Raging Barons MC – Book Nine – Knuckles

-:- KNUCKLES -:-

Thursday evening and driving over to Club Whisky, I can’t help but smile as I reach over and take hold of Jo’s hand. She was so excited to be away from the compound and clubhouse for the night that the risk is well worth taking.

Silver, Fox, and Hammer are bringing their ol’ ladies, so Jo has someone to dance and spend the evening with, while I keep my eye on the door. Chris and Austin are good prospects, and they are building a profitable business for the club. I’m hoping they are going to be strong on the door, because while on protection duty of any kind, if you show fear, you’re done for.

Parking behind the club, I make sure I’m as near to the door as possible so I can get Jo inside quickly, and with only minimal exposure.

Chris and Austin pull up at each side of the SUV and I give them a nod as I walk around to help Jo out of the vehicle. “Come on, Jo, quickly through the door, as I told you.”

Thankfully, nothing occurs as I get Jo out of the vehicle and cross the few feet to the back door and inside the club. The hall is quiet, as we pass the office; I look in and see Silver talking to Fox.

“You can lock the back door now. Chris and Austin will be in the club. They’ll mingle so they can keep checking if anyone looks out of place.”

Silver stands and walks over to us, smiling at Jo. “You okay Jo? Eden, Carrie, and Tilly are waiting for you in the club. They grabbed one of the booths so they can see everything that’s going on.”

Jo smiles back at him and turns to continue down the hall to the club. “Hang on a minute, Jo.” I grasp her hand and stop her. “If anything goes down, you come in here and lock the door. Make a call to the clubhouse and brothers will come running. But sayin’ that, I’ll not let anythin’ happen to you. Okay?”

“Yes, I understand.” Jo reaches up on her tiptoes and kisses me lightly. This woman is digging into my heart, and fast. I knew she was special when I first saw her, and I’m one lucky fucker that she gave me a chance.

Fox chuckles. “Go on, get outta here. All this smoochin’ will have Carrie giving me hell for not having much time lately.”

I knew everyone was stretched with what had been going on, but I didn’t realize it could be affecting anyone’s relationship. We need to get this done because I feel guilty. It’s my trouble that is causing them a problem.

“You can take that look off your face, Knuckles. You’ve been there for every one of us, and we are here in return. We’re family, and that’s what we do. Now fuck off, get your woman settled, and then tell Tony what y’all want to eat.” Silver slaps my shoulder and I give him a nod of thanks and guide Jo out from the hall, through the bar, and to where the ol’ ladies are sitting.

“Here you are, Jo. Get settled. Do you want me to get you anything specific to eat?”

“No, I’m happy with something simple. I’m not that hungry at the moment. Maybe we can wait a while?” Jo settles next to Eden in the booth, and I kiss the top of her head, taking a deep breath of her smell, which is a soft floral scent.

“Okay. I’ll keep coming over and checking on you. Chris and Austin are around, if you need something, give them a shout and they’ll make sure you are alright.”

Carrie grins. “We’ll be okay Knuckles. We’ll stay inside the club, dance, eat, and have a few drinks. Nothing wild, and there’s a few of you around and I’m sure more will come during the evening. We’ll be fine. Now go on, get to work.”

Shaking my head at Carrie, I kiss Jo on the lips lightly, then head to the bar where I watch Carol, Twig, and Sue, the servers, getting into their stride. They have been at the club a while now and after we had trouble with Jewel, these three settled into the way we ran the place easily. Linda is serving behind the bar tonight. She’s the newest, and she’s a damn good woman, works harder than all the others and I hope she’ll get a promotion at some time.

Thursdays are pretty busy, and as the place starts to show signs of warming up, I head to the door and take my position. Checking anyone that looks like they may be trouble and ignoring women that are after a good time with a biker. The kutte, tats, and size always get unwanted attention, and now I have Jo, there is no way they are going to put me in bad books with my woman. Anyone that reaches out with a hand to touch me, I step back or grasp their wrists lightly and eyeball them until they back down.

I’m watching Jo and the others, as and when I can, noticing they get basket meals, and they all seem to be getting on well. I’m pleased Jo has settled in with the other ol’ ladies. She’ll have good friends who are more like sisters, given time.

Lincoln walks up to me and gives me a huge smile, rubbing his hands together. “Came to have a bit of a change from the clubhouse, Chisel, Dice, and Jig are here too.” Before he can say more the three walk up to the door and push and shove playfully to get through all at once.

“Get in and behave. I don’t want to have to kick out my brothers.” Chuckling at the three of them.

Watching as they take seats at the bar, give Linda some lip, who soaks it up and gives just as much back. Turning back to the door, I watch as four men walk up towards me. “You carryin’ anythin’?”

One of the four looks at me and grins. “Nope. We’re only here for a meal and a drink, then gone again.”

“Well, you won’t mind me checkin’, then.” They all four allow me to frisk them down and when they have nothing on them, I allow them inside. I’m happy that they’re not here to cause trouble because Chris and Austin don’t have as much fighting strength as Colton.

The evening settles, and Chris walks over with Austin beside him. “Go eat and have an hour with your ol’ lady. We’ll stay on the door. There’s two of us so we can manage. I know we’re not as good as Colton, but we can do it, and there are club brothers around if anything kicks off.”

“Okay. I’m leaving the door in your hands. Make sure I don’t regret it, ‘cause I want you two to get your full patches when it’s time.” I manage not to grin when they both stand a little straighter and stick their chests out that bit more.

Strolling over to the booth, I see Jo is having a good time. The four of them are laughing and talking as I walk over. Jo must feel me approaching as she turns and looks my way. When she smiles at me, her whole face lights up, her eyes sparkling, and my heart flips at the sight.

Bending down, I whisper in her ear. “You okay?”

“Yes, we’re having a great evening. We’ve not danced yet because I’ve been waiting for my man.”

Placing my forehead onto hers, I smile as her saying ‘my man’ has warmed me to my soul. “Come on then, let me take you dancin’.”

Holding my hand out, Jo places her hand in mine, and I guide her over to the dance floor. Looking up, Linda at the bar sees me and gives a nod. She flips the dance music behind the bar and the music slows, giving me the opportunity to wrap my arms around my woman and enjoy the feel of her moving with me.

We dance for half an hour and it’s slow, shuffling on my part, with Jo just hanging onto me and giggling every time I nearly step on her toes. My big feet don’t always want to do what I want them to when it comes to this type of shit, but both of us enjoy the moment we’re sharing.

Eden, Carrie, and Tilly appear, grabbing Jo from me. “Time for us to dance now. Go and eat Knuckles, before you’ve got to get back to the door.” Tilly says and the three give me a look that says go away. Sighing, I watch as they drag Jo a little further away and dance together.

Walking over to the bar, I take a seat next to Lincoln, who’s grinning at me. “Come on, Knuckles, she’s safe, having a good time, and I think she’s more than fallen for you.”

I look at him with surprise. “I’m gonna keep her safe and love her hard.”

“I know you will, brother.” Slapping me on the back, Lincoln laughs and takes a drink of his beer. “Who would’a thought I’d save my sister from a mafia asshole, and she falls for a damn biker?”

Chisel leans across Lincoln and gives me a serious look. “If I could find myself one like Jo or the other ol’ ladies, I’d think myself lucky, and I’d grab on with both hands and not let go. I know I’m younger than most of you, but I can see what’s good and what isn’t.”

Following Chisel’s eyes, I see exactly what he’s talking about as three skanks are leaning on the bar further down, trying to get Jig’s attention, but he’s ghosting them, much to their disgust and Dice’s amusement.

“Oh, I know I’ve got a good one, and I’m hanging onto her. But brothers, if that fucker tries to get her and I’m near enough, I’ll kill him. He’s already caused enough hurt and we’ve all seen Meat’s PTSD kick in. He only acts out with this dressing-up shit when he’s fighting that, and we’ve all seen him settle down this last year and only dressing up when TJs has a theme night.

“I’ve gotta say I’m more than happy he’s not been walking around naked, ‘cause I don’t want Jo looking at his junk, or anyone else’s.”

Lincoln cracks up laughing, and I turn to Linda as she hands me a basket meal. Chicken wings, fries, and onion rings. Just what I like, and Tony makes the best beer-battered onion rings I’ve ever eaten. Growling at Lincoln as he grabs one of the chicken wings while chuckling when he bumps shoulders with me, murmuring. “Brother-in-law and you best make it legal.”

I’m a bit shocked and look at Lincoln to see how serious he is and at the stare he’s giving me, I know he’s saying to make Jo my wife and not a kept woman of any type. Giving him a nod, I can feel the smile growing on my face at the thought of locking Jo down and making her my wife and legal in the eyes of the law.

The night ends peacefully, and we’ve had no problems which I’m thankful for. I didn’t want Jo’s night to end with trouble or someone trying to grab her. I know that Tommaso’s men are being picked off one by one as Axel keeps a running tally in BS’s office. The funny thing about that is he doesn’t do it with the four lines and strike through as we would normally see. The fucker is drawing a line of skulls.

Back at the clubhouse, everyone quickly shouts ‘good night’ and disappears to their bedrooms, and I nearly carry Jo upstairs as she’s asleep on her feet.

Closing the bedroom door behind us, I grin at Jo, who is stripping out of her clothes. She’s got her head down and looks like it’s far too much trouble. I cross my arms and watch because anytime Jo strips out of her clothes, I’m more than interested in what’s coming into my view.

Naked as the day she was born, she pulls the cover back and climbs into bed, throwing herself onto her side. I walk over and draw the cover over her and kiss her temple because she’s asleep already. Well, there goes my thoughts of having my wicked way with her, but there’s always tomorrow.

Showering quickly, I climb into bed and wait the few seconds it takes for Jo to realize I’m there and I look down to watch as she wraps herself around me in her sleep.

Knocking on the door has me opening my eyes and looking around. Jo’s not in bed and the light is bright through the crack in the curtains. Shit, have I over slept?

“Come on, Knuckles, get your ass out of bed. We’ve got plans to make, things to do, people to see.” Recognizing Mav’s voice, I shout back.

“Fuck off. I’ll be down in a few minutes.”

Dragging myself out of bed, I freshen up and throw on jeans, a tee, and boots before making my way downstairs to see what all the fuss is about.

Walking into the common room, there seems to be most of the brothers sitting around. It’s Friday, so they’d normally still be at work and Axel relaxed the closing of businesses when he felt we had a handle on the Tommaso shit.

“What’s goin’ on?” I ask Ruger, who’s the nearest to where I’m standing.

“Not sure. I think Axel’s goin’ to call emergency church.” Ruger is looking around the same as myself because neither of us knows what’s happening.

Axel walks into the common room from the kitchen and shouts ‘CHURCH’. We all follow behind him into church with questioning looks at each other. Taking our seats, we wait for Axel to inform us what the fuck is going on, and why we are having church the middle of a Friday morning.

Axel taps the gavel and looks around at each of us. “I know you’re all wondering what’s happening to be called to church this morning. I’m not going to fuck around because time is going to be important. First, Buzz had a confrontation with the fuckers at ‘Total Tats’. They are under notice if they touch any more of our designs from the website, we’ll make sure they don’t have a business to steal the designs for. Keep your eyes and ears open for any issues on this and report back if needed.”

Chuckles flow around the room because we all know Buzz’s way of getting his point across is either his fists or his dominant stance. I’m not going to ask which worked because I don’t care. As long as the problem is dealt with, I’m okay with whatever Buzz had to do.

“I need an explanation as to why Jo, Eden, Carrie, and Tilly were out of the compound last night? We’re havin’ a fuckin’ evening here on Saturday so why were these ol’ ladies taken off the premises without permission?” Axel snarls, and shit, I never gave it a thought to ask permission, and sliding my eyes to Silver, Fox, and Hammer, I can see they didn’t either.

“Pres, it never crossed my mind to ask permission for me to take my ol’ lady out for the evening. Before you start, I have to say Jo was going stir-crazy and needed away from here for a few hours. I made sure she had coverage all evening while I worked the door.”

“Don’t start? Are you fuckin’ kiddin’?” Axel snarls. “One, you’ve still got to put Jo through church to be your ol’ lady officially, and second, you didn’t ask Mia to go with you, so I had to spend the fuckin’ night listening to her whine about being left out. Now I’m in her bad books to start with, and this just made it worse. You four will apologize to Mia and put it right or you’ll all be on the worse duty I can find for you all for the NEXT DECADE.” Now we all know he’s pissed as he finished that shouting. I flick my eyes to Fox who’s the nearest to me and I see him gulp, and he mirrors exactly how I must look.

“We’ll do that Pres.” Silver states and I nod in agreement, turning to look at Axel so he can see me nodding too.

“Okay. I expect this dealt with today.” BS has a huge grin and is enjoying every second of this. Meat is leaning against the wall and looking sullen. Wings is next to him and keeps glancing at him with a frown on his face. I know they are the best of friends, so I’m not going to interfere with whatever’s happening because Wings will make sure Meat is okay.

“Update on the mansion. The men Meat conquered using his Captain America shield are now with Vitale and no longer our problem.” We all look at Meat and most of us have grins on our faces. Meat’s lip tips up slightly on one corner and that’s the only sign we get he’s even heard.

“Who was Wonder Woman?” Target asks with a huge smirk on his face, and we all turn again to Meat who is now scowling.

“No idea.” Wings replies when it becomes obvious Meat isn’t going to say anything. “She disappeared before Meat could get to her.”

“How the fuck did she know what was goin’ down? Why would she even get involved?” I ask because I’d thought that more than a few times, and it just didn’t make sense to me.

Meat grunts, shrugs, and walks out of church. We all snap our heads around to see Axel’s response to Meat walking out of church and he’s got a motherfucking smirk on his face, which turns to a belly laugh. When he gets himself under control, he looks at the door, eyes sparkling with humor. “Oh, I hope this woman is his, and she leads him a merry fuckin’ dance.”

BS taps on the table, takes out his little notepad and pencil, and flicks a page while we all wait for whatever he’s going to be bringing to the table. “I’ve had a thought about the security at the gate. I’m sure you all know we’re low on brothers to be on the gate. The prospects are struggling to cover everything. With Chris, Sawyer, and Austin’s business taking off so well, they are not available most of the time. Reuse is at the tattoo shop with Buzz learning the trade, and Billy is running the wine shop, which only leaves Colton, who is on door duty at TJs and Club Whisky, as well as Knuckles’ right-hand man. It’s leaving our brother Sentry on the gate for far too many hours.

“I’d like to suggest a new system for the gate, and as we have a gatehouse, it would work well, I’m sure. I’ve spoken to TwoCents, and he has checked on prices, Specs is more than happy to monitor the system and it would be an electronic gate, where Specs would see who’s pulled up to the gate and he can press a button on his keyboard for the gate to open and allow them inside, or not. Also, if it has an intercom, he could speak to someone before allowing access if needed.”

“That’s a good idea, and if anyone needed to go to the gate to see or speak to whoever, any of the brothers around the club at the time could do that.” Clay throws out, then continues. “We’ve been saying for a long time that the gate takes brothers and prospects away from other things. Sentry is around the clubhouse and compound all the time and he’s more than capable of checking out anyone that wants entry without having to tire himself out by being on gate duty twenty-four seven.”

Looking over at Sentry he’s nodding in agreement. “I think it’s a good idea. I’m doing far too many hours standing in the gatehouse and could be far more useful around the compound.”

Axle nods. “Okay, a show of hands for having a new gate system installed, which will be Specs, TwoCents, BS, and Sentry’s baby.” A unanimous show of hands for the system is given and BS looks happy with himself as he’s writing some shit in his notepad.

Raising my hand to get attention. “I want to bring it to the table that Jo be my official ol’ lady. I know you all see her as that, but as Axel stated earlier, it’s not gone through church as yet.”

Chaos surprises me as he raises his hand. “I’ll start the vote for Jo being Knuckles ol’ lady.” What surprises me is the speed with everyone’s hand raising and stating they vote for Jo. I’m more than grateful to all my brothers and Mav gives me a nod and slaps my back, which is his way of showing he’s happy for me.

Axel grins. “Okay, we’ve got ourselves a new ol’ lady in the club. PT get a property kutte organized for Jo. She needs it on her back when she goes anywhere, particularly with this shit still not being over with.”

Buzz gets everyone’s attention when he stands. “Tonight we are going to the farmhouse. Vitale is sending men and he’ll be there with them. Don’t kill any of them by mistake, for fuck’s sake, ‘cause the last thing we need is a war with the fuckin’ mafia.

“BS has the plans laid out in his office, make your way to his office and find out your positions for the night, who you’ll be partnered with, and how this is goin’ down. Any questions you’ve got the rest of the day to speak to BS, myself, or Pres.”

Nodding, we all know how serious this is going to be. But we all hope it’s the beginning of the end for Tommaso and his band of merry men. It’ll also be the start of Jo being able to breathe easy, and Linc moving onto the next stage of his life. He’s still determined to join the military, but as yet he’s not sure what he wants, but he’s talking to Target, Chaos, and Stitch regularly and I’m sure they’ll not lead him astray.

“Okay brothers. Tonight, let’s hope we take this motherfucker down and we can all live peacefully once more. Now get to whatever you’ve planned for the day but check out BS’ board so you know what’s happening tonight.” Axel taps the gavel, and we all exit church.