One Wild Ride (Lords of Mayhem 2)

“Ah, fuck off, man.”

“Sorry, can’t. I have a hot date with a wedding-cake tasting.”

“You’re enjoying this entirely too much,” Moose taunted.

“Come on, who doesn’t love cake?”

“It’s more than the tasting. It’s the whole process. What gives? How do you go from never committing to racing down the aisle?” Moose leaned back on the stool.

“I met the right woman. The thought of losing her scares me more than any of my other hang-ups about relationships ever did.” He shook his head. “I spent my whole life fucked up about some bitch who couldn’t have cared less. That’s a lot of power to hand over to someone who’s off living her life and not thinking twice about it.” He shook his head. “The thought sobered me up fast.”

“Yeah, I can see how it would,” Moose said, still reeling from his friend’s about-face.

“You think I’m nuts? I can see it in your face, but you’re halfway there yourself. Joey is special and the two of you click. Which says a lot ’cause, my friend, you are weird as shit.”

“I prefer the word eccentric.”

“See that whole statement…weird. Hold on to this one. ” Shooter patted him on the shoulder. “Later, man.”

She’s already gotten more out of me than I thought I had to give. Not everyone needs a ring and a contract. I think that’s plenty.

* * * * *

Wanderer walked toward the house. It had been months since he last visited and never in broad daylight. His palms were sweaty and his heart hammered against his ribs. She’d be pissed. But the time for secrecy and sealed lips had come to an end. It all would come out eventually and as usual, he’d make damn sure it was on his terms. He lifted his hand and knocked, hooking his thumbs through his belt loop as he flexed and relaxed his biceps.

The door opened, and Ellen’s full lips formed an O. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I came to talk,” Wanderer said.

“Without calling first? What if Joey had been here?” Ellen said.

“Good.”

Her brown eyes flashed and she clenched her jaw. Her high cheekbones stood out, and her almond-shaped eyes narrowed. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Ellen asked, narrowing her gaze.

“Exactly what it sounded like,” Wanderer said.

“Get in here and explain yourself.” She stepped away from the door, allowing him to enter the house.

“Have you forgotten who you’re talking to?”

“I’m no longer part of your crew. You don’t get to command me around. It’s a right you gave up a long time ago.”

“How long are you going to bust my balls about that, Ellen? I said I was sorry.”

“Last time I checked, an apology doesn’t allow you to travel back in time and fix past mistakes.”

He kicked the door shut behind him.

“Hey!”

“I’ll fix it if it breaks.”

“Because money solves everything with you, right?”

“Damn it, Ellen.” He slapped the wall.

Ellen remained a few inches away. Her gaze was steady and she stood unflinching. She’d never been the type to scare easily, but after the upbringing she had, it didn’t surprise him.