Page 45 of Towles

I hit Tyson again, and he flopped to the ground, his eyes looking at the cloudy night sky. The others moved into position.

“Put the fifth chain around his neck and attach it to my bike,” I said.

“You good, Towles?” Beast said.

“I will be shortly.”

We waited for the two Prospects to attach the five chains, and I knelt beside Tyson.

“Fuck you,” he said and tried to spit. A couple of teeth emerged from the corner of his mouth. I hit him again, and his teeth flew across the ground.

“When you get to hell, tell Paul I said hey.” I went back to my bike and climbed on. I started the engine and looked forward, waiting for Ashtray’s signal. When the gun went off, the five of us sped away in different directions.

As usual, there was a squishy and snapping sound. There was also a popping sound with Tyson when his head came off like all the wind escaping his lungs.

I reminded myself that the man killed my parents and would have killed Rose and April before finishing me off. Justice had been served. I stopped and removed the chain from my bike. I waved at Beast, and he nodded for me to go ahead and leave.

Nothing says freedom more than riding on an open road against a warm breeze at night. Invigorated and feeling renewed relief, I sped toward the club and my old lady.

I didn’t give a damn what people thought about our age difference. I didn’t live other people’s lives, and they sure as fuck didn’t live mine. I suspected Manning still believed April had something to do with Paul’s death. But I also believed Manning knew what kind of man Paul was. Any man who supported another man who abused his wife was just as worthless as the abuser. Manning didn’t want any part of that.

I also suspected the Street Punishers would leave town. The Pine Bluff charter was a bunch of weekend warriors who drank beer and chewed tobacco. They weren’t prepared to live the life. They weren’t one-percenters. We were a separate breed. It took a massive set of balls to do what we did.

I pulled into the club parking lot and found Wendy alone on the picnic table. Wendy and I had a thing going, but it fizzled quickly. We had fun, but what we had wasn’t sustainable. When people knew they had different desires, forcing a relationship wasn’t a good idea. We agreed to move on.

“I’m sure you’re better off than the other guy,” she said. “I’m glad it’s over.”

“Ashtray should be back soon,” I said. I’d seen them fucking in the back of the van. “He’s a good guy.”

“April will be good for you,” she said. “I think she’ll be good for whatever’s going on in your head. I’m glad you’re happy.”

I kissed Wendy on the cheek. “What are you doing out here alone?”

“I decided this life isn’t for me.” She lit a cigarette and took a long drag. “You guys are adrenaline junkies. I can’t operate that fast.”

“Ashtray know you’re leaving? What about Watcher?”

“Nobody knows.” She stood next to me and placed a hand on my arm. “I was hoping you’d pass on the message for me.” A car pulled into the lot. “That’s for me.”

Wendy kissed me and walked away. I let her go because she was right. It was a hard life. It made me think of April as she left. Would April ever make the same decision? I hoped not, but that thought would be at the forefront of my mind for eternity. Everyone has a breaking point. She saved me from mine. I had to be ready to save her from hers.

I went inside, and April sat alone at the bar.

“Rose is sleeping in a spare room. She’s exhausted.” April finished the beer in front of her. “I feel like I could go all night.”

“We still good?” I asked. “You still want this life?”

“We’ll always be good, Ethan.” She tucked her fingers into my waistband and pulled me forward. “I want always to make you happy.” She smiled and gently bit her bottom lip.”

“Same,” I said. “I’ll give you everything I possibly can.”

“Everything?”

“What’re you thinking, babe?”

April grabbed my dick. “Everything?” She stood and took my hand, walking me toward our room. I slapped her on the ass, and she whimpered. She lowered my jeans in the bedroom, had me sit on the bed, and pushed me back.

I looked down as she put my dick in her mouth. She glanced up and then closed her eyes, sucking my cock, using both hands to stroke. I lay back and tucked my hands beneath my head, staring at the ceiling. I’d finally found a woman I could worship.

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