Jackson

*Jackson*

I had lived in the house with Hector so long, this house was like a different world. Modern with dark chestnut crown molding, and shiny entrance way tables. Something my grandmother would have loved if she were still living. She had more furniture in her little shack than most people kept in a mansion. When the bank took it after she died, my sister sold most of the furniture for her fix. I was too young at the time to do anything about it. She was just doing what my mother would do. That apple fell directly on her fucking head. God rest her soul. When my sister overdosed, I was sent to live with my uncle in Michigan. I worked as security for a large money laundering business before I was brought into the fold here with the brotherhood. I appreciate them. I watched as Sunshine smiled at Smoke when he walked into the gym. I know she is his, but she makes my heart pound a little more than she should. Maybe I could convince her to love me. Maybe not. I watched him look around the room, pretending not to glance in my direction. Yes I was looking at her, and I am pretty sure he noticed. She left with him shortly after. He was bothered by it. Not like the king to be insecure about anything. When I turned around Jay was staring at me. "Wanna do some rounds in the ring?" I asked, most likely signing my death warrant. Jay was a big man. I didnt know him well. I didn't know he was an inside member. I thought he was a security guard. I guess he is a lead one now, and in the circle. Not sure what he did to make it that far that fast. I have been a member for a very long time, and for a while felt exiled from the city house. They would never let me inside. I wouldn't be here without Sunshine, though I think Zeus spoke up for me too. He isn't even here, chasing some tail from what I understand. These men having women is a mystery to me. For the longest time, most of us assumed they were all gay. I almost laughed out loud to myself. Jay was still staring at me without responding to my spar invitation. "No then?" I said starting to turn away from him. He moved closer to me and spoke in a deep voice. I could tell he was trying to be intimidating. My uncle was intimidating. Told me I was trash more often than I care to admit. Drank himself stupid and took his problems out on me and his wife. Fuck. "I know you have interest in our queen Jackson. I would suggest you find a hobby." When he said it I resisted the urge to tell him I wanted to make her my hobby. "I just think she is a nice lady. Relax Jay." I said, attempting to just shrug off his threatening tone. "She is very nice, and completely protected. You saw what happened to Jericho. Don't put yourself in that position." He said, turning back to his He-Man weights. I didnt respond. Jericho was a norandathol, I am smarter than that. I knew this woman had become a national treasure to the most dangerous men I know. I didn't want to die, just admire it. "What about Celine?" I asked knowing my question would sidetrack him. He turned back around slowly and smiled. "Sure, pretty boy, let's spar!"

I walked out of the gym with some more bruising than I had entered with. The pain was sure to come on later in the evening. I think I won him over some though, I held my own for the most, but that man is a psychopath. He is terrifying. I don't think he will have a problem with the Italian mobster at all, if they keep it fair. I tried to ask him about it, but he wouldn't respond to me. I needed a drink so I headed to the kitchen. No one was around and I found myself wondering where the queen had gone. I can't be doing that. When I walked in Henry was there. "Do you live in the kitchen Henry?" I asked. He is still quite the youngster as far as I could tell. I didnt know him well either. "I don't. I am preparing for lunch." He said short and sweet. I must have ruffled a few feathers in this group by simply being nice to her. "Oh. I didn't realize it was lunch time yet." I said smiling, trying to soothe the tension some. "In about an hour." He said again, focused on his chopping. I figured I would give the olive branch one last reach and then I was done. I won't beg these men to like me, or to trust me. "Well what's for lunch?" I said smiling again. He mumbled about some sub sandwiches and veggies. "That sounds delicious." He turned around and looked at me. "I think Smoke and Sunshine went up to their room. Probably turned off their comms so we couldn't hear what was happening up there. I will let you know when lunch is finished." He told me he also had issues with my admiration of Sunshine. I smiled, "I hope they enjoy the alone time." I said grabbing a water bottle from the fridge. "They alway do. Sunshine comes out of there glowing after being with her man, it's a beautiful thing to see. That's a real soulmate, meant to be a kind of love." He was really laying it on thick. "Are you bragging about my love life Henry?" I heard it in my ear. It was Smoke. "I am not the boss, I am simply speaking the truth." Henry said quickly in response. "We will be out soon Chef, and I am hungry." Sunshines voice in my ear gave me a reaction. I wasn't proud of it . Maybe everyone had a right to be defensive.

I walked out of the kitchen, and headed for the door. I needed some fresh air. The guards at the door were like statues. "I am going to walk about outside?" I said, taking a step towards the door. LIke a brick wall they stepped in front of me. "Am I not allowed to go out?" I started to feel panicked. I don't enjoy being stuck inside somewhere. Visions of a dark, musty, and hot closet entered my head. I shook it off. They didn't speak. "You really need to fucking move." I sat my hand on my hip, but realized my gun was not there. "Jackson? What's the problem?" I heard her again, in my ear, like an angel singing to my soul. "These fixtures by the door wont let me go outside." I said feeling the irritation in the back of my throat increase. Dust from the closet filling the air around me. "I don't want anyone going outside alone right now." Smoke replied. "Respectfully boss, I can't be caged in here." I knew my voice was getting heavy, and I knew they would see a weakness. I hate for people to see my vulnerabilities. "We are on our way down." She said softly. Though I knew they were coming soothed me some, I still thought about just fighting through the men to get out. "Why do you need to go outside?" Smoke said as soon as he walked up. I had pearls of sweat on my forehead, and shaking hands. "I dont like being unable to walk the fuck outside." I clearly wasn't in a good mindset to be talking to my boss. "Jackson, I think he is just trying to keep everyone safe with all the threats the brothers have faced lately." I looked at her while she spoke, feeling a warmth come over me. I didn't like that she calmed me so quickly, but I handled it well I think. "What do I need to do to go out and walk around?" I said trying to force the attitude to remain. I didn't want Smoke to understand the effect his partner had on me. "Well.." she said hesitantly, looking back at her king. "You can take a guard and keep him close by. Ask Jay who to take, he handles all the security. I ask you don't leave the property right now. I don't need any of my men put at risk in this crucial time." Smoke said looking a little irritated with his Sunshine as they walked away.

Jay sent a guard with some odd number outside with me. I found it comical that the man looked like I would need to protect him, but when the boss speaks, everyone listens. Smoke was a good man, from what I have seen. Smart, strategic, and loyal. He gained his respect, never forced it. Now he just demands it for all of the brotherhood. That is something I respect. He acts as a leader, but still part of the group. Unlike others I have worked under in my past, who acted like a dictator in the company of slaves. I looked around the buildings, all fenced in for security. He had this city house locked down like a fortress. I would like to think it was because she was in there, but he has always been known to protect his own. Im still shocked by Ark, that dude must have really fucked up. I know Jericho did, but he is breathing. I have thought alot about that woman in the past few days, but I could never actually act on anything. I don't think I could ruin my situation here. I couldn't face those consequences. I looked back at the boy watching over me, "You don't have to stay so close fella." I said, trying to protect him myself. If someone attacked me out here, he would surely die, training or not. He stopped, but did not stand there long. I turned to check out the house and heard someone call my name, "Jackson." The voice sent chills down my spine.