Chapter 17
Suzi curled herself into the corner of the sofa, tucking her legs beneath her, miserable and dejected. Her hand went to her naked throat, her fingertips resting in the now-vacant jugular notch. How could Kaleb be so cruel? That vial and lifestyle had become a part of her, defined who she had become. Taking the donor necklace from her was akin to removing a part of her soul. Kaleb took the one thing from her that would ensure her hatred for him … and the bastard knew it. He had been deliberately cruel. The question was why?
Her leather boots lay in a heap by the door, long forgotten as she stared into the dark interior of the room, wrapping her arms about her center in an attempt to keep herself warm. A shiver ran down her spine. She supposed she could start a fire in the hearth, but the room temperature had little to do with the chill invading her body that Kaleb had started at the club. Her heart panged. Lord, she wanted to despise him with every fiber of her being, turn her back on him and never set eyes on the bastard again.
Instead, here she sat in the quiet interior of the clubhouse, waiting for his return. He had to come home sooner or later, and when he did, he best be prepared for her wrath. The only way she was leaving was with her necklace in hand and an apology. It would be her decision to walk away from being a donor, not his. He said that he no longer lay claim to her as a donor or otherwise, so if she opted to feed one of the other Sons, then that should be her choice. She’d be damned before allowing him to make decisions on her behalf. Whether or not she loved Kaleb was beside the point, she’d die before giving him the opportunity to hurt her any longer.
Suzi rubbed her dry and itchy eyes, knowing she must be a sight. So much for making the vampire realize what he was missing. One look at her now and he’d likely thank his lucky stars to have dodged her attempt at seduction earlier. Though Cara may have had good intentions in helping her turn Kaleb’s head, Suzi’s delivery had sucked. Sure his erection had shown his interest, but any woman could have gotten a rise out of him. In the end, he had turned his back on her, and walked away without a care. He hadn’t wanted her. Plain and simple. And that had stung, hurt her as thoroughly as if he had caused her physical harm.
Suzi’s chest ached, the pain nearly debilitating her. God, she was a mess. She stood and walked to the bathroom, flipping on the light and staring at her pathetic reflection in the mirror. She couldn’t allow Kaleb to see her as she stood before the sink. Turning on the water, she splashed her puffy face with cold water, hoping to wash away all traces of her sorrow. She needed to be strong, show him that she too could walk away without a care, even if it truly was killing her inside. Grabbing one of Cara’s kohl pencils, she relined her eyes, then used some of her friend’s mascara. She’d not give Kaleb the satisfaction of knowing he had that kind of influence over her happiness. Finished, she dusted her red nose with facial powder, then stood back and studied the reflection.
Satisfied, Suzi flipped the light switch off and padded back to the living area where she resumed her vigil, hoping that he’d make his return soon. Kane and Cara had promised to busy themselves elsewhere, both feeling Kaleb deserved Suzi’s retribution after hearing how heartlessly he had treated her. Suzi hadn’t missed the sound of Kane’s humor though, as he and Cara closed the door behind them more than an hour ago. She supposed that humor was aimed at the shit-storm of fury Suzi planned to release on his twin. Grayson hopefully heeded Kane’s text to spend the evening out. She didn’t think she could stomach the egotistical ass if he decided to return with a couple of bimbos on his arms.
Suzi blew out a breath as her thoughts returned to Lyle, standing in the parking lot of the Rave, not far from his own tavern, confused as to what might’ve caused his throat such discomfort. The taillights to Kaleb’s bike had not long faded before she turned to Tamera’s uncle and thanked him for all he had done.
An apology spilled from her lips, as she tried to explain how truly sorry she was to have involved him in the mess that was her life. The fake engagement ring glinted on her finger, drawing her attention to the bauble that had already caused her so much trouble. Pulling it from her finger, Suzi tossed the fake solitaire into the bushes and walked off. Now she sat alone, waiting on Kaleb’s return and hoping she hadn’t caused Lyle any more trouble when his intentions had been pure. The good-hearted Irishman had tried to help her dodge the one person Suzi quickly realized was unavoidable.
The sound of an approaching Harley kicked up her already rapid heartbeat. The simple black and white wall clock told her dawn was yet a few hours away. With any luck, she’d get her vial back from Kaleb and be home and in her bed by daybreak. She had the afternoon shift at the nursing home and would need to catch a few hours of sleep if that were even possible.
The engine cut short, further jangling her nerves. The time to change her mind had now passed, Suzi hugged her knees tightly to her chest and watched the back of the door.
* * *
Kaleb stepped over the seat of his bike, unsnapped his helmet and hung it on the handlebar of his chopper. Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the simple black leather cord and looked at the red vial dangling from it. The red jewel glimmered in the florescent lighting of the parking lot security light.
He really was an ass.
What the hell had he been thinking when he had yanked it from Suzi’s neck? He had no right telling Suzi what she could or couldn’t do with her life. Jealousy had spurred his actions and the thought of her with another man had him nearly ripping out the throat of someone who had done nothing to earn his scorn. Kaleb didn’t even want to think what might’ve happened if Suzi hadn’t followed him out of the club and saw Lyle hanging from Kaleb’s iron grip, his toes barely scraping the cement of the sidewalk.
Not that he had hurt the man. But he easily could have. Kaleb fisted the necklace and headed for the dark clubhouse. He wouldn’t apologize for his actions. Right or wrong, he couldn’t allow Suzi to remain a donor without more similar outbursts. Suzi Stevens could no longer be used as a donor, it was that simple. If he wasn’t feeding from her, then certainly no one else would be.
She undoubtedly hated him now anyway. He hadn’t missed the look on her face when he had cruelly yanked the leather cord from her neck. If she hadn’t despised him before, he had just insured that she did. Kaleb couldn’t blame her, and in fact welcomed her hostility. Better for him and the club if he got his head out of his dick and started concentrating on club business and who the hell wanted him dead. Not to mention the mess they now had with the Knights. Kane and he sat in opposition as to whether to continue the gun runs. Fact was, someone in the Knights had betrayed them, and until Kaleb discovered the identity, no way in hell would he trust any of them, Red included. Kane no longer had a voice in the matter. Kaleb was club pres, and as so, his twin had no choice but to abide by Kaleb’s decision to put their tenuous truce with the Knights to a vote. He’d call a church meeting and place his concerns on the table. He’d bet that his men would rule in favor of cutting their losses. Most hadn’t been happy with Kane’s decision to work with the Knights in the first place and the fact he had done so without polling the rest of the MC. The bottom line was the Sons of Sangue didn’t need the Knights, never would.
Grasping the knob and pocketing the necklace, Kaleb pushed the door inward and strode into the darkened interior, telling him everyone was either in bed or still out. He hadn’t noted any vehicles in the parking lot, but then deep in thought, he hadn’t really paid attention. The sweet scent of Suzi Stevens’ damn near knocked the air from his chest the minute he cleared the doorway, long before his enhanced sight caught a glimpse of her sitting in the corner of his sofa, looking far too wounded for his peace of mind.
Jesus! Was he responsible for that?
“What are you doing here, Stevens?” he asked, his tone brusque. He needed her anger back because he sure as fuck couldn’t handle the delicate woman now before him.
She unfolded her arms from her lean muscled legs and stood. Her “fuck me” skirt rode high on her thighs. Kaleb caught a glimpse of her boots lying in a heap by his feet. Thank goodness she had the foresight to remove them. Those spiked heels called to mind all sorts of erotic images, visions that were getting harder to ignore by the minute.
“You have something of mine and I want it back,” she said as she headed in his direction.
His eyes damn near fell out of his head watching her approach. Her pert tits swayed gently beneath the red silk halter. Kaleb shoved both hands into the pockets of his jeans, no longer trusting himself not to touch. His hands itched to palm each breast and test their light weight. Shit, he wanted to draw the pert tips into his mouth, soak the red material before tearing it away. Suzi had never been large breasted, but man did she have a nice set of tits.
“Looks like you wasted your time then, Stevens.” Pulling his hands from his pockets, he used one thumb to indicate behind him. “I threw the necklace alongside the road.”
“You prick!”
She raised her hand to strike his chest, but he easily caught her wrist and yanked it high, tucking it behind her nape. She struggled in his grasp. Kaleb’s heated gaze dropped to her breasts again as they thrust forward, not sure if he wanted them to slip from the fabric, or praying they’d stay put. His mouth parched. Thankfully he had fed earlier, the only thing fueling his willpower at the moment not to carry her off to his bed at the back of the clubhouse. His cock lengthened, tightening his jeans uncomfortably. He needed to get laid … bad.
“I hate you!”
Her words caused him to smile, his fangs now fully extended. Suzi may despise him, but she could no more deny the fact they hungered for the same end. If she were smart she’d run like hell, because he was but a fraction away from losing control and taking his fill. And damn if he couldn’t come up with one good reason at the moment not to fuck her. His earlier argument quickly took a back seat.
“No, you don’t, sweetheart. Though I wish to hell you did.”
“I swear to all that’s holy I do, Hawk. I loathe you and curse the day I ever allowed you to touch me.”
Kaleb chuckled, though not one of humor, before pinning her with his black gaze. “Why, Suzi? Because you can’t rid yourself of the remembrance of my dick inside you? I’ll be all too happy to refresh your memory.”
“As I recall, I told you once before that would never happen.”
Kaleb grinned, raising one of his brows heavenward. “And I believe my exact response was that I’m always up for the challenge. You know as well as I do we want the same thing. You forget… I can smell your desire, sweetheart.”
“You’re a pig.”
“That may very well be, but it didn’t stop you from giving me a blow job the other night now did it?”
Suzi gasped, tears springing to her eyes as she yanked unsuccessfully on her wrist. He’d let her go all right, but not until he was damn good and ready.
“If not for your fiancé, I would’ve already been inside you.”
Her lower lip trembled, the fight seeming to drain from her and she sagged against the wall. “Let go of me, Kaleb.”
“No.”
He growled, baring his teeth, and grabbed her other wrist, pinning them both overhead as he backed her against the wall by the outside door. He used his booted foot to slam it closed. His breathing labored as he leaned in, her scent fueling the savage in him. Kaleb walked a fine line of self-restraint.
“You don’t want me,” she whispered so quietly that had it not been for his keen hearing he might not have heard her accusation.
“That’s where you’re wrong, piccolo diavolo. I want you so badly that every part of my being aches to be inside of you right now.” Kaleb leaned in, his lips grazing the shell of her ear, his knee splitting her legs so that her hot center rested on his thigh. “Are you ready to walk away from that fiancé?”
A tremor passed town her spine. “He was never my fiancé, Hawk.”
Kaleb stepped back, still holding tight to her wrists with one hand and looked down on her. His forehead furrowed. “What the hell did you just say?”
Suzi looked up, her gaze still watery with unshed tears. “I lied.”
Kaleb clenched his jaw, reining in his temper, hoping she had a damn good reason. “Why?”
“Because…”
He waited for her to finish, when she didn’t, he asked again, “Why, piccolo diavolo?”
“I was afraid,” she said, looking to the floor.
“Afraid?” He ran his free hand through his overlong loose curls at the top of his head, brushing the hair from his eyes in frustration. “I would never strike you, Suzi. I’d rip the throat out of anyone who tried.”
“I’m not afraid of you, Kaleb.” Suzi worried her lower lip between her teeth. Her cerulean blue gaze looked back at him. “It’s me. I fear the feelings you cause in me. I’m afraid I won’t have the sense to resist you.”
“Then don’t.” Kaleb leaned down and tasted her lips.
He sure in the hell hadn’t thought to end the night this way, not after taking her necklace and attempting to destroy any feelings she might have had for him. But he had misjudged her. Suzi’s resolve was more resilient than even he had speculated. After treating her so callously the years following Ion’s death, she had returned to the Rave a little over a week ago … to see for herself how he fared after nearly losing his head. Instead of embracing her benevolence, he did his damnedest to push her away and punish her for all her goodness. But Suzi’s spirit couldn’t be beaten, no matter how hard he’d tried, and for that he owed her his reverence.
His free hand rested on her waist, his fingers skimming the bare flesh of her back as he deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding into her mouth. She tasted of cinnamon and whiskey, telling him that she had probably been looking for some liquid courage and gotten into his Jack while she waited for his return. No longer did he care about his absurd prejudices or the fact that at one time she had chosen his nephew over him. How could he hold that against her when he had all but pranced every willing floozy from the Rave in front of her? The fact that she stood here now, choosing to be with him rather than turn her back on him, spoke volumes.
Shit, he really was a goner.
He slid his hand up her slender side, brushing the side of her small breast, her answering moan spurring his craze to have her. Palming her through the soft silk, her pebbled nipple brushed against his flesh. His groin tightened. Suzi arched into his hand, as she gently yanked on her still captured wrists. She gasped for air as his mouth left hers and trailed wet kisses across her cheek to the sensitive spot, just beneath the fleshy part of her ear. Her heart pounded, causing blood to roar through her veins. Kaleb’s gums ached with the desire to sink his fangs into her artery and drink from her, though he had done so mere hours earlier. To take communion from her again so soon could put her at risk of anemia and Kaleb would never put her life in jeopardy to satisfy his own selfish needs.
He trailed the tip of his nose along the artery, inhaling her unique scent, knowing it would have to be enough. Licking the same path his nose had taken had Suzi tilting her head to the side, giving him permission to drink, a license he could not take no matter how much the vampire in him demanded more.
Kaleb ran a forefinger down her sternum, teasing the flesh between her breasts, before slipping beneath the silky material and brushing across one of her hardened nipples. Suzi’s breath hitched as she pushed the tip more fully into his hand, her body begging for his touch. Only too willing to comply, he rolled the taut bud between forefinger and thumb, eliciting a moan from her, laying proof that she desired him and not just the vampire capable of drawing a sexual response by the simple act of feeding. He’d be lying if he didn’t say the thought of her wanting the man in him didn’t please him.
His nostrils flared, his cock hardened, and if he didn’t slide inside her soon, he feared he might just die from want. Kaleb couldn’t remember the last time he had been this crazed with desire.
Not since her.
Damn it all to hell!
He was tired of trying to outrun, and outfuck the one thing he had always coveted. He had it bad for Suzi Stevens and, like it or not, he no longer wanted to live without her. Better to be fucking her, than walking away from her.
“I lied.” Her admission had caught him off guard, sent him spiraling into the company of goners. He competed with no one. Suzi Stevens was his for the taking, and he’d kill anyone who thought to challenge him for her. Kaleb wasn’t about to fuck up a second time. She didn’t belong to Ion. And whether Suzi liked it or not, she belonged to him. Pity the fool who tried to tell him otherwise. She may not be his mate … no, never that. But his nonetheless.