VICE Crimson Tears MC (STANDALONE)

Chapter 8

"We've been allowed to take as much time as we want. Unless Pres calls us back," Nova says.
Sitting beside her in the back of the truck, I'm excited to get out. It'll be nice to wear clothes that belong to me. Looking at Nova, she's busy scrolling through her phone. I think she's putting an itinerary together. Not a bad idea.
"Are you going to be okay Nosedive? I know guys don't really enjoy shopping," I say.
"I'm all good. Not my first rodeo. I won't be entirely bored out of my mind. There's this pair of sneakers I want to check out."
Grinning, Nova rolls her eyes.
"Nosedive. You're a sneaker head. You'll walk out of there with at least three pairs."
He looks at her in the rear view mirror.
"There are worse addictions Nova."
Arriving at the mall, Nova indulges Nosedive first. As he tries on said sneakers, I have to admit. He has good taste. Walking out with Nova's predicted three pairs, we get started on her itinerary.
I'm excited to burn through Mavericks money as we head into the first store. As I flip through a rack, Nova gives me a curious expression.
"Did you have your stuff delivered or did your husband allow you out?"
"Everything was to be delivered. He didn't want me getting it in my head I could visit friends and family."
"Asshole. Well you can make up for lost years. Go crazy babe."
Smiling at her encouragement, a realization dawns.
"Are there any shirts that aren't cropped?"
Laughing, she holds one up.
"They're what's in with teenage girls. You really have been out of the loop. They're really not so bad."
Making a face, she slaps a hand over her mouth.
"Okay, okay. They are. We'll find clothes more your style. Come on."
Looping her arm in mine she pulls me along to the next store.
I come to my second realization that in order to burn through Mavericks money I'm going to have to hunt for clothes my style. Nova on the other hand is having a breeze. She's already dropped two hundred fifty dollars. My eyes had bulged at the wad of cash she'd pulled out. Easily twice as much as I had. If not more. Wondering if she'd threatened to take Mavericks balls, she'd laughed, telling me Pres had given the cash to her.
"Girl. You're not having much luck. How would you describe your style?" Nova prods.
"Mature but not old lady mature."
Tapping a finger to her lips, she snaps her fingers.
"I know where we need to go."
Walking fast, I look behind us to see Nosedive keeping up with a perplexed expression. Passing the food court, we take the elevator.
"You know this mall like the back of your hand. Don't you?" I ask.
"Hmm? Oh, yeah. I've been coming here for years. Favorite stores, restrooms and emergency exits. All up here," she says, tapping her head.
The doors open and she's pulling me along again.
"Here we are," she announces.
Seeing the racks of clothes, none of them scream teenage girl. She got it right. Walking inside I've barely touched the jeans when a sales associate sails up, all bright smile and professional.
"Hello ladies. Is there any thing in particular you're looking for today? Our sale right now is but one get one fifty percent off."
"Thank you but we're just looking for now," I say.
"Okay. Well let me know if you need any assistance."
Sailing away, Nova rolls her eyes.
"So annoying. Anyway. What style jeans do you go for?"
I was accumulating a new wardrobe quickly. Nova was finding pieces for herself as well. It really was nice to have this time together.
"We need to find you a drop dead gorgeous little back dress as well," she says.
That has my attention.
"What occasion, pray tell would I need it for?"
She gives me a look that says the answer should be obvious.
"Reason number one, when you burn your wedding dress. Reason number two, you'll have it at the ready when you jump back into the dating scene."
It's her second reason that has me thinking back to my kiss with Maverick. The kiss that should not have happened. The kiss that has me fantasizing more when I shouldn't. Frankly I'm not eager to jump back into the dating scene. I want to enjoy single life for a while.
"Reason number one is reason enough for me."
Beaming, we take our stuff up to the counter. When the cashier reads out my total, I don't even flinch as I hand over the money. As the clothes are bagged up, I go to reach for it when Nosedive takes it.
"You don't have to."
"I'm not only on bodyguard duty, Fawn. I'm also designated bag carrier."
I let it go as he easily places the bag in the same hand as his own purchase. Nova is rang up and hands her bag over as well. Looping her arm with mine, we make for our next destination.
The dress store is on the same level, only a bit further down. Stepping inside, there's no pushy sales associate. So we can browse in peace. It makes it easier to find the dress when the racks are color coded.
"We could have fun with this Fawn. Get us each some killer heels and jewelry to dress us up."
"Your imagination is on overdrive Nova. I'd be fine with a pair of slippers.
She gasps in fake shock.
"Don't even jest. You need this Fawn. Let yourself have it."
Eyes imploring, I drop my shoulders in defeat.
"Okay. I give. I'll dress up."
Clapping her hands in triumph, she returns to the dresses in earnest. I've really got myself into this one.
Holding up a dress, she presses it against me. Looking down, I'm not impressed. Lifting my eyes to hers, I shake my head.
Continuing to flick through, I find the one. Lifting it, I show it to Nova. Her eyes grow big.
"That's it. That's the one. Go try it on. We have to see how it looks on you."
Once in the changing room, I shuck my clothes, stepping into the dress. Sliding it up my body, I take in my reflection. It hugs my curves making me feel amazing. Stepping out, both Nova and Nosedives jaws nearly hit the floor.
"Damn Fawn. I'm not supposed to be looking at you this way but you look-stunning," Nosedive compliments.
"Thank you."
"He's being careful with his words. What he wants to say is you look fuckable," Nova amends.
Laughing, her words make me feel even better.
Changing back into my clothes, Nova has found a strapless dress with a slit up the side. Showing it off, she looks more than fuckable. She looks downright dangerous. After, we find matching heels and pay. The only jewelry the store has is plastic and we both agreed it wouldn't do.
The jewelry store is back on the first floor so we take the elevator again. Nosedive still doesn't appear bothered by the amount of bags.
As we step out the crowd has grown thicker. Sticking close to Nova in case of being bumped around, I get the sensation of being watched. Looking around I don't see anyone outwardly staring. Chalking it up to anxiety, we make it to our destination.
"You're going to love their pieces," Nova gushes.
Taking me over to the display cases, my eyes nearly water at the prices.
"Uh, Nova. These pieces might be a bit much for a dress burning."
She waves me off.
"We'll find you a necklace with what money you have left. If it's not enough, I'll cover you."
She says it so nonchalantly. I know putting up resistance will be a waste of breath. Moving from case to case, I eye the one. Dainty with a teardrop design. Getting the sales associates attention, she asks if I want to try it on. Saying yes, we go over to a mirror where she clasps it around my neck.
"It's beautiful. Suits you well," she says.
I'm in complete agreement. Nova takes longer to find hers as she's undecided between two. After pros and cons are weighed, she decides on the second.
I hang onto my bag this time. Deciding we need to stop for a restroom break, we head into the ladies. I don't enjoy public restrooms so I do my business quickly. Rejoining Nosedive, he's switched out his shoes for a new pair. Nova joins us a moment later.
"Totally knew you wouldn't be able to wait," she says.
As he opens his mouth to speak, her brows bunch taking in our surroundings.
"I feel like someone's watching us."
So it wasn't my anxiety. Shit. Nosedive is quick to snatch the bags back up.
"We're going back. You can tell Pres on the way," Nosedive instructs.
He's not taking a chance. Arm in arm with Nova we book it from the mall. The sensation doesn't lessen as we hit the parking lot. Nosedive tosses the bags in the truck as we scramble to get into the back. We're not even buckled when he peels off.
Breathing hard we manage to get buckled in as Nova taps Pres' number and puts him on speed dial. He answers immediately.
"Talk to me Nova."
"We've left the mall. I'm pretty sure someone was watching us," she says shakily.
"Prospect!"
"Yes, sir."
"Keep your eyes open. Any drivers acting remotely suspicious and you find another route home. Shake them."
"Understood."
"Nova, stay on the phone until he's driven through the gate."
"I...will."
The atmosphere is tense as we continuously check the back window and mirrors. No drivers are making an attempt to get closer to us. Doesn't necessarily mean they're not there. Nova's face has drained of color and Nosedive is driving with a white knuckled grip.
The gate is open when Nosedive tears through it, coming to a dust boiling stop. I manage to get my belt undone when my door is wrenched open and Maverick is there. I practically fall into his arms in relief. Shutting the door behind me, he doesn't release his hold.
"You're shaking Fawn."
We follow Pres and Nova inside. Same as Maverick, he has a protective hold on her. It makes me curious if there's something between them.
Taking us to the lounge, we're situated on the long couch, blankets draped over us. Pres orders Gator to get us drinks. To help take the edge off, he explains. Once they're in our hands he tells us to down them. The instant burn has my squeezing my eyes shut. It does help though. Setting down our empty glasses, we look up at the mirror expressions of worry and rage on their faces.