I smile, but it doesn’t reach my eyes. There’s excitement, yes. There’s a glimmer of freedom in this new chapter of our lives. But the unease is still there, gnawing at me from within. I’d fought my entire adult life to escape the grip of my controlling, abusive ex-husband, and maybe, just maybe, this is the ticket I need to finally break free for good.
But as we leave Church, my heart sinks. My ex won’t let me go so easily. If I had known that leaving New York City wouldn’t rid me of him, I would’ve handled things differently.
No. My terror is just beginning.
2
CALYPSO
The vibration of six Harleys rumbling down the freeway is part of what I live for. The rest of my reasons are riding either in front of me, next to me, or behind me. My sisters. We might not be blood related, but each of us will spill the blood of anyone who tries to harm or go against us.
But something feels off. That nagging unease has been crawling under my skin since Duchess announced the move. At first, I ignored it. Focused on my sisters. Focused on the trip. The last two weeks were spent riding, getting to know them better, and preparing for the move across the country. But now, the weight of it all is taking its toll.
Allura noticed my flushed face and sluggish movements at the last stop. Instead of delaying our trip another day, she’s pushing us all harder to get to our new clubhouse on the outskirts of LA, before I can’t keep up. Before I’m ready to tell them about my weakness.
Divine keeps glancing at me, concerned, but she doesn’t know what’s wrong. None of them do. Allura’s the only one whounderstands when something’s off. I’m grateful for her uncanny ability to sense trouble. I just hope the rest of the girls don’t start questioning her decisions.
Allura hasn’t told any of us who has what position at the table but will soon. I think she wants to see who fits where.
Allura signals to a nearby gas station, and we pull off the freeway. We’re all pairing off to fill up, and I end up beside Allura. I shut off my bike and try to steady myself, feeling the ache in my bones. As I remove my helmet, giving my head a break from the pressure, Allura does the same.
"Stay on your bike, Lyp. I’ll handle the fuel," she says, her voice low, knowing I don’t have the strength for much more. She dismounts her bike, and I remove my fuel cap. My body hurts so bad that even that’s a struggle.
“Are you going to make it?” Allura’s concern is enough to make me want to break, but I force myself to nod, even though the pain is creeping up on me.
“Yeah. We have an hour left. That’s about all I have left. This fucking sucks.” I slam my fist against my thigh in frustration. “I should be with you, keeping you safe, not lying in bed like a damn invalid.”
“Calypso.” Allura’s gaze is sharp, unwavering. Her brown eyes lock on mine, and I can feel the weight of her words before they even come.
“What?” I snap and instantly regret it.
“Stop. You’re only making it worse. Remember what stress does to you. Fucking meditate or something while we’re stopped.” She grabs her ear lobes and rubs them like the captain from the movie Bad Boys, trying to lighten the mood. “Hakuna Matata.”
I laugh, despite myself. “Wrong movie.”
Allura rolls her eyes, clearly not in the mood for movie trivia. “What the fuck ever.” She finishes topping off my tank and startsputting the nozzle back. “You need to stay calm. I’ll be fine. But if anything goes down…”
“I’ll be there in a heartbeat. Even if I have to crawl my way.” I say, my voice gruff, but I mean it.
Allura grins, a glint of something mischievous in her eyes. “I know you will. That’s why I’m making you my Enforcer. I need you to get better so you can kick some ass.”
My heart skips. “You’re serious? Even with my medical condition?” A grin spreads across my face. I want to jump, to shout with excitement, but the pain holds me down.
“Fucking serious. You’re my Enforcer, bitch. I’ll have your patch waiting when I get back.” She gives me a teasing shove before finishing up with the fuel pump.
“Thank you. I… I’m so excited.” My voice cracks with the weight of it.
“Good. Now, stress-free and heal. I’d hate to kick my Enforcer’s ass on the second day of the job.” Her laugh is genuine, and I can’t help but laugh along with her.
“Aye, Prez. I won’t let you down.”
Allura’s whistle cuts through the air, and everyone turns their heads. “Let’s roll. Divine and Iris, you two ride with Calypso to the Clubhouse and make sure everything’s secure for us. The rest of you ride with me to meet Capone and our brothers at the Royal Bastards Clubhouse.” Her voice leaves no room for argument, and as soon as she mounts her bike, the engines roar to life.
We all start our bikes and head out. I can feel the weight of the responsibility settling in my chest, but the thought of the new chapter we’re about to open keeps me going.
The moving van will meet us at the clubhouse when we get there.
As we approach the point where we’ll split off, Allura raises three fingers on her left hand, signaling Divine, Iris, and meto break off toward the clubhouse. We do, passing her and the others as we go. Each of us puts two fingers down, our sign to keep our wheels on the ground, safe.
