “What are you going to do now that you know?" He asks, his tone turning heavy.

  “About what?” I counter, firmly holding my ground.

  “Wise remark,” he whispers, turning his back on me. “Scope her out and report back tomorrow night,” he orders.

  “Scope her out Sir?” I call out, regretting it the moment the words left my mouth.

  “Is there a problem Wolfe?” He demands, striking my nerves with his tone.

  “No Sir,” I relent, "but why are we keeping eyes on her?” I press, even though I know I'm overstepping my boundaries.

  “Because I said we are,” he barks with his back still turned to me. “Is she going to be a problem for you, Wolfe?” He calls over his shoulder.

  “No problem,” I repeat, feeling like I’m about to walk into something big.

  “Very well,” he utters, slamming the door behind him.

  What does he want with Scarlett? I ask, turning away with worry. Maybe the guys know?

  Anxiously walking through the Club I’ve searched all EZ and Buck’s usual hangouts, but I come up empty. Seems as if they’re off on business, I huff. Abandoning this mission, I return to my quarters to stew. Tossing my hands through my hair with frustration, I kick the door closed behind me with a thud. How long has Michael known Scarlett’s been in town? I begin to pace, and what is he planning? I worry as my feet carry me across the room. What’s with the business about keeping an eye on her?

  Removing the picture from my cut I’m unable to hide the smile that sneaks its way in whenever I look at her picture, it’s surreal that I’ve met her in person, I whisper, as my eyes linger over her childlike features, the tattoos and bright red hair might hide the mousey girl that hides underneath, but I see who you really are Scarlett. I see the anger and sadness you carry. I touch the photo for comfort as the moment we shared in the mirror this morning replays. What else touched you to create such pain?

  Pacing the room like I had nothing better to do, my thoughts kept wandering back to her and the way her jeans hugged her hips and her taut little ass, or the way her generous breasts shook as she stormed towards me with her sharp chin held high, acting like she was better than me and knew it. I chuckle, and for a fraction of time, I thought this tattooed badass standing before me would be putty in my hands with a mere flash of a grin. That was until I realized who she was. Immediately my tough exterior melted and transformed into this overwhelming need to protect her, not only for her own well being but for my own.

  Grabbing for the first cut in reach, I storm out of my quarters and down the hall past the kitchen. Glancing inside on my way through, I spot Diamond and some of the others cooking. Not wanting to deal with her right now, I press forward. Ducking past the pool hall and the bar I fly out of the Club and into the garage. “Hey man, where are you going?” Hawk calls out, as I’m passing by.

  Without slowing down, I call out. “Gotta clear my head.”

  “You okay? You look out of it.”

  “Yeah, I’m good.” I nod, appreciating the fact that he stopped to check in on me. “If I’m not back by dark then you can worry,” I supply, with the tip of my chin.

  “Will do,” Hawk chants, after me as I move towards my bike.

  Gearing up, I start the engine and rev it once just for show as I exit the lot. Pulling onto the street I briefly close my eyes as the familiar images of my sister’s murder come to the surface. Roaring past the place she was gunned down, I push the gruesome memories aside as my bike carries me towards Inkspirationz. Passing the studio’s sign in a blur my thoughts shift towards Scarlett and the secret I keep.

  It’s been four years since my sister was gunned down and I know putting my life on hold and not talking about what happened hasn’t been the best way to cope with the tragedy I’ve encountered but burying the pain and sadness is the only way I know how to deal with my suffering.

  Heading for the open road, my bike carries me out of town and towards the spot my sister and I ran to when we needed to escape our old man and the Club. Approaching the hill, I’m removing helmet as someone moves to my left, I didn’t realize people knew about this spot?

  Pushing forward I nod at the guy but then notice the white rose he’s holding, my sister’s favorite flower, I sigh as I look the sad guy over, is it possible he knows her somehow? I shake the thought away, not everyone knew Ash. I remind myself, even though the thought of someone else missing her the same way I do gives me a split second of comfort.

  Standing at the edge of the lookout the guy follows suit, “I didn’t realize anyone knew about this place,” he whispers, lowering his head.

  “Right?” I chuckle along with him.

  “You know I once lived here my entire life and never knew this place existed,” he starts, and by the tone in his voice I knew he was grieving for someone.

  “Oh yeah,” I breath, caught up in my own grief.

  “My girl,” he starts, then pauses as if he’s searching for the appropriate words. “Someone I cared about led me here,” he finishes as his eyes raised to the skyline with emotion.

  Feeding off his grief, I mumble, “I’m sorry,” as he spins the flower between his fingers. with.

  Offering him a tight smile, he whispers his thanks as his unkempt hair falls into his eyes shadowing his features. While the two of us stood here inside our grief, I have this overwhelming feeling I know this guy, or at least I should but I can’t figure out why. Caught between the need for space and silence, my insides are screaming me for more. “Can I ask, who the flower is in remembrance of?” I seek, fearing his answer.

  “My girlfriend,” he sighs with a heavy heart, and for that fleeting moment I feel like he’s about to say her name, instead he just stares at my cut and turns away, “I’m sorry if I’ve overstepped,” he says, lowering the rose in the exact place my sister liked to inhabi
t while we were up here. Turning his back on me he saunters away as that white rose stares back at me. It can’t be possible, I groan, as I watch this sad version of this broken young man walk away from me.

  Chapter 6

  Scarlett

  Once Jacob is bathed and tucked safely into bed, I enter the hallway to the sounds of people talking in Mira’s room. Stopping to listen for a moment I realize it’s Mira’s TV, is she watching Casper again? I worry, as Kat utters the line about what it’s like to die. Oh Mira, I sigh, knowing it’s her go to movie when she’s missing her fiancée Adam. I can’t even begin to imagine what it’s like to lose someone I was in love with, my heart literally breaks for her. But to lose that someone at the exact moment they had everything going for them, the pain in my chest starts to ache. I should go in and at least check on her.

  Shuffling down the hall Mira’s sniffling draws me closer, “Knock, knock,” I speak up, from the doorway, leaning against it for support. “Everything alright in here?” I ask, with the wall holding me up.

  “Yeah,” she whispers, from under her blankets.

  “Do you have room for one more? I could really go for a dose of Casper myself right about now.” I admit, lowering my eyes.

  “Of course,” she speaks up, doing her best to quickly clean up all the tissues she has spread out around her as I enter her room.

  With nothing but the glow of the TV to light my way, I have just enough light to navigate past her make up table and climb into her bed as the line about being born, only backwards fills the room. Nestling under the covers, I rest my head on Mira’s shoulder as I check on her again, “Are you thinking about Adam?” I ask in the dark.

  Leaning her head against mine, she sniffles, “Maybe a little.”

  “What are we doing to honor him this year?”

  “I don’t know,” she breathes, as fresh tears streamed down her cheeks. “I thought this was supposed to get easier Scar.” She cries, and the only thing I know how to do is hold her and let her feel everything while we both grieve for our loved ones.

  “It takes time Hun,” I offer, stroking her hair for comfort. “I’ve never lost someone I was ‘in love’ with, but loss affects us all differently.” I offer. “And a loss like yours.” I grip her tighter, “You might never recover, if I’m being honest. But Izzy and I are here for you, always, you know, that right?”