Grasping For Freedom Read Online Free Page B

Torque. "You've been through a lot the last year and I know shit piles on you, so I'll ignore the asshole in you coming out. Do you need time away? Bantorus has a run coming up, and it'll take two weeks. I'm trying to set up an agreement to transport cars down to Lagsturns on a regular schedule."
    Torque braced. "Chops?"
    "Not on our end. What they do with them afterward, it's not on our back." Rain studied him. "That bother you?"
    There was no question that Lagsturns Motorcycle Club would use the cars in an illegal activity and send them back on the road containing parts of stolen vehicles. Torque shook his head. "No problem."
    He had no love for the outlaw motorcycle club, and preferred to stay far away from them and anyone doing business with them. The last time he played too close, Los Li shot him on two separate occasions. Dealing with anyone who went into business with Los Li, a gang formed in the penal system in California under the leadership of the Mexican mafia, was bad news.
    "Are you up for the job?" Rain asked again.
    He'd like nothing more than to take a break and come back with his head screwed on straight. Though it was having his thoughts in the wrong place lately that could affect his judgment and put Bantorus at risk. "Let Remmy take the run. I'll pull his shift at the garage."
    As Sergeant at Arms to his president, he floated between club business and wherever Rain needed him on the outside. He enjoyed the lifestyle. Whether he was doing construction at the hotel, fixing cars at the garage, or repo'ing vehicles for non-payment, the array of jobs within Bantorus MC community kept him busy and away from growing stagnant.
    "Good." Rain clapped his hand on Torque's shoulder. "Why don't you talk to Tori in the next couple of days?"
    "Why?" he asked.
    Rain shrugged. "She's worried about you. You know how she gets when something bothers her."
    "There's nothing going on for her to get wound up," he said.
    "Tell that to my old lady." Rain's grin disappeared. "Don't bullshit around what's going on. I've known you over twenty years. I've watched you, worried about you, and fought with you. You're heading into a dark place, which is understandable considering what you went through. Bantorus is here. Hang on to us, and keep your head. You're a free man."
    Rain wasn't giving him advice, but an order. He'd sank low, fighting to outrun his past and letting anger build, enough in past years that he was given round the clock watch. After the fact, he hated having his brothers involved in his personal life. Not one of them knew why he continued to fight demons, except Rain. He could handle his past on his own. That's the reason he refused to settle down like Rain or Slade or the other members who put their care into someone else's hand. He didn't want anyone's help.
    "Tell Tori I'll stop by the house tomorrow, and see her and Lilly." He cleared his throat, turned for the door.
    If there was one person who helped him just by being in the same room, it was Tori. Her calmness and nurturing came from the heart, despite the hell she'd lived through growing up. Hell, her goodness penetrated every hardened member in the club.
    A knock, followed by the office door opening and Brandy sticking her head inside, stopped Torque from leaving. He stepped back and regretted looking the second Brandy's eyes fell on him. Her cheeks flushed. The base of her neck pulsed and he found his own blood pumping faster at the sight of her reaction.
    "Sorry. I didn't know anyone was in here." Brandy raked her teeth over her bottom lip. "I'll come back."
    "Brandy," Rain said, stopping her from going anywhere. "Stay."
    Torque moved toward the door to go past Brandy, and Rain said. "Torque, stick around."
    He clamped his teeth and stayed planted beside Brandy. He hated how he wanted to lift his chin at Rain and accept anything he asked if only to stay in Brandy's presence. She was a baby compared to him. Hell, he had nineteen years on her. He'd already