Page 3 of Maximus

“Okay, I’m guessing there’s more to the story. It’s none of my business unless you just want to confide in me.”

“Trouble kind of found me in the Corps, and I was court marshalled. I was in the brig for a couple of years and just got out. Now I need somewhere to go. I have nothing and no one.”

“That sucks ass. Sounds like you would be a perfect fit for my motorcycle club. We could use a skilled former Marine like yourself. I can offer you a place to stay if you want to come to Vegas. I’m sure I can talk my Prez into letting you prospect for us.”

“That sounds like a plan if you’re sure your president will allow it.”

“It shouldn’t be a problem. I’m the VP, and Grimm usually listens to my suggestions. I’ll run it by him and call you back at this number. You should plan to get your ass to Vegas as soon as possible.”

“Thanks a lot, Aries. I appreciate the help.”

“No problem. I look forward to meeting you in person.”

Three

Gia

When the man named King came outside, everything in me told me to get my running shoes ready. The man looked like the devil incarnate. My God, why would my father tell me to come see this terrifying man? The way he was scowling at me made my blood run cold.Jiminy crickets! He was wearing a sleeveless hoodie with the hood up. His face was hidden, but there was no mistaking the glare of his brooding eyes. If I saw this man in a dark alley, I would start praying.

“The name is King. What business do you have here?”

Unable to find my words, I stared at the man like a fool. I know he must have thought I was some silly girl trying to live the MC life, but I really needed his help. I just wasn’t able to articulate it at the moment.

“No disrespect, but I’ve got pussy willing and waiting for me inside. Unless you’ve got a better offer, I’m headed back in.”

When he turned to leave, it caused me to panic. I couldn’t bring myself to touch him, but his leaving forced me to find my voice.

“Wait! I need to talk to you. Please. I just need a quick minute.”

He stopped walking but did not turn around to look at me. I didn’t care at this point. Forget decorum and polite conversation. I am sure this man was not winning any prizes for his etiquette. Swallowing my pride and disregarding everything my mom taught me about speaking to people and looking them in their eyes, I blurted out what I wanted.

“I think you knew my dad, Indigo. Before he passed away, he told me to come see you if I found myself in trouble. Well, I’m here, so I guess you can say trouble has found me. I need your help.”

Those must have been the magic words because King turned around to face me. I detected a slight grin on his pouty lips as he stepped forward. His eyes were a bit glassy as it looked like he was reliving a memory from his past.

“Indigo was good people. I hate he died. You have my sympathy.”

“Thank you.”

He nodded and then took one step towards me, and I took two steps back. We continued that strange dance until he reached out and grabbed me in frustration. My whole body began shaking uncontrollably. An unsteady voice that I didn’t recognize as my own squeaked out of my throat as a plea.

“Unhand me! Now!”

King dropped his hands like they were on fire. This time he looked afraid. What the…? I must have taken him off guard. I’m sure his life as the president of a motorcycle club did not afford him many opportunities to have women demand something of him.

“Sorry, I just can’t stand to be touched.”

“Not a problem. What’s your name, darlin’? I recall giving you mine, but you didn’t return the favor.”

“My bad. My name is Gia.”

“Alright then, Gia. Would you like to follow me to my office where you can tell me about this trouble you find yourself in? I’m not sure how I can fix it, but I owe your dad. If he told you to come to me, of all people, then I will do my best to help. I ain’t making no promises, though. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

He quirked his eyebrow at the title. He could be offended all he wanted. My mama raised me right. I always referred to people of authority by sir or ma’am. I may not be a Southern Belle, but my mama sure was. She passed her southern charm down to me. King shook his head and waved to me to follow him.

As I entered the clubhouse for the first time, I thought I had crossed over onto a movie set. The place was packed with big, burly men all wearing leather vests, boots, jeans, and white tees. It was almost as if they were wearing a uniform of sorts. There was one guy in the corner who didn’t get the memo. He was dressed like he had just left the courtroom. He piqued my curiosity, but not enough for me to strike up a conversation.

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