The ties that bind 3, p.13
The Ties That Bind 3, page 13
part #3 of The Ties That Bind Series
“Thank you for being a great friend and listener. For keeping me sane and trying to fix what you didn’t break.” She reached out and patted his chest, allowing her palm to linger briefly over his heart. Claudia dropped her hand when Marcus would have caught it and held it there. “Be careful and drive safely.”
Friend.
Huh.
Until she labeled him that, Marcus didn’t realize how much he loathed the ambiguous title. He wanted to strip her ass naked and bury his tongue deep in Claudia’s pussy, embed her taste on his tongue and remind her of precisely how fucking friendly he could be.
Instead, he replied, “Likewise, Claudia. If I haven’t mentioned it lately, I’m damn proud of you.”
His praise warmed her. She wanted to kiss him goodbye. Or beg him to stay. Marcus knew and his eyes dared her to make a move. Claudia’s nails dug into her palms to refrain from reaching for him, the need was that intense. Yet the words wouldn’t come. They both needed time and space. Falling for him was unexpected. All she’d wanted was a little revenge and got a shit ton more than she’d bargained for. Claudia had expected nothing, a no strings attached, uncomplicated night. Her heart was now paying the price for getting it.
Ransom exited the house and joined them. “Ma, Billy wants to know if you want to go to the Farmer’s Market?”
“I’ll be right there. Goodbye, Rage.”
Coward, her conscience jeered as she bolted under the weight of his taunting stare, like a pack of wild dogs were after her.
“What are her people like?” he asked Ransom tightly. The urge to retrieve Claudia and kidnap her was strengthening by the second.
“Her people? What do you mean?”
“I mean, how well do you know them? Your mother hasn’t been around them for a long time. Do you trust them?”
Ransom’s brow furrowed. “As far as I know, they’re good. The only reason we weren’t closer to them was because of Slade. Why?”
Marcus swiped his hand over his face impatiently. “Lemme ask you something. Is leaving before Claudia gets settled in the right choice? Your father isn’t exactly a live and let live kinda guy. That’s your mama. You only get one and gotta take care of her.”
“I don’t need a lecture on how to care for my mother, Rage. I plan on staying until she gets her car and finds a place of her own. Ma would kick my ass if I hovered over her longer than necessary. Don’t stress. Everything will be fine.”
“Yeah,” Marcus sighed. His gaze lingered on the empty doorway, making his resolve fracture a little. “That’s what everyone keeps telling me.”
“Of course, it will. Ma’s got a lot going for her. She’ll get back on track and eventually even date again. I’m not looking forward to that.”
Ransom gave Marcus a pained look. “What am I gonna do to prevent that shit, though? She’s a fucking catch! Any man could see it. Best believe I’ll make sure she’s got eyes on her the entire time, and if a fool gets outta hand, I’ll be back to handle him.”
Jealousy burned like napalm at the back of Marcus’s throat and spread like a conflagration through his limbs at the thought of some chump trying to step to Claudia. He slapped a black baseball cap on his head with a scowl, resisting the urge to stomp back into the house and demand that Claudia admit that he was her only option when it came to having all of her needs fulfilled.
“See that you do,” he growled. “She’s been through a lot. If you can’t make it, gimme a call and I’ll come through.”
Ransom was visibly relieved. “No shit? You’d really do that? Thanks, man. Any help would be much appreciated.”
“No thanks needed. Take care of her and my daughter.”
They shook hands and Marcus forced his feet to move in the opposite direction of where he wanted to be. When he reached his vehicle, he checked his cell phone. There was one voicemail.
Hey, boss, I mean…Marcus. It’s Minnie. Sorry, I guess old habits die hard. Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I picked up some chatter on that old line you used to have for your underground networking system. Intel’s about a week old, but I figured you might be interested in it. Gimme a call ASAP! Lorelai’s been on the move. I’m going back deep undercover in a couple of days in Alaska. I still feel like crap about what happened and want to help you in any way I can.
So, he’d caught a fish with his net. Marcus didn’t hesitate to dial Minnie’s number impatiently, only to be disconnected. Knowing what that meant made him fling the phone away. Marcus pounded his frustration into the steering wheel.
“Son of a bitch!”
Minnie was deep undercover already.
“Alright, you’re straight, wildthing. I checked all the fluids, and everything’s good. The traffic report was good too. No accidents or major delays, which means you should be back in Famon in about six hours. Baby, no speeding, please. I’ll be expecting your call when you arrive home.”
Ransom removed his head from under the hood of her Camry and shut it. He moved toward Billy with panther-like grace that she admired as she leaned against the driver’s door. He leaned in and placed an arm on either side of her head and kissed her nose.
“Be careful. Again, no speeding,” he reiterated sternly. “That lead foot of yours is gonna make me go prematurely gray.”
They were at a gas station with Claudia off the 101 freeway where they would part ways temporarily. Billy would take it back to school while the Lawsons would head for Riverside.
She snaked her arms around his neck, and Ransom splayed his hands in the small of her back, pulling her as close as the layers Billy was bundled up in would allow. Their lips met in a kiss that grew longer, deeper, and sweeter, making them hate when they had to come up for air.
“It wasn’t that bad. You’re simply used to being on a bike. I miss you already. Behave yourself!” Billy lectured him. “No more making poor Claudia nuts.”
They’d enjoyed the past couple of days exploring Santa Barbara with his mother. After Marcus left, they went car shopping, which took the rest of the day. A seasoned mechanic, Ransom proceeded to drive Claudia insane while he demanded to look under the hood of every truck her eyes touched. He insisted on test driving everything and interrogating the nervous salesmen and car dealership owners, thus inciting potential customers to leave. In the end, Claudia purchased a gently used silver, two-seater Isuzu truck. Much to Billy’s amusement, it was discounted five hundred dollars by the owner if she could get Ransom off the property.
His green eyes gleamed with satisfaction, and he offered Billy a full-blown smile sprinkled with lust and humor. “Like you, she’s kinda fond of me; therefore, she puts up with my shit, wildthing.”
Billy shot him a pitying look. “Spoken like a man who doesn’t even realize how close he came to getting his high-handed ass clobbered by a pint-sized woman.”
“She’ll thank me later. I can’t have Ma driving a hoopty, and she knows it.” Ransom zipped the white sweatshirt she’d paired with navy nylon sweats for her trip, all the way up, ignoring her huffy protests. When Billy tried to unzip it, he glared and batted her hands away.
“Don’t even try it! If you think, for one minute, that I’ll take pity on you and refrain from doing buck wild, nasty shit to you because you’re sick, you’re dead wrong. I suggest you rest up and even try to get a few yoga classes in before I get there.”
Billy sucked her teeth. “Yoga? Psssht! Don’t act like I can’t keep up with you, Ransom. I ain’t afraid of a little sweat and you know it! We can go all out, cocky-ass!”
“Game on when I hit the door,” he challenged, perusing her from head to toe and licking his lips hungrily.
“Bet!” Billy agreed, and they sealed the deal with a kiss.
He wound some of her braids around his fingers. “Make sure these stay in too. I have plans for them.”
She flushed at the husky promise in his voice. “I was going to take them down. If they stay in, you’re helping me take them out.”
“Consider it done. After last summer, I’m somewhat of an expert,” Ransom boasted, making Billy fake gag.
“Okay, first of all, you’ve only done it once and that’s because you almost chopped off my real hair! After that scare, I refused to let you help with anything.”
“Babe, you weren’t really clear on the specifics last time. No worries, I got you.”
“Have you learned nothing being with me?” she demanded, raising her eyes to the sky. “Boy, I know I taught you better!”
Ransom kissed her cold nose and dutifully recited, “Black women are always specific when it comes to their hair. They don’t play.”
“Exaaactly.”
Ransom’s smile disappeared. “I hate to kill the mood, love, but we need to talk about Carmelita Wilson.”
The humor drained from Billy’s face and was swiftly replaced with concern. “What’s going on?”
“Ma is going to the cops about her murder. She’s going to try to leave you out but—”
“She can’t! That’s a crucial point to be shared. If it wasn’t for me, they would never have been in Famon.” Billy placed her fingers over Ransom’s mouth when he would have objected.
“Don’t say anymore. This tragedy could potentially save other women. What will it mean for you? I’m envisioning your brother’s face plastered over the news, and since you’re identical to him…” she winced. “I know you can’t help it, but is that really how you want to start your career, Ransom? With an association to him?”
He smiled cynically. “It’s not exactly something I can change, Billy.”
“I’m aware of that.” She eyed him critically. “Please believe that I say this with love: have you ever considered…altering your appearance? Maybe a haircut and shave until everything dies down? Change your look to…blend in more?” Billy tried visualizing it and shook her head. “I doubt it would work with your looks and sex appeal. Every chick within a fifty-mile radius would sacrifice being run over just to cross the street and get a look at you.”
Ransom didn’t find that funny. “Is that what you want me to do? Change who I am? Why? So, I can look like the guys that move in your social circle? Like your best friend who’s mooning over you? Or Professor Dick?”
He realized the Kenton Medinas and Nick Olentes of the world were the kind of men you brought home to meet your family. Straight up, motherfucking trophy bitches to parade around polite society. With their Disney Prince Charming looks, money, and style, they symbolized wealth and privilege; the goals most women fantasized about. Ransom also understood he would never be that guy. No matter how much he cleaned up, he’d always have a rugged demeanor with an “I don’t give two shits” vibe about him. The distinction had never bothered him until now.
Frustrated, Billy tossed her hands in the air. “I feel like I can’t win here! Are you for real right now, Ransom? What’s with the big boy communication breakdown? That wasn’t what I meant, and you damn well know it! When have I ever given any indication that I might be ashamed of your appearance? I’m only thinking about how this would affect your situation. I can and will withstand the scrutiny. Can you say the same?”
“Fuck what everyone thinks” is my motto!” he retorted, grabbing Billy by the waist and tugging her into him. “Always has been, Billy. But for you?” Ransom shook his head defiantly. “You, who didn’t ask for any of this?? I don’t want any blowback interfering in your life.”
“I know I didn’t ask for this,” Billy agreed sadly. Her hands slid up Ransom’s chest and encircled his neck again. “Neither did Carmelita. We owe it to her to make sure her case is resolved. Don’t worry about me. I can handle anything that’s going to help all parties involved achieve closure. You’ve got my full support.”
“I wish I could wind the clock back and save her, baby. Hell, save them all,” Ransom’s bleakly admitted. “The only thing I can do right now is try to make it right.”
“Then that’s what we’ll do. I need to get going.” Billy angled her head to look past him. Claudia was sitting in her truck, speaking into her cell phone with a pinched expression.
“Is your mother okay? She looks upset.”
Ransom followed her line of vision and grimaced. “She’s talking to Slade. I’d say that’s a given.”
“Yikes. That can’t be fun. Tell her I said goodbye.”
“Will do.”
Billy kissed him and swatted Ransom away when his hands slid down to her bottom. “Uh-uh! I remember the last time you did that. We ended up giving a trucker a free show on a remote stretch of highway in New Mexico, remember? Not my finest moment.”
“I know. That’s why I’m trying to give you a chance to redeem yourself,” he kidded, hoisting her up and spinning her around when her legs locked around his waist. “I love you, wildthing.”
“Love you too. I can’t wait to get you alone!” Billy shrieked as they twirled faster.
Her braids whirled around them, and her radiant smile rivaled the sun’s, making Ransom wish he had his camera. He finally stopped and leaned against the hood of the car. Exhilarated, Billy laughed until her sides hurt. She pressed her face to his jaw, nuzzling him. Her lips descended to his neck, chilled by the damp weather. A sweep of her tongue along the strong column warmed Ransom right up, and shot heat directly to his groin.
“Don’t start shit with me out here, woman.” The primitive growl at the back of his throat shot down Billy’s spine and curled her toes. “And the feeling is mutual about some alone time. Are you gonna be bad for me?”
“Like you wouldn’t believe, babe,” Billy purred.
“Stop putting those images in my mind.” He dropped his head back with a tortured groan, eliciting a giggle from Billy. “At this point, I’m starting to feel like a fucking monk; it’s been so long since we’ve—”
“Ransom! It’s been five days. We’ve abstained for longer periods than this.”
“Not by choice! Only a soulless monster would say some sick shit like that with a smile!” Billy laughed harder at his outrage, making it impossible for him not to join in. “I can’t talk to you when you’re being this unreasonable. All I know is you’re gonna make it worth my while. Time for you to go, woman,” he added regrettably.
Billy buried her face in his shoulder. “Take comfort in the fact that you’re not suffering alone. By the way, have I mentioned how ridiculous you are?”
“A time or two.” Ransom lifted her chin. “Now gimme some sugar for the road.”
Claudia listened to the phone ringing and prayed Slade wouldn’t answer. That she would be able to leave a voicemail without having to engage in actual conversation. They had nothing to say to each other. Especially when Claudia was now aware that he’d slaughtered the Aztec crew.
“Lawson’s Automotive. Slade speaking.”
Clearly, her fairy godmother was not taking requests at the moment. “It’s Claudia.”
Subzero silence met her greeting. In the background, there was the usual banter that she could hear even through the glass office door. When Slade said nothing, Claudia ventured into the icy muteness.
“Harley and Pitch murdered a young girl in Northern California during their self-imposed exile. Harley left a letter of evidence before committing suicide. Her name was Carmelita Wilson, and I’m turning his admission over to the cops.”
It was jarringly quiet on the other end.
“The fact that they were members of an MC with a notorious reputation will come up, and the club might come under scrutiny. In spite of what happened between us, the club is family and should be forewarned.”
Slade made a disgusted sound. “Good riddance to that idiot. He was a pathetic, tit-sucking, bottom feeder.”
Claudia’s nails tapped impatiently on the steering wheel, and she abruptly stopped and pressed her lips together, fighting back a retort. Protecting her peace by setting up rules and having boundaries was imperative to Claudia. Slade was her past, and that’s where he’d stay. Engaging with him would be pointless.
“Moving on to my next order of business. I’ve filed for a divorce, and the papers are being expedited to you. I didn’t ask for anything. The only thing required of you is that you return the documents once you’ve signed them. Then it will be officially over between us. A clean, simple break.”
“That’s it, huh?” Slade gave a malicious chuckle that grew into an evil cackle that slashed at Claudia’s force field, searching for cracks, as his fury emerged, unrestrained like a riptide trying to disrupt her serenity and drag and submerge her.
“After twenty-three years together, we get a ‘clean, simple break’,” he mimicked nastily in a high falsetto. “Why? Because you say so?! You’re a real fucking piece of work, Claudia.”
She steeled herself against Slade’s acrimony. In such a short time, Claudia had almost forgotten how abrasive and callous he was. The company of a good man would do that, she supposed. Clarity was a helluva drug. Her defiance rose like a tidal wave in response.
“What I am is a fucking masterpiece that you never appreciated,” she coolly reminded him. “You’re mad that I reclaimed my dignity and self-respect on the way out the door and refuse to be your doormat any longer. As I said, that’s all I wanted. Good—”
“I fucking heard you!” Slade swept his desk’s contents to the floor as he jumped to his feet, unmindful of the pain that radiated up his injured leg.
“I just thought something more might be forthcoming from you, like an apology for betraying your vows, you adulterous whore! I know you screwed that son of a bitch!”
Claudia started at the clatter in the background that was followed by a crash. Rabid breathing filled her ear as she processed his words, listening to the combination of hatred and bitterness that bled into them. Slade knew about her and Rage. Guilt pierced her fleetingly. Her marital vows had always been sacred to Claudia. If you’d asked her a year ago if cheating on the man she’d put on a pedestal was a probability, she would have laughed her ass off.
“Nothing to say, Mrs, Lawson?” Slade jeered as he plopped back in his chair. His shaking hands reached for his bottle of pain relievers. Fuck! Hearing Claudia’s breathy voice had been unexpected. A thousand memories ambushed him, instantly weakening him, reminding Slade of how much he still wanted her.
