Billie The Kid

Chapter 1

Rising from the surf, I choked on salt water. I wiped out for the third time and was exhausted. Today everything at the office seemed to be getting to me. More accurately the staff, they wanted to choose their own hours or be allowed to work from home. They just spent the day whining and it grated my nerves. A board floated up to me and on it sat the local beach dip shit who couldn’t take no for an answer.

Fuck off Hamilton.

Relax just checking you were okay.

Great. I lifted myself back onto my board and paddled back to shore. I bee-lined for the shower and rinsed myself off tugging at my wetsuit. I didn’t usually surf in the afternoons but today I just needed it. Throwing my stuff in my jeep I headed home intent on a beer, some dinner a proper shower and maybe even a movie. Pulling up at my place I switched the car off and climbed out. There was no point pulling out my board, it was only going to hit the water again in the morning. The sun was starting to set and a cool breeze kicked. In. Realising I hadn’t rinsed as much sand off as I thought I scooped up my front garden hose and turned on the water.

Fuck me... That is one hot piece of ass. You hit that yet? I never looked next door, I ignored all my neighbours actually, I had no need for nosy people inserting themselves in my life. If I had known nearly two years ago this place had a biker living next door there is no way I would have moved in. I should have realised something was off because the rent was really good. It probably didn’t help matters that the neighbour seemed to spend a lot of time on his front porch staring over into my yard. Helped even less I probably wore a bikini. Today’s was yellow.

Eyes in your fucking head! She’s off limits to you. That was the neighbour’s voice I recognised now. They called him Dancer. I’d ask why but I didn’t really give a shit. Rinsing off the sand I grabbed my towel from my car and dried off.

What’s your name sweet- Ah the loudmouth again.

Call me a sweet butt and I’ll have your balls. I snapped flicking a glance over the small dividing picket fence. It barely came to my knee. Loudmouth stood there leaning on his bike grinning like a lunatic. He wore faded black jeans, black shirt and his cut. His hair was military short and was a deep brown. He wasn’t bad looking if you liked rough biker types.

Any time baby- Ah fuck! Dancer jogged down the steps and thumped his brother across the mouth. I raised an eyebrow and without another word I walked into my house. I just closed the door when I heard him speak, his voice was low and husky like too much drinking smoking and hard times. It was sexy as hell and a shiver stole through my body.

Sorry about… him. He must not have realised I had walked away because he paused on the last word. He also sounded really disappointed.

Brother you need to give that shit up. It’s been nearly two years and she won’t give you the time of day. Move on bro, no pussy is that good. I can call some girls?

I didn’t hear his reply, I stomped off to my bedroom and en suite bathroom before I heard it. For some reason the thought of other girls coming over irritated me. I’d chased enough away, not that he knew that of course. It was my little secret, every time I heard giggling I made the girls disappear quick, I’d threaten to shoot their car up or them personally if they kept up with the noise. Of course I only did that when I knew Dancer wasn’t home. Then he was he was pretty good at telling them to fuck off himself.

Turning the water on I heard the loud rumble of bikes, three was my guess, which left Dancer home. Damn I really had wanted a quiet night. Sighing I washed my hair and body, climbed out and threw on some panties and a tank top. I had heating inside and it was a cosy temperature. Grabbing a beer I twisted the top, throwing the lid in the trash and perused my fridge for something to eat. I needed to go shopping. Well pizza it was. Picking up the phone I rang for a pepperoni pizza.

An hour later I heard the car pull up and quickly pulled on a pair of short shorts. By the time I walked to the door the pizza guy was getting back into his car and driving away. Narrowing my eyes I realised he’d delivered to Dancer. Calling the pizza shop they confirmed my delivery had already been delivered. Thanking them and tossing the phone on the couch, grabbing my beer, I stormed out the front, stepped over the small fence and up the three steps onto Dancer’s porch. Knocking loudly I waited impatiently, Dancer came to the door wearing no shirt and a pair of jeans that really should have a health warning. His abs were well defined and he had a trail of hair that most women would want to follow with their tongue. I was disgusted with myself that I too was included in that portion of women.

Hey Em-

Scowling I saw my pizza behind him on a coffee table littered with beer bottles and pushed past him to grab it. I bent down to pick it up and heard his quick intake of breath. Straightening I rummaged through my pocket and pulled out the twenty I had in there, walking past him but making no direct eye contact, I shoved the twenty in his hand and walked back out the front door, pizza in hand and sipping my beer.

Forcing myself not to look back I stomped back over the small fence and up my own steps, slamming my front door for effect. Slumping on the couch I flicked on my television and sipped my beer. Opening the pizza box I found Dancer had already helped himself to half my pizza. Damn he must have moved fast. Oh well, it’s not like I’d eat the whole thing anyway. Flicking through the channels I settled on a horror movie I’d seen before but knew was pretty good.

A knock on my door had me groaning but putting down my beer and standing. I’d assumed it was going to be Dancer but it wasn’t it was Brian, my best friend Courtney’s boss.

Hey! I offered surprised to see him here.

Hi there beautiful. I heard Dancer’s door open and close, I wasn’t sure at first if he was going in or coming out, but when I heard his chair scrape on the porch decking it was clear he was coming out. I couldn’t see him from my front door or porch there was a wall dividing the two houses.

What’s up?

I need a favour? I didn’t hand out my phone number to just anyone and I didn’t own a cell phone so when Brian was stuck he generally just showed up.

I was hoping for a quiet night in.

How about a quiet night out? He asked hopefully. My shoulders sagged. He owned a burlesque lounge and I did enjoy myself every time I worked there.

Friday’s are hardly quiet.

Yeah, I’m surprised your… neighbour is home. Shrugging I put a hand up.

Give me ten minutes to get my stuff. I’m not far behind you, you head on and I’ll be there soon. A look of relief crossed his face.

I can wait for you. Brian had tried many times to get me on a date, so far unsuccessfully. A loud cough came from next door making me frown.

No I prefer to drive. Bye! I said closing the door and rushing around to get my things. Throwing makeup and bits and pieces in an oversized bag, I slipped on a pair of killer heels and headed out the door. I didn’t bother changing as the club supplied all the costumes. Rummaging through my bag for my keys a lipstick fell out next to my car. Bending down to grab it, a choking sound followed by a spasm of coughing came from next door. I smiled slightly, it was unintentional, however I felt payback was served for stealing my pizza. Retrieving it, I heard him trying to call my name.

Em- coughing again it cut him off so I used the chance to get in my car and drive off. I was probably less than ten minutes behind Brian and by the time I got to the club, I knew I’d have to haul ass to get ready in time. Courtney squealed and hugged me when she saw me, pushing me into her chair to start my hair as I applied the war paint.

Who am I playing today?

Leisha. I thought back and remembered she only did back up dance and vocals sometimes. Easy. But you can do one of mine if you want to trade? I shook my head.

Nah I’m exhausted babe. She nodded continuing to curl my hair. I finished as she did and added the small fedora to my hair. Throwing a costume at me she raced to get her spot out on stage. I was in the next number, so I stripped, not feeling embarrassed at all and dressed quickly. My outfit for the number was a tight black push-up bra covered in sequins. The bottoms were boy shorts with a mixture of sequins in the right areas and beige fabric, giving the effect I was showing more flesh than I actually was. Leisha was a size smaller than me in bust so I had to squeeze my poor boobs in.

Pulling on a pair of black thigh high boots I ran to take my spot. Tressa who was doing the main vocals looked at me longingly.

Christ, what now?

I have a croaky throat. She whispered, running we swapped places. If she had told Brian he would have gotten us to lip sync, but Tressa had a thing about keeping shit to herself until the last moment. Taking Tressa’s spot meant I was out first. When I was under the spotlights I could barely see or recognise anyone in the audience which I always found comforting. Strutting out on stage I was followed by the others, I grabbed the old fashioned microphone and danced the steps Courtney begged me to memorise. I knew the song it had been my mother’s favourite when I was a small girl. Pulling the mic out of the stand I had to turn and bend, giving the patrons a clear view of my ass. I always hated this bit on the off chance someone saw my scar.

Catcalls and whistles echoed as I continued in the song. I moved about the stage confidently shimmying, shaking and twisting. When the song was nearly finished I swear I caught a glare from the bar, he looked familiar but the lighting was poor so I wasn’t sure. I finished and the curtain dropped. Rushing off I started stripping and tugged off my boots. Well Leisha’s boots. I was just pulling on a white corset top that had gold sequins over the breasts and lining with a gold ruffled bottom. Teaming it with gold glittery stilettos I turned to see Brian staring at me interest evident. In his hand he held a mojito. Gliding up to him I winked and grabbed the mojto kissing his cheek. I tilted the glass and drained it.

The next number I was staying in the back line. I had a few minutes so I changed my lipstick and pushed my hair over to tone side and pinned it. This time I was starting on the bar. Maybe I could see the guy who glared at me.

Looking hot sweet cheeks. Courtney called slapping me on the ass as we went opposite directions to do the same number. Stepping on the stool to stand up I eyed around but didn’t see anyone familiar, which wasn’t odd. There were certain spots in the place that were dark. Stepping up I walked a fine line dodging glasses, bottles and more glasses. At the opposite end of the bar, a hand shot between my legs making me startle and twist to glare at the offender, my shoe caught on the lip of the bar, I fell from the bar and expected a hard hit. Strong arms caught me.

Breathing a sigh, I jumped up gratefully kissing the cheek of the person who caught me, I jumped back up quickly and moved to finish the number. When it finished and I got out the back to the dressing room I ripped off the offending shoes and threw them across the room. Tressa squealed and jumped.

Sorry! She waved me away not caring about my little tantrum, limping lightly I gathered the shoes and put them gently down in their place with Leisha’s things. Sagging on a chair I grabbed a pair of fishnet stockings.

Hey! I saw you take a tumble. You okay? Courtney rushed over.

I twisted my ankle.

Really? You couldn’t even tell. She was astonished picking up my ankle and running gentle fingers over it. It’s swollen. I’ll talk to Brian and you go home. I waved her off.

I’ll be okay the next number, I’m just singing and a little dancing I can handle that. I stood up and limped to the rack of clothes. The dress this time was strapless and tasselled in a red. Red was generally my colour, but hey this wasn’t usually my act either, I was the technology freak. I did this for Courtney. I pulled on the dress, fishnets and black heels and limped to the stage, swallowing I timed it so I could strut, it was going to hurt like a bitch.

Counting myself in I walked out on stage as if there wasn’t a screaming pain in my ankle. Grinning and winking at the audience I didn’t falter. The second the song was over and the curtain came down I ripped the shoe off that felt like my circulation was going with it. I stripped and put my own clothes on. Brian came back in holding another mojito. I shook it away.

I need to go home and ice this.

I’ll drive you.

No thanks I’ll be fine. I scooped up my bag and picked up my own heels, and wincing when I stepped forward.

You can’t drive like that.

Sure I can.

Then at least call your biker and get him to get you. He offered grumpily, I frowned at him.

He’s not my anything. I’m going to need a few days. See you later. I left kissing Courtney on the cheek who was glaring at Brian on my behalf. I hobbled out to my car in the back parking lot which was too poorly lit. Hearing someone move behind me I put my hand in my bag and grasped the glock I always carried. The steps stopped and I continued as if I hadn’t heard a thing. When I got to my car I unlocked the door and climbed in. Looking back now I couldn’t see anyone so I started my jeep and drove home.

Dancer wasn’t home and I sincerely hoped that meant I wasn’t going to be bombarded by drunk girls waiting around for Dancer soon. Opening the door I swung my legs out and looked at my ankles next to each other checking the swelling. I was mentally prepping myself to get out and make it up the stairs when I heard the rumble of a few bikes. I groaned and climbed out wearily. Locking my car I made it about three steps when a voice called out.

Hey you okay? It was the guy from earlier. Mr Military. I waved a hand to indicate I was fine and concentrated on getting to my door. You don’t look fine. Need a hand? I shook my head and continued to limp forward. I caught a movement in my peripheral and turned to talk when I was scooped up in a very strong pair of arms.

I’m fine! I snapped, instantly thinking it was Mr Military, but instead turned out to be Dancer. He didn’t look at me, his jaw was clenched tightly. He moved quickly and yanked my keys free from my hand still managing to balance me in his arms and open my door. He looked angry but it couldn’t be at me, I hadn’t seen him since I left so he was angry at someone and I was the lucky recipient who copped flack. Lifting a hand to his face, he flinched. Wiping a finger along his cheek I showed him what I was doing.

Not sure it’s quite your colour. I smirked, he just gritted his teeth harder. The lipstick was a bright red, like the shade I wore on stage. Dancer pushed inside and placed me gently on the couch. He stalked into my kitchen and rummaged in my freezer pulling out a bag of peas and grabbed a cloth from the counter, he wrapped it stomped back to me and placed it gently on my ankle. He didn’t speak a word, he just turned on his heel and left. The door slammed and locked behind him before I could even utter a thankyou.

I stayed on the couch until the peas were melting and I was about to fall asleep. Music blared next door which never bothered me, it was almost soothing. I put the peas back in the freezer and limped to my room, my ankle already felt better, but I popped a few ibuprofen to help take down the swelling. Slipping into bed I wondered how you thanked someone you never really spoke to. I did after all have manners.

Chapter 2

I rose with the sun as always and limped outside to collect my paper. Everything was quiet at this time of day and I loved it. Breathing in deeply I dropped the paper on my outside table and went inside to make coffee. I was still in just my tank top and panties but no one was ever up this early around here so I was pretty sure I’d be safe with that. Coffee done I sat outside and sipped it going over the paper. I never usually read it but I figured surfing was out for today at least.

My stomach began to rumble so I went inside, I had enough stuff to bake muffins, then I got an idea. Okay so it was totally appropriate to bake for someone as a thankyou. I know that didn’t necessarily apply to bikers, but hey? He didn’t know I knew better. So making a few flavoured varieties- blueberry, chocolate chip and banana with coconut. I put them in the oven and made a new cup of java. Putting it outside for a second I quickly threw my dishes in the dishwasher and prepared to take out the first batch.

I found a basket and placed a cloth inside and added the muffins, keeping a few for myself. The next batch was in so I took my muffin outside to have with my coffee. Except my coffee wasn’t where I left it. Frowning I groaned, man if I kept losing my coffee cups, I’d have to buy more… again. It was my worst habit and one Anthony, my darling personal assistant constantly chastised me for.

Shrugging I went to collect another mug and nibbled at my muffin. The next batch would be ready in a few more minutes. Leaning on my counter I finished my breakfast and added those dishes to the dishwasher too, setting it and let it run. When the muffins bell chimed I pulled them out and popped them straight into the basket. Who didn’t love warm muffins? Limping outside I managed to get over to Dancer’s and knock lightly on the door. I already wrote ‘thankyou for your help last night’ on a piece of paper, putting it in with the muffins. Not wanting to wake him I left the basket on the doorstep and turned to go home. My thankyou was done, things could get back to normal. The door swung open, his morning grunt almost making me smile.

Where the fuck are your pants? He snapped, pausing I realised I’d completely forgotten, turning to him I shrugged. He wore no shirt again and I felt my mouth dry, swallowing I found my voice. His face was a dark cloud of anger and I wondered who had pissed him off so royally. I walked around in bikini’s for christ’s sake, so I’m assuming it was a club thing. He’d left his hair out this morning and I think I preferred it that way. He was smoking hot.

Oh come on you’re a biker, I’m sure you’ve seen women in a lot less. Essentials are covered. Enjoy your breakfast. I nodded toward the basket at his feet and limped home. By the time I’d managed his driveway, the short path and my driveway, my ankle was throbbing again. Grimacing I hopped up the stairs and inside, flopping on the couch. Groaning I went and showered quickly, swallowed some more ibuprofen, wrapped my ankle in a pressure bandage and sank back on the couch, keeping my foot elevated on the end.

I must have dozed off, because the banging at my door startled me. Climbing up I answered the door. I had on a now rumpled sky blue sun dress that stopped mid thigh. Mr Military again.

What? I mumbled leaning against the door trying to wake up.

Hi! He was very cheery; his left eye was black today so that have been where Dancer hit him yesterday. I looked bored already and his grin widened. Just wondered if you are free tonight? Raising an eyebrow at him I must have had the ‘you’re fucking with me right’ facial expression on because he continued without missing a beat. The club’s having a party and you would be a most welcome addition.

Biker’s aren’t high on my bucket list. Sorry. My voice dripped with sarcasm, he wasn’t deterred.

What is then? Smiling sweetly at him, it was easy to see his grin falter slightly. He got I was up to something.

This… I slammed the door in place and locked it. He laughed on the other side.

I like you Emily. I’ll see you tonight. I rolled my eyes.

Not likely. I mumbled under my breath. Now I was awake I remembered I had to do laundry today, so throwing a load in I headed back to my couch with a bottle of water and the ibuprofen bottle. I heard yelling out the front and ignored it, instead I switched on my television and watched a movie matinee. Realising I’d need to eat before taking more pills, I made a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I dozed on and off most of the afternoon. Not being able to take sitting in the house any longer I collected my keys and wallet and headed for my car. I could at least go and do some work. I forced myself not to look over at Dancer’s as I walked outside or while in my car.

At work I armed my alarm and got down to business. Saturday’s no one was in except me so I usually used it as a time to play catch-up. Keeping the ibuprofen up at the recommended times, I iced my ankle sporadically, knowing the swelling would go down and I’d be right as rain in no time. I worked through until nearly ten pm, before I shut everything down and closed up. Back at my car I decided I desperately needed groceries so I would stop at