That isn’t the whole picture that we are looking at. Recently Texas is one of the states that is allowing some medicinal marijuana. We are betting that is the first step in legalizing marijuana in Texas. We all know it’s coming. The thing is this can be a very lucrative and financially sound business. We started here with a hundred acres of land and every month we have bought an additional fifty acres. This month will mark the four hundred-acre mark and the seller is giving us the option for the other hundred acres he still owns. We are watching the new laws and counting the days until we can put our full plan into action. Marijuana farms are a very profitable business if you can keep your electrical bill at a viable cost and get the permits needed. The solar panels will keep the electrical bills low. We have researched everything that we can about licensing and the laws that go along with the process. Getting licensed is competitive since only so many farms are issued one. The major drawback for us is not the background searches but having to give up the rights to our firearms. We’ll work it out. It’s just one of those laws that we need to walk a fine line on. The federal government says one thing and the state government says another. Hopefully within the time that the recreational law changes, they will have their shit together. First hurdle is to get our equipment and greenhouses set-up and ready. We also discussed using the greenhouses to grow vegetables for the county food bank until our path is cleared by the laws being overturned or amended.

  We’re not putting everything into the cannabis business or hopes of it. We have gone to the closest town that has more than a few hundred people living in it and have invested in a tire shop, some storage buildings, and a vehicle salvage yard that also works on simple repairs on cars and trucks, on the side. These types of businesses do a lot of cash transactions and from time to time that will come in handy.

  Things are quiet right now with most of the brothers still working. I would be too if I hadn’t taken the day off to interview another attorney. I never thought I’d be speaking to a criminal attorney before a crime is ever committed. My old drill sergeant used to say, “You can’t be too prepared.”

  I hear the front door behind me open and I turn around and see both Shield and Stealth walking my way. “I hope you have some good news for a change.” I laugh. We all know since we have been here things have been good.

  “Well if you’ve got a cold beer it’ll be a hell of a lot better. I don’t know how people around here get anything done. Every person we talked to sent us to someone else. No one knows how to handle anything,” Shield says looking about as tired as I feel.

  “You both wanted to come to a small town, and you know how things work in a small town. We are on turtle time here. I told you a big city would be better.” Stealth likes saying I told you so.

  “We sighted Trouble in town, and she doesn’t look happy. I don’t think she knew we were anywhere around or at least that’s what we tried for anyway. We thought that we would get back here and give you a heads-up,” Shield says with a smile. The door opens again, and we see Dee, Bree, and Rainey walk in with bags in their hands. Shield and I both go to help them since they have their hands full. I take Rainey’s bags from her and part of Bree’s. Shield gets the rest. Stealth ignores the situation.

  “Rainey go get cleaned up and be ready for me in ten minutes in here. I have a show to put on and you’re going to help me. Trouble is on her way out here and I want to be sure she gets an eye full when she comes in the door.” Rainey shakes her head and walks toward the hall. I carry the bags in the kitchen with Shield right behind me.

  “You know there’s going to be a scene made when Trouble walks in here and sees whatever show you’re going to put on for her. Don’t you think that you two have put each other through enough by now?” Shield can’t help himself and has to say something. I put the bags on the countertop and turn on Shield as he is setting the bags he has on another counter.

  “I’m trying to cut Micah loose. She won’t stay away, and this is the best thing that I can think of to make her stay away. We are toxic for each other; we butt heads, we argue, and we fuck every time we are around each other. I’m trying to get out of this situation before we really hurt each other. This was supposed to have been about sex, having an enjoyable time and nothing more. Micah knew that going into the situation and now she wants to flip the script on me and act like we’re a couple.” I take a breath and consider my next words. “I don’t do relationships and I have said it many times. You’ve heard me say it to her. When she walks in and she sees Rainey on her knees with my cock in her mouth then Micah will get the message loud and clear. She’ll hate me for a little while but I’m hoping later we can be friends. I don’t want a woman of my own. Do you see any other way around this?” I have tried to be nice and I tried being an ass, now I just want it done.

  “I’m your brother Sarge, not your conscience. I just want you to know when she walks into this setup it’s going to be hard on her. I also know the man that you are and you’re not going to be able to stand the sight of tears in her eyes. You say you are pushing her away but you’re going to end up trying to comfort her, then you’re going to be back to square one. Just ban her from the clubhouse and stay the hell away from her. It’s that simple. I like Micah and I don’t want to see you break her heart. I’m your brother and I’ll always back your play, but I want you to see the situation from every angle before you make matters worse.” Shield seems to be battling himself on how to say what he wants to. “I’m not staying around for the show but be ready when those big blue eyes of hers are filled with tears. Then, you need to be sure you’re ready to see her with another man. Micah isn’t like Callie, she will make you regret ever even knowing her. There’s more than one brother here that would give Micah a try and they want more than just to get their dick wet.” Shield leaves the room. The thought of another man’s hands on Micah sets my teeth on edge.

  “Don’t listen to him Sarge. Shield has a bleeding heart, and when he looks at women, he thinks they’re all sweet and cuddly. They’re nothing but bitches and can be replaced with five more with a snap of your fingers. Micah knew what she was getting into when she climbed into your bed. The blood that runs through that family’s is tainted. There’s not a good one amongst them. I don’t even think there’s a good woman in the world, they all leave one way or another. Just do what you’re going to do and don’t think twice about it. If your gut tells you to put on a little show for Trouble then do it. You’re the one who has to put up with the bitch.” Stealth has a hard attitude about women. I don’t know which one broke his heart, but Stealth is running over with hate because of it.

  “Not asking anyone’s opinion but you need to check your attitude out when it comes to women. The last few years it has gotten worse and it keeps leaking out. If you want to put your nose in my business maybe I need to do some digging to see what I can come up with on why you have nothing but hate coming out of you for any female.” Stealth turns his hard gaze at me. It almost makes me want to laugh. He uses this look on others to intimidate or make them bend to his will, but he knows that won’t work on me. He turns without making a noise and leaves the kitchen. I watch him go and I know it’s time for me to have a long talk with my friend, something is hurting him emotionally, and I hate it. All the hateful words coming out of his mouth are not from the man I have known for life. Stealth got his road name because he is exactly as his name says stealthy, cautious which makes him quiet and surreptitious. I think sometimes that isn’t a good thing. He keeps too much locked up inside of him, but I know the old Stealth is in there and we will all be here to help him get out.

  2

  Sarge…

  I make my way back to the bar and I can see that Rainey is ready for me, but she still looks hesitant. I won’t make any woman do anything against their will. I look at the monitors behind the bar and see that Micah isn’t sitting in the drive or at the gate yet. “Rainey come talk to me.” I see her get up and she walks over to the bar and never takes her eyes off me until she is beside me and then her eyes hit the floor. “If you aren’t into this then say so. You know it’s up to you. I’m not playing games with Micah, so if that’s what’s bothering you, get it out of your head. I just want her to open her eyes and know this thing we have between us is no more than friends with benefits. She’s getting too clingy and I don’t need a woman on my back. I have clearly let that be known, but we can’t stay away from each other and I think it’s better to do it now—like pulling a band-aid off. I don’t need you to like it, but if you aren’t on board, then say it so I can get one of the other girls in here before it’s too late. I don’t like explaining myself.” Rainey’s eyes get round.

  “No Sarge, that isn’t it. It’s just, you know I was raised in this life and I know ol’ lady’s always win over a club girl. I was just thinking if you and Micah make up after this then she will want me gone. I like it here. The brothers here treat us good. We are taken care of and we feel like we belong, and I don’t want to make a mistake now and regret it later.” I know Rainey’s history and if her dad ever finds out where she is then he will be knocking on our door to drag her home. I try to be patient. Damn women over-think everything.

  “Rainey who makes the rules around here?” I wait for the answer.

  “Brothers vote,” Rainey says.

  “That’s right and it isn’t going to change. We have rules for a reason, and everyone follows them. You just make sure that you abide by the rules of all the muffins and you have no worries. Just remember that means if one of the brothers brings a woman to the clubhouse to back off and give them room.” I am tired of talking.

  “No worries Sarge, I know the rules and I won’t break them. I’m ready if you are.” Rainey gives me a shy smile. That’s Rainey’s appeal to all the brothers. She is the easiest muffin to get along with. She doesn’t make waves and she doesn’t act like a bitch.

  “When Micah gets here, and I pull away from you go to your room, so you are away from the fireworks. I’m sure you will hear it all, but you don’t need to see it. Unless the others are with a brother, they can do the same and come back when she’s gone.” Rainey steps closer to me and I see the question in her eyes. “Do your thing sweetheart, I’ll tell you if you need to stop.” Rainey steps even closer and grabs my cock through my jeans. Perhaps Micah will forget about showing up and then Rainey and I can have some real fun.

  3

  Micah…

  Shield and Stealth thought they were real sharp trying to avoid being seen by me in town. I knew they were in the town the first time I drove through. Their bikes are a bit of a sight. I would have known them anywhere. They think they are so sneaky. Someone that doesn’t pay attention to their surroundings any better than that will get taken down by a wild boar in my neck of the woods or bitten by a water moccasin. I’m a country girl that likes to stay alive.

  I thought about calling them both out, but I knew Stealth wouldn’t give a damn and Shield would be embarrassed. I don’t care much for Stealth but Shield on the other hand is a different story. That man was built for a woman’s pleasure. Thick chest, biceps made to hold on to a woman, trim waist, thick thighs, and an ass so tight that it would make any woman drool, including me. Yes, I have taken my time and scoped him out many times and asked myself why he couldn’t be the man that set my body on fire. The woman he chooses will be cherished. I would chew him up and spit him out. I know myself. Shield has a soft spot for women, and I can be a bitch. Don’t judge. I know the truth about myself and never deny it, at least I am honest about it. I could never do that to Shield, we have somewhat of a friendship.

  I give the guys enough time to get to their clubhouse and warn Sarge. It’s no biggie they think they need to warn him. It’s not like I live a hundred miles away. I came into Sulphur Springs to get my ball hitch on my trailer fixed and I need to pick up a few things for home. I only live forty minutes away and I thought once the Rebellions 4 Blood MC moved closer that things would go a little smoother between Sarge and me. It is not happening. I might as well live across the country. All we do is argue and have sex, which I am not complaining about. We either need to move on with the progress of whatever is between us or call it quits. The last time I was around Sarge was when I found him and his brothers at the Door Swinger, a bar that I go to in Sulphur Springs. Sarge had a barfly hanging on him. I had a few too many shooters and I showed my ass. My green-eyed monster came out to play and I had the lush by her throat before I could be stopped by the bouncers or Sarge. I know I was out of line and today is going to be my apology. I won’t say I’m sorry, because I’m not, but I think we can both enjoy my idea of an apology.

  I finish my business in town and even take the time to eat. I want to think it is giving him time to clear out whatever slut is with him, but I know it has more to do with being a little nervous on how Sarge is going to react. I am not some naïve innocent girl that thinks Sarge and I are exclusive, because we’re not, on either side of the situation. If I have an itch that needs to be scratched while I am out on the rodeo circuit or at one of the horse shows, I am not going to turn down some fine cowboy. My mama didn’t raise any fools. I am only going to be young once. I am not some slut spreading my legs for every man that smiles at me and believe me I make them work for it, but I am no prude. I know every man and woman has a physical need and who am I to deny my urges. The thing is that lately those booty calls have become difficult. I always measure every man around me to Sarge, and no one can compete in the least. I know I sound shameless, but once again I am being honest. If I can’t be honest with myself then how can I be honest with anyone? I’m not a liar.

  The drive to the clubhouse is quiet, too quiet. I have a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I won’t let it keep me away from doing exactly what I came here to do.

  I pull up to the gatehouse and I see one of the prospects, whose name I can’t recall, along with Shield. Shield walks out the door and up to my truck. I push the button to roll my window down. “Trouble what are you doing out in this heat? I thought you would be resting up to go back out on the road after your break.” Shield flirts with me.

  “Shield, I just couldn’t stay away from you one more day. I had to take a two week break to get equipment fixed. My trailer is the last thing on that list and I just delivered it to be fixed. I want Blaze to be at home if possible, so she can have some tender loving care. My baby deserves it.” I wink at Shield. Everyone knows how much I love my horses. Shield’s whole stance goes stiff and it makes my stomach turn.

  “Sarge is sort of busy right now. Are you sure you don’t want to come back later?” Shield is trying his hardest to warn me about something but not say the words. He would never betray his brother that way. This is what I mean about Shield having a soft spot for women. He’s trying to protect me.

  “I need to talk to him today, so would you open the gate for me?” Shield looks to the prospect gives him a sharp nod. The prospect smiles and opens the gate.

  “Stop when you come back and talk to me on your way out.” I give Shield a nod and roll my window back up and turn my cold air all the way up. It only takes a couple of minutes for the gate to open, but it seems like an eternity. I know something is going to go down when I walk into that clubhouse, but I am no coward, I’d rather face it now. I pull up the drive until I am in front of the clubhouse. There aren’t any cars that I don’t recognize. The motorcycles that belong to the members are lined up in front and there are three cars that belong to the muffins that live here. I don’t know who came up with that name, muffins. I don’t judge the women that are here for the members, but who wants to be called a food?

  I get out of my truck and shut the door. No one is around. That is unusual, with all these bikes parked in front, there should be someone hanging around outside. I walk straight to the front door and walk in; I still have my shades on, so everything is dark. I walk down the hall but stop when I get to the end of it and take my shades off and let my eyes adjust a little. I see Stealth and a few of the members at the bar with beers in their hands and staring at something. I turn to get a better look and Sarge is sitting down in a chair and one of the muffins is on her knees with Sarge’s cock in her mouth and the guys by the bar are enjoying the show. I feel my blood boiling beneath my skin but when I see the smirk on Stealth face, I know this is what Shield was trying to protect me from. Once again, why can’t Shield be the one my body craves. I have a few choices to choose from. I can let my temper fly, turn around and walk back out the door, the wiser choice but not one I like, or turn the tables on Sarge. I go to one of the tables and pick up a chair. I see Stealth making his move around the bar, but I stop a few feet away from Sarge and set the chair down. I walk around it and sit down and watch as the woman takes Sarge’s big cock down her throat. I never thought I would be watching a woman pleasure Sarge and not lose my shit. If it was any other man sitting in that chair, I might enjoy this show but it’s not, so I am going to fake it to my best ability. Sarge is moaning and Rainey, I think that’s her name, is giving it her best, but I know Sarge’s body and he wants so much better than she can do.

  “Are you just going to enjoy the show Micah, or do you have something to say?” Stealth is trying to stir the shit pot. Sarge’s eyes blink open and I see the lust in his eyes. I hold his eye contact and I start unbuttoning my sleeveless denim shirt. I do it slowly and I lick my lips. With the second button open, the swell of my breast can be seen over the top of my tank and I rub my hand over the top of it and Sarge’s eyes get big. I rip the rest of my buttons off my shirt and take it off and throw it on the floor. I not only have Sarge’s attention but every man in the room including Stealth’s. I move my hand to the top of my jean shorts and pop the button open and start to slide my hand in my shorts. In a blink of an eye, Sarge has pushed the woman off him and his cock is at full attention.