Claiming Menace (Ruthless Sinners MC 5)

“Yes, ma’am.” He got up with a bright smile and rushed to the door. “Thanks, Mom!”

As soon as he was gone, the waitress turned her attention to me. “I’m so sorry about that. I had a little ‘son drama’ that had to be dealt with.”

“No problem. I totally understand.”

“You have kids?”

I sat down on the stool where her son had been sitting and answered, “No, not yet. I’ve been a little preoccupied for that.”

“Well, you’re young. You have plenty of time for kids.” She rolled her eyes and let out a sigh. “Listen to me carrying on and giving advice when it wasn’t asked for. Corry would tell me to zip it up. What can I get you today?”

“I’ll have a chicken salad sandwich with a mocha frap and all the advice you have to offer. I could definitely use some.”

“Oh, really?” She turned and started making my coffee. “Going through a rough spell?”

“Yeah, you could say that.” I gave her a minute to run the blender, then said, “I just started a new job, and I’m afraid I’ve taken on more than I realized.”

“First, congrats on the new job. Where are you working?”

“I’m uh...” I could feel a heated blush creep over my face as I answered, “I’m waitressing at this place called Stilettos. I doubt you’ve heard of it.”

“Oh, I’ve heard it.” A big smile crossed her face. “In fact, I kind of date one of the men who run it.”

“What?” I gasped. “Are you serious? You’re dating a Ruthless Sinner?”

“Mm-hmm. As a matter of fact, I am.” She placed my frap on the counter, then started making my sandwich. “I’m not sure if you’ve had a chance to meet him yet, but his name is Widow.”

“Is he the tall, dark, and brooding one?”

“Oh, yeah.” She giggled. “That’d be him. I’m Frankie, by the way.”

“Hi, Frankie. I’m Aubrey. It’s really great to meet you.” I took a quick sip of my drink, then told her, “I haven’t had much interaction with many of the guys, but from the few times I’ve been around him, he seems like an okay guy.”

“He’s more than okay. He’s great. He’s been a real blessing to me and my boys.” I couldn’t believe it. I knew I was being a judgmental asshole, but she didn’t seem the type to be involved with a badass biker guy. She was beautiful, well-spoken, and a mother. I figured she’d go for the stockbroker-in-khakis-and-button-down-shirt type of guy, but from the way she spoke, she was pretty crazy about the man. Frankie finished my sandwich, then placed it down on the counter next to my coffee. “In fact, all the guys have been a blessing. They’ve helped me in ways you couldn’t begin to imagine.”

“Actually, I think I can. Menace gave me a job when he had no business doing so, and not only that, he set me up in an apartment.”

“I’m not surprised. Menace is a really good guy.”

“Well, I was very surprised and grateful. I wouldn’t have a place to live if it wasn’t for him, and the crazy thing is he didn’t even know me.”

“Oh, I don’t know. I bet he knows more than you think.” Frankie cocked her eyebrow as she said, “From what I’ve picked up on, Menace is pretty savvy with that computer of his. I’m sure he did a little investigating before he hired you.”

“What?”

“Oh, don’t take any offense to it. He has to do it for anyone who works at the club. It’s just a way to make sure they all know who they’re bringing into the fold.”

I suddenly felt like the world had fallen off its axis, and its entire weight had landed right on my chest. I couldn’t breathe, nor could I move. I sat there in horror thinking about the explosions of gunfire blasting through the diner. I knew Peter and Sally were going to die, just like my parents and sister had, and there wasn’t a damn thing I could do to stop it. I was terrified the same thing would happen again to Menace and everyone at the club. I’d only known them for a short time but would never forgive myself if something happened to them. I was on the brink of tears when Frankie reached over and placed her hand on my shoulder. “Hey, are you okay?”

“No... No, I’m not.” I reached into my purse, took out a twenty-dollar bill, and tossed it on the counter. “I’ve got to go.”

I rushed out of the coffee shop and to my car. My mind was racing a mile a minute as I sped over to Stilettos. I could envision Menace sitting at his computer, searching my name and the social security number I’d given him. I slightly smiled at the thought of him typing in that number and seeing a big African-American man named Sanford staring back at him. Of course, I didn’t have a clue what he’d find when he searched that fake number, but I knew he wouldn’t find me. That would have him digging deeper, and I feared his in-depth search would draw Rossi and his flock’s attention or perhaps the police, who were also working feverishly to find me. If Frankie was right about him, there was a good chance that he’d already started investigating, and that thought scared the hell out of me. The running had gotten to me. I wanted a little more time to stay put and make a bit more money, but I might not have a choice in the matter.