Page 102 of Army
Chapter Twenty-Three
Army cleaned outthe ashes in the fireplace before he’d locked up the cabin. For the past three days he’d gone to his dad’s cabin nestled in the San Juan Mountains. His dad used to take him and his brothers fishing a lot when they were young, but he hadn’t been back to the cabin in years.
Army needed to be close to nature to think. After leaving Champion that day, he’d bought a burner phone and called Steel to give him the number. He’d told Steel that he didn’t want to be disturbed unless it was an emergency. He turned off his main phone because he didn’t want to hear from anyone, especially Mia. He still couldn’t wrap his head around the fact that she was Shark’s sister.Why couldn’t she trust me enough to tell me?He dragged his hand through his hair before emptying the cold ashes on the dirt in back of the cabin.
A soft breeze sang through the trees, and he looked up and saw gold and orange leaves spinning in the air, and a tinge of sadness pricked his heart. The colors reminded him of Mia’s eyes: golden with streaks of copper running through them. He clenched his jaw and walked back into the cabin to gather his things before heading back to Alina. He’d take the back roads and try not to remember how Mia felt pressed against his back with her arms hugging his waist as they rode to Chaco Canyon.
Army shrugged on his jacket and the faint scent of her still lingered.Dammit!He missed her like hell. He couldn’t just forget her and get on with his life like he had when his mom had walked out on them. This was different. Mia hadn’t walked away …hehad. For what?Because she’s some fucker’s sister? She told me she was afraid I’d leave her and that’s exactly what I did. Mia … I miss you, babe.Maybe she was right about him losing face in front of his club. Crow had been a total asshole about it and he’d seen the smirks of some of the other brothers as if to say that she just used him. He knew in his heart that she didn’t.No one knows what we have. I know her love for me is real and mine sure as fuck is for her.
He packed a few things in his saddle bags, then he straddled his bike, switched on the engine, and rode down the dirt road. Gold aspen trees mixed with dark-green pines lined the backroads while the magnificent peaks towered over the foliage of the San Cristobal Valley. As he passed through mountain meadows, canyons, and colorful foothills, all he could think about was how he wished Mia were with him so they could share the breathtaking vistas together.
As he neared Alina, the sun painted the sky a reddish pink and smoky purple streaks as it began its descent over the craggy mountain tops. The whole ride back, the colors of fall reminded him of Mia. The nutty scent of damp earth mingled with the aroma of burning logs made Army smile as he remembered the times they had rushed into Mia’s house after a light rain and she’d turn on the fake fire. He’d kid her about it, then they’d both fall on the couch in a laughing heap. Then, he’d catch the scent of her shampoo as it wrapped around her and before they knew it, they’d be making out like a couple of teenagers.
Army kicked the loose stones on the concrete as he walked toward the front of the clubhouse. Eagle reclined against the stucco wall smoking a joint as he approached.
“Want one?” he asked Army, holding out his hand.
Army tilted his head and put the joint between his lips then lit it. He inhaled deeply, looking out at the saffron-colored glow behind the mountains. A few stars sparkled in the darkened sky to the east.
“How’re things with the family?” Eagle asked.
“Good.” Army blew out and a shroud of smoke hazed around them. He glanced sideways and saw Eagle’s eyes on him.
“No matter what you decide, I’m with you, bro.” Eagle dropped his roach and ground it with his boot. He pushed off the wall and went into the clubhouse.
The aroma of smoky fajitas that came from the open windows of the main room reminded Army of their first date at El Señor Sol. Since that night, they’d gone back many times, and she teased him about his obsession with Mexican food. He took out his regular phone and turned it on—several messages and missed calls from Mia flashed on the screen. He slid the phone into his pocket again.
Eagle came back out with a tumbler filled with whiskey. He handed it to him and leaned back against the wall.
Army took a long drink from the glass. One of the many things he loved about Mia was how easy she was to talk to. They could discuss anything—barbecue ribs and action films, past relationships and family stuff, or character flaws and personal failings. They shared their darkest thoughts and he fed her wicked desires while she fed his. That’s why he was hooked and totally in love with her.I can’t let her go. I’ve been a fuckin’ idiot.She had gotten into his heart when he wasn’t looking, and he knew she’d stay forever if he made things right.
“Is Steel or Paco around?” Army asked.
“Yeah. They’re watching Raven kick Brutus’ ass in pool. When the hell’s he gonna learn that Raven just a better pool player than he is?” Eagle chuckled.
“Probably never. Is it family night?”
“Yeah. Lena just put out the food.”
Once a month the clubhouse hosted family night for the old ladies, girlfriends, and children of the brothers. The club girls stayed out of sight, mostly hanging in their rooms or going into town for a movie or dinner. If they came back and the old ladies were still there, they’d use the back entrance and go directly to their rooms.
“I’m going in.” Army lightly pounded Eagle’s arm. “Thanks, bro.”
Steel and Paco stood against the bar with their arms draped around their old ladies. Breanna glanced over at him and waved too enthusiastically, and he knew that Steel had told her about Mia. Army lifted his chin and walked over to the buffet table where he grabbed a plate and heaped some rice and fajitas onto it. He sat at a table away from everyone and didn’t meet the glares of Crow, Skull, and Shotgun. Glancing sideways at Crow, he knew he’d broken his nose, but he’d do it again if he talked trash about Mia.
The chair across from him scraped on the floor, and Army looked up into Steel’s gaze. He jerked his chin at the president then kept eating.
“Did you decide what the fuck you’re going to do about Shark’s sister?” Steel asked.
Army shoved a forkful of rice into his mouth. Nodding as he chewed, he picked up his drink and took a swig.
“What’s your decision?”
“I’m getting an apartment. I get how you and the club feel about Mia, but I know she’s sincere. We got something going and I don’t give a fuck that she’s asshole’s sister, and she doesn’t give a fuck that the Night Rebels hate her brother’s club.” He took another bite and chewed slowly, watching Steel who sat stone-faced across from him.
“What’s going on?” Paco asked, sitting down.
“I was listening to Army’s decision about Shark’s sister,” Steel replied.
