MJ’s POV

“Lookin’ good, MJ. It’s been a long time,” Ripper said as we walked down the hallway to the back conference room. Though in my mind, he would always be Jackson Marcus, the outsider forced to be my lab partner in chemistry in our junior year. Yes, Ripper, Dice, and I went to high school together. Would you believe that at the time we had no idea he was involved with the local biker gang? Weird, I know. So tickle me surprised when he was reintroduced to me at Ricco’s as the son of the Dragon’s President. Small world, right?

“It’s only been two years,” I mused, thinking it didn’t feel like that long ago. I could still vividly recall Duke dragging me to these back rooms on countless occasions to make out and mess around. Though contrary to what Dice thought, I hadn’t lost my virginity at this bar. That happened in Dukes bed on the other side of town but that’s another story for…never. “And I like the beard, Jack. It suits you well.”

Ripper narrowed his eyes at me, hatting when I called him by his real name. I just couldn’t help myself, the look he gave me always made me giggle. The 6’3’’ brute shook his head and ran his hand over his buzz cut. He looked like a younger and more clean-cut version of Duke but with brown eyes. “You are still something else, you know that?”

“That’s what they tell me,” I sighed, feeling Duke’s hand on the small of my back.

Ripper held the door open for me as I walked into the room with Duke hot on my heels. He hadn’t said anything since he exchanged glares with Brian and I was waiting for the bull to enter the china shop. And even though I knew it was coming, I didn’t expect to find myself pressed to the back wall with his body touching mine.

“Who the hell did you bring into my bar?” Duke asked rather delicately, which was surprising considering the intensity he held in his blue eyes. His hand moved up to cup my face as his thumbs carefully traced my cheeks. He looked like he was trying to relive a memory or recall my every feature. “And why did he look like he wanted to rumble? Are you trying to make me jealous, because it’s fucking working.”

I swallowed thickly, averting my eyes. “Th-that’s my boyfriend…” I whispered, only to hear his fist hit the wall above me head. I pinched my eyes shut as he pushed away from me and started to pace. Okay, so maybe we left things between us very open and undefined. I told him that I would be back after I finished school but I really hoped he wasn’t still waiting. I had moved on and was finally happy again. So why couldn’t we just talk about the problem at hand and avoid the past?

“You mean to tell me that you up and left me without so much as a goodbye, and now you come walking into my bar as someone else’s old lady? Are you fucking kidding me, Mia?” Duke raged, pointing his finger towards the door. Oh, he didn’t have the nickname Viper for giggles. This boy had a temper, though personally I had only seen it once. “You really have some fucking nerve, specially since you sent Dice to do your dirty work. You couldn’t be bothered, after everything, to come tell me yourself.”

I gapped at him and shook my head, feeling my face heat. “I did tell you that I had to go back to school and you fucking forbid me!” I laughed cynically.

“And for a fucking reason, Mia. I didn’t want to lose you! I fucking patched you, for Christ sake!” Duke snapped. Why was I even having this conversation? I had a guy that I was head over heels in love with sitting out in the other room worrying about me. Right, I was here for Dice and I had to get back to that topic.

“I had to go back to school and I’m sorry you didn’t understand that, but that’s why I had to send Dice to talk to you. Speaking of which—“

“Look, if you two just came back here to bitch about how things ended between ya, then I’m leaving. I’ve got shit to do,” Ripper interrupted. “Just fuck and get it over with. I’ll see you around—“

“No, I’m not here for anything like that. I’m here on Dice’s behalf, ” I insisted, putting my hands up in the air and closing my eyes. God they just needed to listen to me for a minute. Why did I let Duke get me all flustered?

“Oh, that’s funny right there, Mi,” Duke laughed, taking a seat and putting his feet up on the table. The spurs on his boots spun as soon as they hit the oak. “That bitch can’t come beg for our help herself? Nah, she’s always been too proud for that.” So he was definitely still bitter about her punching him in the face. Okay, I figured that much, but I hoped that he could look past that. We really needed his help and resources.

“It’s not like that,” I said exasperatedly. “Look, long story short, Dice is in really big trouble. This asshole kidnapped her last night and we have no idea where she is or if she’s still alive.” I shot pleading looks between the two very attractive brothers. Come on, they had to help us. We were indoctrinated into this family and even though we weren’t active members, we were still family. At least that’s what they always told us back then. “She called this morning to give me a clue but the bastard must have smashed her phone. It sounded like they were in a car and knowing how crazy he is, he could have taken her anywhere…”

“Fuck,” Ripper hissed, running his hands over his head before slamming his fist on the table. He and Dice had been pretty close back then and I’m sure he had a thing for her. Too bad she wasn’t ready to settle down then.

Duke on the other hand threw his head back and laughed. “You’re kidding right?”

“I really wish I were,” I said sadly. I just wanted my best friend back and to make sure she was safe. I would do whatever was necessary to save her. Hell, I would go face Malcolm in prison if it meant finding out where his brother had taken her. “Please, Duke…Ripper…we really need your help. She’s strong but you don’t know this guy. He is a fucking crazy psychopath that is totally unpredictable. I’m sure he’s beat the shit out of her to get here wherever she is now…you know how she doesn’t follow directions or go anywhere easily.”

“What is this bastards name?” Duke clenched his fists and closed his eyes, his white knuckles about ready to pop through the skin.

“Jay Knoxville.” My voice trembled as I said his name. I was petrified for her and really hoped that the Dragon’s could help. They were our only hope.

“Got that, Rip?” Duke asked, pulling out his phone and typing out a message. “Do you have any idea where he lives, Mia?” He blues locked with mine, shooting me an apologetic look. He knew how close we were and had to understand that this whole thing driving me mad with worry and fright.

“I-I think he-he’s from Vegas?” Come on, MJ, don’t let yourself fall apart. You are not going to cry. Be strong and get this done so you can find her.

Duke massaged his temples as Ripper walked into the back adjoining office. “We will do everything we can to find her, Mia. I promise you that,” Duke’s eyes met mine and I gave him a small smile.

At that same moment my phone started to ring but I didn’t recognize the number. “Who is this?” I gapped down at the phone before looking back up at Duke. He nodded his head for me to answer and I obeyed, my hand shaking as I accepted the call. “Hello?”

“Hey, doll.” Was that Dice?

“Dice is that you?!” I practically screamed into the phone, a smile coming over my face. “I was worried sick! Are you okay? Where are you? I will come—“

“Fuck. shit... MJ,” she interrupted, suddenly sounding extremely stressed and not at all like herself. Something was definitely not right here and in an instant I felt sick to my stomach. “No time for long explanations, get to Vegas and find me. If you’re lucky enough, I may be alive by the time.”

“Dice?” I squeaked into the phone but I knew that the line had already gone dead. I shook my head, suddenly feeling faint. “She-she…”

“I heard,” Duke said, pulling me into his arms after I stumbled into the table. My head was spinning all over again. “Come on, Ripper, we’ve got to fucking move.” He yelled after placing a kiss on the top of my head. “We’ll get her, baby. Then, you owe me.” He winked down at me just as his brother came storming out of the office. I couldn’t stand here any longer, I had to get to Vegas—to Dice. I just hoped the guys would understand.

“I’ve got multiple addresses on the guy and I’ve contacted Scout. They’re going to deploy the Vegas branch and start crunching people for answers,” I heard Ripper say as I lead the charge down the hallway.

“We’ll meet you at the airport, MJ,” Duke called before I turned away from them and headed towards the bar. I had to get Brain and Matt and most importantly I needed to touch Brian. My heart was racing so fast that I felt sick and I knew that his touch alone would calm me down.

“What’s going on?” he asked as he watched Duke and Ripper walk by. His brown’s were laced with concern as he focused them back on my face, a light frown appearing.

“Dice called,” I explained, still trying to hold myself together. “We’re going to Vegas.”

“So that means she’s fine?” Matt practically jumped to his feet when he saw me standing there. He looked ready to do whatever I told him too and that was definitely something new. I kind of liked the feeling of being in charge. It made me feel powerful for the first time in my life.

“I…” I sighed, my fingers anxiously moving through my hair. I didn’t want to say too much as to freak him out but it didn’t sound good. “I don’t think so. That’s why we have to do this fast. Please, guys…” I begged, looking between them, knowing that time was not on our side right now.

“What are you begging for? Let’s fucking go!” Matt yelled, bolting towards the exit.

“Okay, let me just pay—“ Brian said with a small frown as he reached for his wallet.

“It’s on the house, darlin’,” Sam interrupted, bringing my attention to her. “Just promise, MJ, you’ll bring them back. Real eye candies.” Sam shot one of her infamous winks at Brian and that pissed me off. I clenched my teeth, hoping that she wasn’t trying to get with my boyfriend. Brian wasn’t of the bikers that was free game, he was with me and I would be damned if she was going to ruin my happiness.

“I’ll think about it,” I hissed, giving her a pointed look.

“I hope everything blows over. And tell Dice she still owes me a lap dance,” Sam called as I took Brian’s hand and headed out the door. I forgot that Dice used to give those lap dances in turn for drinks. Man the times we used to have at this place.

“What the hell are we going to do if we can’t find her?” I whispered to Brian as we walked out into the bright sunlight. I had to shield my eyes so that I could see.

“What makes you think we wont find her? You said these guys were our best hope,” He stated, throwing his arm over my shoulders as we passed a group of bikers. I knew we couldn’t have this conversation in the car in front of Matt. He would surely lose his shit, just like I would totally break down if I didn’t talk to Brian about it. We were all on the edge and from where we were, I could see Matt waiting impatiently outside of the car. He looked anxious and like he was ready to kills someone. I knew the feeling. I wanted nothing more than to land a good right hook into the side of Jay’s face.

“I don’t know if she’ll still-still…” I muttered, hanging my head at the thought of really losing Dice. Her words just kept replaying over and over in my mind: If you’re lucky enough, I may be alive by the time. I took in a shaky breath and Brian stopped me and turned me to look at him.

Brian’s handsome features were lined with a frown and there was something unreadable hiding in his dark eyes. He shook his head before he pulled me against his body. “She’s strong. We’ll get her out safe and sound, Baby Doll. We wont lose her,” his voice sounded so strong that I almost believed him. Almost. Unfortunately he wasn’t Jay’s puppet master.

““Let’s roll,” Duke called, walking past us with his saddlebag in hand. “We’ve got flight’s booked to take off in the next hour.”

“See you at the airport.” I nodded at Duke as I pulled away from Brian but he put his arm firmly around my waist, as if he were marking his territory.

“Hey, Mia, you want to ride with me for old time sake?” Duke asked with a cheeky smirk—Brian’s jaw locked. “I know how you used to love the purr of the engine between your legs.” Oh, that was so true. I forgot how good it felt to ride a motorcycle and how much it turned me on. I blushed lightly at the thought, Brian throwing a look at me.

“N-no…I’ll just meet you there,” I stammered, pushing a lock of hair behind my ear as Brian pulled me into his side. “Thanks though…”

“Oh, come on. You owe me, Mi. It’s now or later.” Oh and he was always so fucking charming with that smile of his. But I knew if I wanted to keep things going with Brian that I would have to keep declining Duke’s offer, even if I did want to ride the motorcycle just one more time. It was just fun and refreshing.

“No thank you,” I called as Brian shot out one more glare before pulling me towards the Audi.

“You owe me, Mi,” Brian mocked, climbing in the back seat with me and pulling me firmly to his side. “I swear I will fucking kill him if he says another word to you.”

“Took you long enough, let’s get moving,” Matt said and as soon as I shut my door, he was flying out of the parking lot.

Matt’s POV

Have you ever done something that you felt so badly about that you wanted to just roll over and die? Well, that’s how I felt about this whole fucking Dice situation. I still didn’t know what exactly I did to her last night, but I knew it was something that pissed her off enough to leave my house. Which must have been really fucking pissed since we fought all the time. Oh, but the make up sex was the best thing I have ever experienced. Though I didn’t know if I would ever experience it again since she got kidnapped under my watch. This was all my fucking fault.

I just kept trying to recall what happened last night. Where had I gone wrong? What had I said? What didn’t I say? I knew that I shouldn’t have been texting Val but that didn’t stop my drunken self from doing it. Could Dice have seen me texting her? I wished I had deleted her number when we broke up the last time—when I left her for Dice. Either way, Val’s number was gone now and I had blocker her so it wouldn’t happen again. I just wanted to tell Dice that I was sorry for being a dick and to make it up to her. But I didn’t know if that was possible because I had failed at my job of protecting her. That was one my main purposes as her boyfriend, to protect her, care for her, and love her. I guess I failed at all of those last night.

I swear if anything happened to her, I would never forgive myself. I wanted to personally be responsible for ending that bastard Jay, especially if he touched her or….My blood started to boil at that thought. Oh, I was seeing red and if it weren’t from the cold hand that just landed on my arm, I might have lost it.

“Matt? Are you okay?” MJ’s soft voice brought me back from my dark thoughts. I looked down to meet her eyes and they looked just as sad and as lost as I felt. I sighed and anxiously ran my hands over the back of my head.

“Not really,” I admitted, turning away to see Brian glaring daggers at biker brothers sitting across from us. His arm was firmly planted around MJ, trying to tell the other guy to keep his hands off. It seemed like they were having a silent battle between them about who would win Blondie in the end. I was glad I wasn’t in that mess. That was one thing I was thankful to Dice for—not dating a biker who could potentially safe her life.

MJ frowned and shook her head. “I know how you feel, but you have to know it’s not your fault,” she said, her eyes growing wide for a moment when Brian moved his hand up her thigh. “You’re doing everything you can now, and that’s what counts.”

“I should have been able to fucking protect her,” I spat angrily, pinching the bridge of my nose. “I should have stopped her from going home. Then she wouldn’t be lost in Vegas.”

“Brian…” MJ half hissed, half moaned next to me, grabbing his hand and moving it back to her knee. I didn’t even want to know what kind of sick and twisted game they were playing right now. We had more important things to worry about. “So do you have the tickets, Duke?”

“Sure do, Darlin’,” he said, standing up and walking over to us. He handed all three of us a ticket before sitting back next to the dude with the buzz cut. I think MJ called him Ripper? I don’t know. They all had stupid names and I wasn’t particularly found of bikers. They were just bad news in my experience. He had been on his phone either talking or texting since we arrived. I could only guess that he was doing some kind of intelligence work? Be damned if I knew how they operated. I didn’t really fucking care, just as long as they got Dice back safely.

“Just so you know, we don’t usually fly out of district,” Ripper said, glancing up at MJ. “We don’t usually fly period. This is for Dice.” MJ and I both nodded and gave him a thankful smile. “We will get her back. We’ve got a member with eyes on the condo and apartment he’s renting right now.”

“So you guys are fucking everywhere?” I asked as our plane started to board.

“You could say that,” Ripper chuckled with a shrug. “We’re a family and we look out for each other. Some other gangs even refer to the work we do as secret service. We don’t fucking mess around and we get the job done.”

“You better hope so,” I sighed, moving to take my seat on the plan. Thank fucking god they gave me the window seat. I hated sitting in the aisle because the stewardess cart hit my elbow every damn time. Not that there would be one on a forty-minute flight.

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me,” I looked up to see Gates glaring daggers at the one called Duke. What the fuck was wrong now? “You’re not sitting there.” I looked up to see that he had strategically placed MJ between himself and his brother.

“What’s the matter?” Duke asked innocently with a cocky smirk. I pinched the bridge of my nose when I saw Gates’ jaw tighten and the vein start to budge on the side of his neck. Oh, if this didn’t defuse quickly we would be kicked off the flight.

“You’re not sitting next to my girlfriend,” Gates crossed his arms as MJ stood up, a look of panic on her face. She was just an innocent lamb in all of these games and didn’t understand what was going on. “I swear—“

“Duke please…” I looked back up to see MJ pleading with the blonde.

“Just cause you asked nicely, Darlin’,” Duke said, his eyes still locked on Gates as he stood up, knocking his shoulder as he passed to sit next to me. Thankfully MJ grabbed his arm and pulled him down into the seat before he could do anything.

Surprisingly, the rest of the flight was rather quiet, with the excepting of a child screaming somewhere behind us and Gates and MJ practically playing tonsil hockey under Gates’ jacket by the window across the aisle. At least that’s what it looked like they were doing, I didn’t fucking know. Maybe Gates was trying to prove to her why he was the better choice? I didn’t understand their relationship sometimes, but then again, it wasn’t any of my business.

“Welcome Los Vegas, Nevada. Please remember to take all belonging with you as you exit the plan,” the announcer said as everyone started to move. We quickly exited the plane and headed toward the busy street.

“Good news,” Ripper said as I pulled my attention away from MJ who was hopelessly staring at her phone. It looked like she was willing it to ring with her mind. I could admit that was doing the same thing. I smiled lightly at the thought.

“What’s that?” Duke asked, just getting off the phone with a contact.

“I just got word that that slimy bastard was spotted not far from here at one of those multi-million dollar condos. Dog is on him. He said he was headed toward a pharmacy.”

“A pharmacy?” Brian asked, looking between me and the other guys. “Does that mean he fucking hurt her?”

“I don’t know but we’ll know soon enough,” Ripper growled. “I will personally kill him if he laid a hand on her. I hate men that beat women, not matter how much they may deserve it. That’s not fucking right.”

“Get in line,” I growled just as a cab pulled up, followed by a pack of bikers.

“Here we are. Let’s roll.”

Notes

Sorry for the repost I needed to do some editing!