Page 36 of Motown
“We’ll send Bronson flowers as a thank-you in jail,” I joke.
“Good idea, babe.A guy getting flowers in prison will get him a few beatings from the other inmates,” he kids.His tone grows low and serious, “I swear to you, Tessa, this is going to end soon, and you, Don, Clara, Liz, Dina, and anyone else he’s threatened will be able to sleep easy.”
“We should start a neighborhood watch or something,” I say, feeling helpless and wanting to do something, anything, really, to help.
“It might be an idea to start a phone tree.If Bronson or one of his henchmen shows up, any one of them could make a call or send a text for help,” he suggests.
I sit up in bed.“That’s a fabulous idea.”I reach for my phone on the nightstand.He wraps his hand around my wrist and pulls it back.
“Babe, it’s late.You’ll freak everybody out if you start sending messages at this hour.It’s a plan for tomorrow.I’m sure Sasha can help you with that.She knows this town better than any of us, and she’s loved by everyone, and Etain is the most organized person I’ve ever met.She can help too.”He pulls me down and kisses me gently.“Sleep, Tess.”
Two little words, and suddenly, I’m exhausted and find my lids drifting shut.
During breakfast, I speak with Sasha and Etain about Motown’s idea of a phone tree.Sasha is one hundred percent onboard with the idea.Etain is just as excited, but being the planner that she is, she wants to gather all the business owners together and talk it out.
“We don’t have time to go door to door and see who’s interested and who isn’t,” Sasha says.“The problem is happening now!”
“We can just randomly put everyone’s name on the list and sayTag.You’re it!Come help me!”Etain returns, waving her arms dramatically.
“Maybe, let’s stop and think this through for a minute.All the storefronts that have been approached so far are within two blocks of the Cozy Corner.There are maybe fifty businesses in the area.We can start there.It’s more practical this way.The shops nearby are the ones that will be able to help in a hurry.We can add to the list and maybe make it more reasonable depending on location,” I suggest.
Etain immediately sees the benefit of my idea, and Sasha is smiling and nodding, “All right, the next step is contacting the store owners and informing them of our plan,” Sasha says.
“You’d be the best person for that, Sasha,” Etain says.She turns to me and adds, “Sasha is part of every committee and volunteer association in town.They know her well, and they love her.”
“I’m lovable,” I tease with a grin.
“Totally!”Sasha agrees.
“Absolutely!However, think of it this way: yesterday you were threatened by some thugs, and the very next day, a stranger shows up at your door.It won’t matter that your intentions are good; they’re going to be suspicious,” Etain explains.I see her point.“I’ve got the accounting up to date for the garage.I’ll hang with Tessa.Sasha will connect with the store owners, and we’ll meet up at the Cozy Corner this afternoon.”
“Sasha doesn’t go anywhere alone,” Drifter says loudly.I nearly jump two feet when I hear his gravelly voice.I didn’t even see him arrive.“I’ve got business with Hawk this morning.The grand scheme will have to wait.”
“I’ll go with Sasha,” Flex volunteers.“I’ve got an errand to do for Hawk and can take Sasha along with me.We’ll hit as many places as possible.”
“Hawk wants us all back at the club by three.”Drifter turns to look at Etain and me.“You need to close the shop early and get back here.”This is where I would normally tell him that I have a business to run and I need to stay open to pay bills, but Drifter is not the kind of guy you negotiate with, especially when he’s using a serious tone.
Motown hears what’s going on and walks over to us.“Sorry, Tessa, but this is for your own protection.We can’t have our women out there with Bronson poised to strike, and we need all the club brothers on hand for what comes next.”
“What about Ruth?”I ask.
“We have Ruth covered, baby.”He sweeps his fingers across my cheekbone, then through the tresses of my hair, before he pulls me close and puts his arm around my waist.“I’ll come by and pick you up myself.”
I don’t argue with that.I like sitting on the back of his bike.
“Promise me, when this is all over and we have an entire day to ourselves, that we’ll go for a long ride out in the country.Just you and me,” I ask, resting my head on his shoulder.
“Damn straight.I’ll show you what riding free is really like,” Motown confirms, brushing his lips over mine.
“Yo!”is heard from across the room.Both Drifter and Motown turn abruptly to see Hawk motioning for both men to make their way over to him.
“Go on, honey,” I urge softly, then watch him saunter over to their prez.Despite the lurking dangers, I can’t help but notice how sexy Motown’s swagger is, with his jeans hugging his ass in all the right places.
Etain giggles.“Earth to Tessa.Come back to us.”
I can feel the heat in my cheeks as I bite my lower lip.
“Don’t worry, Tess,” Sasha says.“Drifter makes me starry-eyed too whenever he says my name.And Etain, she’s gaga for Hawk and waits by the window when he leaves in the morning until his bike is out of sight.We’re independent women with talents and careers of our own, but that doesn’t mean we can’t fall in love with sexy bikers who know how to treat their women.”
