Page 28 of Chubs

When he stands me on my feet, I take my seat again on the couch before looking up at him.

“Everyone knows you can’t do the silent treatment for long,” I state matter-of-factly.

“I can this tim…” he cuts himself off when I grin at him.

“I’m sorry for not coming around lately,” I admit honestly to the large, beautiful biker.

“You can be mad at Ch…” Axel stops again. “Fuck, this silent shit is hard!”

Then he storms out the door, slamming it behind himself.

Bailey gives a soft laugh before turning serious.

“You know how Axel is about family, and he considers you his family. He’s been worried about you, but Gunner told him to leave you alone. Also, he’s pissed about something Craig teased him about.”

“I know he does, and I love him for that. We harass him a lot, but he’s a good man. What’s Craig teasing him about?” I ask curiously because those two always have some beef going.

“Something about you, Lisa, and Craig turning Bart loose on some stuffed shirts, and Axel felt left out of the fun. You know how much he hates being left out of anything.”

“I’ll make sure to call him first the next time we take Bart on adventures. I’m going to go hit things, but I’ll stop back in so I can have some Alex time when she wakes up.”

Bailey nods, and I stand before walking out. Looking up, I see Cash, Axel, Vex, Candy, and James all watching me walk toward them. James opens his arms, and I walk into them. When he’s done, I move to Vex, then Cash, and when I step back, I’m surprised when Candy grabs my arms and drags me in for her hug. She pats me on the head before whispering in my ear.

“I have skills. Use them.”

Candy releases me, steps back, and walks away.

After she’s out of earshot, Axel speaks up, looking at Cash.

“Ask Lucy what Candy said to her. I tried to eavesdrop, but I couldn’t hear it.”

Cash looks at Axel in a what-is-wrong-with-you look before turning to me, “Go get ready, and I’ll meet you at the speedbags.”

“Ask me yourself, and I might answer,” I say to Axel as I stride past him.

“I can’t because…” he starts, then stops abruptly.

I force a laugh, hoping it sounds natural, before entering the locker room.

After practicing my striking with Cash, I make my way to James for takedown practice. We chat a little, then get busy. When I’m too exhausted to do anything more, I thank James and head for the showers.

Candy is sitting on a bench, unwrapping tape from her wrists when I enter. Looking up, she immediately stands, walks to the door, and locks it behind me. She grips my arm and pulls me into the shower area, then turns to look at me intently.

“Something wrong?” I asked, confused.

“I’m a street rat. Pretty much raised myself living on the streets. Surviving that way isn’t easy, but you learn things. Certain skills and how to read people. That kind of stuff. Chubs wouldn’t have left you unless he had no other choice. Wouldn’t have left his club, either. Way I see it, he left to protect you and the club from something or someone coming after him. To me, that means you could be in danger. You might be considered leverage or a threat to someone depending on what they want from him. You need to start being careful. Aware of who’s around you and who you trust. Stick close to the club. They’ll protect you if something happens,” Candy says in a hushed voice.

I’m stunned at her words and take a minute to sort through them. Before I can, though, she continues.

“You can trust me. I know you don’t know me well, but you can, and I’m loyal as fuck.”

“Okay,” I say slowly, mind reeling. “Why would you be loyal to me, though, and why are we whispering in the showers?”

“Because you’re important to Chubs, and you never know who might be listening. That’s rule number one,” she answers simply.

“I was important to him,” I answer, and the bitterness in those few words is evident.

“You are,” Candy emphasizes. “I met Chubs a few years ago. Long before I had my little incident with Axel at the toy store. He never treated me as anything but a friend, with respect, even knowing I was homeless at the time. He was kind to me when few others were. I’ve never forgotten that. He’d want you safe, and I owe him. I’ll keep my ears open and let you know if I find anything out.”

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