Page 22 of Dark As Coal

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With my gray wool socks covering my feet, the pumpkin spice scent from my latte filling my senses along with the first day of fall I breathed it all in.

This was my favorite time of year.

Sure, there were a few holidays that took place during Fall; like Halloween and Thanksgiving, but they weren’t important to me.

Watching the leaves changing, the colors in the sky changing, I couldn’t explain it, but it was my favorite season.

And no, not just because it was football season.

My good mood which always took place on the first day of fall was interrupted by the sound I heard.

Or, I should say, by the sounds I heard.

Yes, I worked the so-called nine-to-five like a normal person, but on the nights, well, that was when I let my hair down and became my alter ego.

And that took place with one man and only one man.

Seeing the four bikes that were making their way up my drive I took in a deep breath.

“Hey guys, what’s up?” I asked them after Asher killed his motor and then took off his helmet revealing the handsome face that sat beneath it, but he had nothing on Coal.

“We need you at the clubhouse, darlin’. Coal is on a tear about something, and he won't talk. Wasn’t there. Said they tried your cell, but you didn’t answer.” Asher said, and I could tell that it was bad.

I sighed then shook my head, “I have to go to work.”

“Know that darlin’, but he’s tearing shit apart. A-fucking-gain. Five brothers have already tried to get him to chill the fuck out but it's not working.”

And that was when Irish took off his brain bucket as they called it and I saw the purple bruise on the right side of his face.

Sighing because I hadn’t wanted to use any of my sick days, rather I was saving all of them to tack onto my vacation time. And right now, I am at three weeks of vacation time and twenty-three sick days.

Growling I grabbed my phone and called the principal, Embrey, she answered on the second ring, “Hey sweetie, what's up?”

“I've got a personal matter that I need to see to. I haven’t called in or been late since I started. I’m sorry.”

“Girl, you are the hardest-working person here. Take it. If you need more time off just let me know, and no, this doesn’t take from your sick days.”

“Thanks, boss lady.” I smiled and then hung up.

“Give me five,” I told Asher but judging by the look on his face I shouldn’t bother and that I needed to get my ass in gear.

Running into my house, I pulled on his hoodie, grabbed my bag, took my keys from the hook, pocketed my phone, and then locked my door.

Grabbing my coffee, I raced to my truck, but heard Asher calling to me, “Darlin’, it’ll be easier if you get on the back of one of the bikes.”

I hollered at him over my shoulder as I jumped in my truck, “Easier probably. But for his peace of mind and the mood y’all are telling me he’s in; I highly doubt it.”

He cursed, “Fuck. Hate when you're right. Okay, follow behind me and Pipe. Irish and Rome will fall behind the truck.”

Nodding, I started my baby up.

We made it to the clubhouse in under ten minutes when it usually took twenty.

Shutting my truck off, I had just opened my door when I heard a loud boom from inside the clubhouse followed by the most guttural roar I have ever heard.

That alone had the men abandoning their bikes and racing inside the clubhouse.

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