Acid (Black Hearts MC #7)

Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

RHEA

My body hurts—every inch of it—but at this moment in time, I don’t care. For the first time in what feels like forever, I am not worried, scared, or looking over my shoulder wondering if he will ever appear. Tonight, I am carefree. Tonight, I will forget.

“Call her,” Star demands. “Ask her why she left so early,” Star presses.

“Nah, she will lose her mind,” Rose says, shaking her head.

“Do it. Come on, it will be fun. She should be here,” Star presses.

“Fine, but if she starts handing me my arse, I’m handing the phone to you. My sister can be a mean grumpy bitch if you wake her,” Rose warns as she presses call on her cell. She pauses, putting it on speaker.

“What?” Lily, her sister, answers.

“That’s not very nice,” Rose snaps.

“Well, what do you expect when you call me at like 2 in the morning!” Lily snaps back.

“You’re very awake for 2 am. You getting some dick?” Rose snorts, laughing.

“Rose! For fuck’s sake. If you must know, yes, I am. Now if you could piss off so I can enjoy it!” Lily yells down the phone. Star is laughing and I wince, trying to contain mine.

“Well, you could have just ignored my call, or switched your phone off,” Rose argues. She turns to Star. “I think we know why she left early,” she whispers, trying to hide her laughter to Star.

“I thought it was an emergency,” Lily sighs down the phone.

“Hey, Blake,” Rose calls out. We hear a deep male laugh in the background.

“You go ride that cowboy!! Catch you later, skin and blister!” Rose sings before disconnecting.

Star laughs. “We should go out and hit a bar,” she suggests.

“Woman, it is 2 am. No bar around here is open that late,” Ghost yells at her from the other side of the bar.

“How did he hear that?” I ask astounded.

“Oh, he can hear anything I say that is either something he thinks will get me in trouble, or if I compliment another man. Watch this,” she says before she leans over the back of the couch, catching the attention of one of the younger guys; a prospect is what I think they call them. He walks over and bends down to hear what she wants. “You are looking mighty fine tonight Tiny,” she compliments. Why the hell he is called Tiny I will never know, because he is huge!

“I suggest you back the fuck away from my woman right fucking now, before I put a bullet in your head!” Ghost threatens. The prospect quickly moves away. “And darlin’, stop teasing the fucking prospects and testing my patience. You know what will happen if you piss me off,” he warns.

I look at Star who is smiling ear to ear. “You going to chase me?” she teases.

“That depends on if you are going to run away from me,” he states as he strides across the bar to where Star is sat. He places his hands on the back of the couch on either side of her head. She looks up at him, a smile playing on her lips.

“Nah baby, I won’t run. My legs are tired. You don’t mind if I rest them on your shoulders, do you?” she asks.

Ghost lets out a deep growl. “Bed now,” he orders. Star laughs as she gets up and scurries off with Ghost hot on her heels.

I frown as the room spins slightly from the drink I’ve consumed. “Have they…? Are they going…?” I ask, confused.

“Are they going to fuck? Absolutely, and on that vibe, I’m thinking that ain’t such a bad idea,” Rose says before standing. She looks across the bar to her man, Rip. He’s someone I’ve learnt that also manages to have a stare that can make you shit your pants with fear. She doesn’t even have to say anything. With one look he is placing down his drink and striding towards her like he’s been stranded in the desert and she’s his oasis. I have no idea what these women do to make their men look at them like that. All I’ve ever had is either a fist, or a lousy low life that ran as soon as I was pregnant with Oliver.

“How are you feeling, darlin’?” Acid asks as he comes to sit next to me.

“I feel like I’m drunk,” I snort.

“That’s good. Everything is chilling down a bit now. You want to go to bed? I think the last time I checked on Olly he had finally fallen asleep,” he adds.

“Oh god, I am the worst mom. I had completely forgot to put him to bed, to say goodnight, or even that I was a mom. I forgot my son!” I exclaim, feeling awful.

Acid laughs. “Don’t sweat it, Mama. He’s good. You needed some time off to relax and just forget. Now let me show you to your room,” he offers, holding out his hand as he stands.

I smile and take it. “You know what, not in a million years did I think I would make friends with a biker. An outlaw biker at that,” I state as he guides me down the hall to my room. I’m not in much pain anymore, thanks to the alcohol, but I think he’s there to help keep me upright, as my balance seems to be off.

“The fox and the hound, darlin’,” Acid states.

“Eh?” I frown.

“Our unlikely friendship. Like the fox and the hound,” he adds.

“Oh, yeah!” I agree a little too loudly, as my voice echoes off the walls. “Wait, who are you?” I ask.

“I’m the hound, and you are the fox,” he answers.

“But why?” I ask.

“Because you’re a good looking woman, you know foxy, and darlin’, I’m sure if you were to speak to my conquests, they would tell you that I am a hound.” He smirks.

I look up and him and smile. “Yeah, I don’t fucking doubt it. I bet you’re a right little slut, aren’t ya?” I laugh, jabbing his chest with my index finger.

“Here’s your room,” he states, changing the subject. He opens the door to a simple room with 2 single beds. I smile when I see Oliver fast asleep in one of them.

“Aww, this is lovely,” I beam.

Acid looks down on me like I’m tripping. “Darlin’, it’s a room with 2 beds and some draws, with a TV and an old as fuck console in it for your kid. It ain’t the fucking Plaza,” he points out. I smile and sigh as he helps me into bed. “You’re a sappy drunk, you know that?” he laughs.

“Am I? That’s nice. Come on, get in bed with me. Let’s have a slumber party.” I yawn as I pat the small space next to me.

He pulls the covers over me. “That ain’t going to happen,” he states.

“And why not?” I huff.

“Because darlin’, the only time I get into bed with any woman is to fuck her,” he states, a smile playing on his lips.

“Eww,” I say with a look of disgust. “Yeah, that ain’t happening. Good night, slut bag,” I sigh, closing my eyes.

Acid places a kiss on the top of my head. “Night, darlin’,” he says, a laugh escaping him.

Waking up the next morning, feeling like dog shit. “Morning, how are you feeling?” Star asks as she walks into my room.

I groan. “Like I’ve been hit by a truck, then dragged for a hundred miles, only then to be let go and land in a crop of cactus’s… Cacti?” I frown.

Star laughs and hands me a glass and some pills. “Take these. They will make you feel better,” she says as she places them in my hand.

“What are these? Are they going to knock me out?” I ask.

“No, just ease the pain.” She looks over at Oliver. “I can’t believe he’s still asleep,” she states.

“It was a late one for him, but he’s always been a deep sleeper. Which considering what we lived with, it’s a blessing he didn’t witness some of it,” I state.

Star nods. “You want me to bring you both some breakfast?” she offers.

“Oh no, we will get up,” I state. “Just let these painkillers kick in. How are you not feeling like crap this morning?” I ask.

She smiles. “Ghost fucked me until I was sober.”

“Oh god, I regret asking now.” I laugh.

She shrugs. “We had a night away from Enzo, which means no restrictions. So, we just go for it.” I nod awkwardly. “Shit, I’m sorry, I’m sure it’s the last thing you want to be thinking of after what you’ve been through,” she apologises.

I shake my head. “Nope. If anything, I don’t want to talk, or even think about it or him ever again. So, I may look like I’ve gone 12 rounds with Colin McGregor, but I want everyone to look at me and treat me like I am okay. Like I’m just here visiting a friend,” I state.

Star nods. “Noted. Well then, get your ass up. Food is ready.” She winks before leaving. I laugh but soon regret it when the pain radiates from my ribs and my pounding head. I slowly get up and go to the bathroom. I look in the mirror as I wash my hands, and as I move my hair aside, I see the marks left from him. Anger flows through me. I have never hated anyone in my life, but I despise him. I let my hair fall back around my face, doing my best to cover the mark. Right then I vow that I will not waste another second of my life thinking about that low life. I got given a chance to make a new life for myself, thanks to Acid, and I plan on taking it. I want Oliver to have the best life I can give him. Just me and him against the world.

I walk back into the room and bend down to wake Oliver up. “Hey, wake up, buddy,” I say softly. He groans and buries his face in the pillow, trying to ignore me. “Wake up. Breakfast is ready and I smell bacon,” I coax.

His eyes spring open and he bolts upright, rubbing his eyes. “I’m awake.” He yawns.

“Go get washed up and put some clean clothes on. Then we will go to breakfast,” I tell him. He nods without an argument and goes into the bathroom. I look for our bags, but I can’t see them anywhere. Out of curiosity, I open the draws and find that someone had put away our clothes. I smile and pull out some clothes for Oliver and myself.

Knocking on the bathroom door, I open it slightly and pass his clean clothes through the door. “Mom! Jeez, I could have been naked!” he yells in protest.

I roll my eyes. “I didn’t look.” I sigh, shaking my head. I leave him be and get changed into a loose-fitting T-shirt and some shorts, not wanting anything too restricting. Once Oliver is out of the bathroom, I brush my teeth and spray a little deodorant and perfume before we make our way down for breakfast.

As we walk in, we are met with the sound of people talking. I’m surprised to see everyone is up and sat around a huge table, tucking into breakfast. I place my hands on Oliver’s shoulders and guide him to the empty chairs.

“Good morning, darlin’,” a deep voice greets me.

I look across the table and see one of the bikers. I look down at his patch. “Morning, er, Scar.” I smile in return.

“Jesus, give her a moment,” Acid sighs. He’s smiling as he shakes his head at Scar.

Scar holds his hands up. “My bad. I can’t help myself when there is a beautiful woman in my presence,” he says with a wink.

“Funny, that’s the same defence a sexual predator would use,” a member called Beast says, laughing.

“What’s a sexual predator?” Oliver asks.

I look at him and my mouth opens to answer, but I’m just not sure what to say. “Er...”

“God damn it Beast, there are little ears present,” Star chastises him. “You’ve got a kid on the way, so learn to watch your mouth,” she adds.

“Olly, a sexual predator is everything that you will never be or have to worry about, as long as you listen to your mom,” Rose says, giving me a wink.

I mouth the words thank you to her.

“No problem. I have one just about the same age at home,” she continues.

Oliver jumps right in and piles up his plate high with pancakes and bacon. I don’t stop him, choosing to let him indulge a little. I take a bite of a blueberry muffin, and the flavours exploding in my mouth.

“Oh my god, this is delicious. Where did you buy them?” I ask before taking another bite.

“I made them,” one of the women smiles.

“Oh wow, they’re amazing,” I compliment.

“Nova, this is Rhea. Rhea, this my sister, Nova,” Acid introduces.

“Oh, you’re his sister? You never said you had a sister,” I chastise.

Nova pulls a funny face. “It’s a long story.”

“Ah, okay,” I say awkwardly.

“How are you feeling today?” Dixie asks from across the table.

I feel everyone’s eyes on me as they wait for my answer. “I feel fine.” I smile. “Thank you for your help yesterday,” I add.

She smiles and nods. I continue to eat my muffin, feeling a little out of place. Everyone knows everyone, meanwhile I’m still trying to learn names.

Queenie sighs and stands up, walking to stand behind Ghost. “Rhea, sweetheart. This is your new family now,” she starts.

I shake my head. “Oh no, I don’t expect you all to deal with us. I’m just Acid’s friend,” I mumble.

“A friend of Acid’s is a friend of ours, there isn’t anything we won’t do for you. So, as we are now your family, you will need to learn our names, because Acid is lovely, but there may be a time you’d like to talk to someone else or need a woman’s opinion.” She smiles. “This is Ghost. He will look at you like he wants to kill you, but he’s adorable really,” she states, squeezing his shoulder. Star laughs and Ghost growls. “Cash is my son, his ol’ lady is Maggie, and Rip is Maggie’s cousin from the Satan’s Outlaws. Rose is with Rip. Then there is Hawk and Josie, Beast and Belle… You already know Dixie, and her other half is Rage.” She pauses, pointing to a guy with red hair, twiddling a blade in his hands. “Then there is Spider and Nova, Acid’s best friend and sister.”

“Oh wow, that’s lovely.” I smile. Acid grunts, unamused.

“Then there is Scar and Buzz. Then the Prospects; Happ, Hairy, Bambi, and Tiny.” She smiles before sitting down.

I sit there wide-eyed. “Wow, that is a lot to remember,” I say, feeling overwhelmed.

“Don’t worry about it, darlin’. Just shout hey and someone will respond,” Acid assures me.