Forgiving Nancy (Last Hangman MC, #5)(85)
Most people are quick to judge us, saying that it’s not a good idea to raise children around a motorcycle club, but for us it was the perfect upbringing, there was always someone to babysit and play! Our dads managed, for the most part, to stay out of trouble even with the illegal shit they do, but they still have their hands in everything from drugs to guns. Most of them are the nicest men you’ll ever meet—just don’t cross them and you won’t get into any trouble. If you’re gonna be a dick to them, then don’t complain if they seek revenge.
Life has always been pretty good to us. Our parents, like most of the club members, have real jobs on the side. My dad is an accountant for a big firm, quite unusual for someone in an outlaw MC but he’s really good with numbers, and my mom owns her own bakery. Anthony’s parents own a garage that specializes in customizing cars and bikes.
We’ve never had to worry about money or anything for that matter, but then the club hit a rough patch and we lost deals and money. A war broke out between us and a rival club, the Bastards from Hell. Luckily, deals could be salvaged and money made; however, Ant and I suffered the most because of it, we were kicked out of high school because they didn’t want the school to be related to any club politics and to have it tarnish their reputation. We had no choice but to transfer. It was pretty hard to find one that would accept us in the middle of the year, especially considering the reason for our transfer, but eventually Ant and I were accepted into the same school.
I struggled when we first got to the new school, I was picked on a lot and had to keep it from everybody. I’m quite short, big green eyes, naturally pouty lips and here’s the real kicker, I’m a natural redhead, and I mean bright red. Needless to say, I was an easy target for all the bullies.
It took Ant a couple of days before he found out about the bullying. When he did find out, he was pissed at me for not telling him right away. I tried to explain why I kept it from him; I didn’t want him to get into trouble for me. I knew he’d do anything for me, and him getting into a fight to defend me was not on my list of things to do in our first week there. He finally understood and promised he would take care of it, I don’t know what he did, but I wasn’t bullied again after that.
Ant, on the other hand, never had a problem fitting in. As he grew older he became leaner, taller and grew a bit of a scruff but his eyes never changed, he has always had the most beautiful hazel eyes I’ve ever seen. The guys wanted to be as cool as him and the girls wanted to be with him. They drove me insane. I know we were only friends, but I couldn’t help feeling jealous of the attention he gave all those girls.
It was two years ago that I realized I had feelings for Ant, not just ‘you’re my best friend so I love you’ feelings, but real ‘I wanna be with you feelings’. It was a slow realization but when it finally dawned on me that I was actually in love with him, they hit me hard. I know I’m only 17 but I know he is my one and only. He’s had others before me, but it doesn’t change the way I feel for him. I just don’t know how to tell him, it’s hard to confess your love to someone who’s been in your life forever and sees you as a little sister.
It could go either way if I tell him. He could share my feelings and it would be the best decision of my life or it could be the biggest mistake ever and end our friendship. I think it would take a lot more than that to break our friendship but I’m not ready to risk it. I could also suck it up and move on, but I’m not quite sure how I would go about that. It’s not like I can just snap my fingers and boom, no more feeling for him. Sometimes I wish it were that easy. Even if I’m not dating Ant, I’m beyond grateful to have him in my life, even if it means I can only have him as a friend. I don’t know what I would do if I were to lose him and our friendship. Ant’s been a member of the club for a couple of months now. Every time he goes on a ride with the guys, I get worried sick that something bad is going to happen to him. I know my dad would never let that happen, but I can’t help worrying.
Today is my pre birthday BBQ. I’m sitting in the garden of the compound on top of a picnic table watching everybody having fun; all of my friends are here as well as the entire MC. It’s a tradition we have at the club, on the day before our birthday we celebrate by having a party at the compound with everyone and then on our actual birthday day, we spend it with our blood family. I have no idea what my parents have planned for tomorrow, I’m not sure anything can top last year’s trip to Disneyworld. Yep, bikers at Disneyworld, it was quite hilarious to see these beefed up scary bikers run for Thunder Mountain before realizing what they were doing, they will never admit it but I know they enjoyed themselves.
I beam as I see Ant walk towards me, he oozes confidence and masculinity, even at just eighteen. He sits by me and kisses my temple. “Ready for your eighteenth birthday tomorrow Sweet Cheeks?” He smirks lighting his cigarette.
“What do you know that I don’t, Anthony?” I narrow my eyes at him, but can’t help the grin that spreads across my face when I see his grin.
“I don’t know anything, so don’t ask.” Finality laces his voice with a hint of playfulness.
“You’re not as fun anymore now that you’re eighteen.” I punch his arm, he doesn’t budge one bit.
“Who says I was ever fun?” He raises his eyebrow at me.
“Ah true, you’re the most boring eighteen year old guy I know.” I shrug and hop off the table walking towards the compound to join the party. I can feel his eyes on me and I add the tiniest bit of sway to my hips. I hear him groan as he jogs to catch up to me.