Chapter 10
Saint
I’m restless tonight. More than usual.
Carrefore was busy, and there were plenty of gorgeous women who wouldn’t mind warming my bed tonight. Although, I didn’t give a damn about any of them. From my perch on the second-floor balcony, I had a bird’s-eye view of the place.
I still couldn’t get Chloe out of my head. But she wanted nothing to do with me. And yet, Chloe was still attracted to me. I’d felt it last night, despite her denials.
What’s the point? You’ll sleep with her, grow bored, and then move on to the next woman. It had been my pattern for years and it felt kind of futile.
Maybe I should leave her alone? But I just couldn’t. Somehow, I was fixated on her.
Hey genius, you could always try datin’ her. Wouldn’t that be a nice change?
The problem is, I didn’t know how. In fact, I didn’t even know where to start.
“What the hell’s wrong with you?”
I was startled to find Maya standing next to me. She placed her feet in the wrought iron rungs and tipped herself over the edge of the balcony. I soccer-mom-armed her, holding Maya back from the railing.
Maya had a habit of tempting fate, being reckless. It drove me absolutely fucking nuts.
She slapped my hand away. “Stop it.”
“Protectin’ you? Fuck that. Never gonna happen. You’re my responsibility.”
Maya took a pull on her long-neck beer. “In case you missed it, I’m grown. And I don’t want or need your help.”
I snorted. “Yeah? I don’t care if you’re forty years old, I’m still gonna be lookin’ over your shoulder.”
She rolled her eyes. “Let’s talk about you, instead of me. You blew it with Chloe, huh? Everybody’s talkin’ about it, big brother. You and Chloe are the best show in town.”
“Folks around here, really need to mind their own business.”
“Yeah, well, want a little tip from me to you…?”
I nodded. Sure, why not?
“If you want the townies to leave you be, try not dry-humpin’ in the town square.” Maya gave a dirty chuckle.
Jesus. I hadn’t given my actions at the movie a second thought. Mostly because my other head had been in charge that night.
“Crow said you—”
“You’ve been hangin’ out with the brothers? I told you—”
“Yeah, now and then, I talk to them, but you made damn sure none of them touch me.” She sounded kind of bitter.
“Why? Do you like any of them? I mean, more than just a passin’ fancy?” I braced myself for the answer. If she said “yes,” then what? Would I throw down with one of my brothers?
She waggled her brows. “ I wouldn’t mind takin’ Crow for a ride.”
My stomach heaved. “Why the fuck would you go and say somethin’ like that? I’m tryin’ to drink here.” I took a sip of whiskey, but it didn’t wash the terrible taste out of my mouth.
“Honestly, I don’t see what the big deal is.”
“You’re better than this, Maya.” No. Better than me. “I want more for you. You should find a nice man, who can take care of you.”
Maya blinked. “What year do you think this is? 1953?”
Fuck. I can’t win this argument. “Don’t screw around with the legion.”
“It’s not like it matters. I’m not lookin’ for a husband, Saint. And between you and me, bein’ slutty runs in the family.”
I gritted my teeth. “Don’t you ever call yourself that.”
“Why not? It’s the truth. You’ve had a series of one-night stands, and so have I. And momma? Well, she—”
“Don’t talk about her,” I snapped. Our mother had left town with another man, abandoning the two of us and our father. He’d never been the same since.
She scowled. “Fine. And, hey, zero judgment from me. You’re single, and so am I. We can do whatever we want.”
“Do you have a point?” My jaw clenched. “Or did you just wanna dig up the painful parts of our past?”
“Easy there.” Maya bumped shoulders with me. “I’m gettin’ to my point. We both view sex and love as two different things. Chloe isn’t your usual type of girl. She’s the kind men marry. We’re talkin’ the white picket fence, the two children, a dog—the whole deal.”
Actually, she was right. Chloe would never be the kind of girl I usually fooled around with, so I was only setting myself up for disappointment.
“So, the way I see it, you’ve got a decision to make. Are you gonna change? Or leave her alone?”
“You don’t think she’ll come around?” I asked.
Maya snickered. “Only if you have Nettie hex her.”
“Love spells aren’t real. “
“Says you.” Maya winked. “I’m gonna have her slip a little something into Crow’s drink. Nettie says it worked on Henri.”
“That’s disgustin’. And probably a crime.”
“You wouldn’t need a spell to get me.”
We both turned to see Richelieu strutting over.
Could this night get any shittier?
Maya spoke up, before I could tell him to fuck off. “This is a private conversation.” Her tone was cool.
I grinned, and she flashed a sparkling toothpaste-commercial-worthy smile right back at me.
“Then you shouldn’t be having it in a public place.” He got real close, crowding her and Maya slid over to me.
Hey. Wait a minute.
Did Richelieu have a thing for her? I didn’t like the way the bastard looked my baby sister up and down like she was an especially tasty treat.
“Actually, I’m glad we have the chance to talk. “
“That makes one of us. “
Richelieu sighed. “Charming as always, Saint.”
Might as well get it over with. “What do you want?”
“This isn’t really my business, but I feel the need to say something. Leave Chloe alone. She’s worth a hundred of the women you toy with, and she deserves better than you.”
The truth of his words stung. Especially since Maya had told me the same thing, albeit in a gentler way.
All of a sudden, I saw red.
Standing in front of me, was the perfect punching bag. I could take my frustration and rage out on him, and it wouldn’t bother me at all. At the moment, I didn’t give a shit about the club, our business relationship with the prick, or anything else.
“Why don’t you leave my women alone?”
What can I say? I’m a throwback to a bygone era. Nobody was going to lay a finger on my sister, unless she wanted him to. And I sure as fuck didn’t want Richelieu to touch Chloe again.
Richelieu’s eyes widened. “Your women?”
Maya glowered at me. “Yeah, what he said.”
“Chloe and Maya belong to me. Not you.”
He stiffened. “I haven’t touched your sister.”
“Yeah, but you’d like to.” I waited, daring him to deny it.
Richelieu cleared his throat. “What goes on between me and Maya is our business. Not yours.”
Maya straightened her shoulders. “Just so we’re clear… You and me? Never gonna happen.”
I took a step toward Richelieu. “Don’t worry, Maya, I’ll make sure he gets the message.”
And then I threw a punch.
Maya jumped out of the way, as Richelieu swung at me, rocking my head back. He hit me with another right hook making me stagger.
This time, I nailed him in the nose. Blood spurted from the wound, trickling down his face, staining his teeth.
I laughed. But my victory high didn’t last long.
“Break it up! Now.” Scorch stood in the middle of the dining room below us, and he was livid—face red, veins popping out on his forehead. Evidently, he’d heard every word.
Oh fuck.
“Get down here,” Scorch said. “This second.”
When I got downstairs, Scorch pointed down the hallway. “Meeting room.”
The club met on the first floor, at the end of a hallway in a massive conference room. Right now, it felt like I was going to the woodshed.
Two massive double doors opened onto a black carpeted room. The walls were white, scrawled with protective veve. Nettie had done them herself. A demon’s face had been carved into the willow wood table. It seemed to be mocking me at the moment, for my own stupidity.
I pulled out a leather chair and sat down. Scorch took his place at the head of the table.
“What the hell’s wrong with you?”
“He started it.”
“I don’t give a damn.” Scorch sat back in his chair. “Richelieu brings in thirty percent of our business.”
“Yeah, I know.” I blew out a breath, but it did little to ease the tension. “I wasn’t thinkin’.”
“Yeah, you’ve been distracted lately. You’ve been wrapped up in Camille’s granddaughter, haven’t you?”
“Yeah.” Although my private life was none of Scorch’s business.
“And what are you doing with this woman?”
I didn’t respond. Mostly because I didn’t know.
“I asked you a question, and I’d appreciate an answer.” Scorch crossed his arms over his chest. His stare was like a lead weight, weighing on my shoulders.
“I’m fucking her.” At least, I wished I was. “Isn’t it obvious?”
Scorch cocked his head to one side, studying me. “No, it’s more than that. I’ve seen you nail succubi and move on like it was nothin’.”
“She’s…different. Special.” And it was high time, I came to terms with it.
His jaw clenched. “Watch yourself, brother. You can’t afford to get attached.”
“Do I ever?”
“There’s always a first time.”
“It’s nothin’ more than sex.”
And yet Chloe filled my thoughts, and my interest in her wasn’t casual. She provoked so much more than lust. I liked her laughter and her smile. No woman had ever affected me like this, and I didn’t know what to make of it.
“You’re lyin’. Even to yourself.”
“What I do on my personal time is my concern, not yours.” I didn’t want to discuss this with Scorch, or anyone, for that matter.
“Tonight, you brought it to my attention. Nothin’ can interfere with the club’s livelihood.”
“I’m well aware of our mission.” And the oath I took. I’d sworn to protect my brothers and the club against anyone who’d do us harm and I hadn’t made the vow lightly.
“I’m relieved to hear it. If you want my advice, you’ll toss her aside and stick to the succubi. It isn’t as messy.”
“I so love our little talks, Scorch, I always feel better afterward.”
“I don’t give a flyin’ fuck about your feelings. For now, I won’t order you to stay away from the woman, but don’t test my patience.”
The Demons had a hierarchical system, and Scorch’s word was law. Sure, we voted on things from time to time, but he was ultimately in charge and decided the club’s direction.
Most of my brothers obeyed Scorch without question. A lot of the club members were former military men and followed that rigid mindset.
Unfortunately for Scorch, I’d never served.
“Understood.”
“It seems painful now, but you’ll be better off in the long run.” His expression was grave. “Trust me, if you lose a woman you love, it will drive you insane.”
I swallowed. He’d lost the love of his life one awful night, and it had scarred him inside and out. Forever.
“Who said anything about love?” I asked, stubbornly.
“Just makin’ an observation.”
“Anything else?” I need to get the fuck out of here before I did something even stupider.
“No. You’re dismissed.” He stopped me at the door. “And Saint?”
“Yeah?”
“Don’t ever fail me or the club again. Or it will be the last thing you ever do.”
***
“Hey, Saint? Do you have a minute?” Chloe asked.
I was about to walk out the front door. Hmph, stomp out, more like, and then slam the damn thing shut. I was feeling the need to hop on my Harley and go for a run, just to feel the wind in my hair for a bit.
Going for a ride always calmed me down.
But I’d make time for her. “Sure. What’s up?” I wondered if she’d ask me about my altercation with Richelieu, but she had other things on her mind.
“Does Jeb Jackson come in here often?”
“Yeah, I’ve seen him in here a couple of times a week.” At least.
It’s not like there are any other options. Hell, if you want a Big Mac, you’ve got to take a twenty-minute drive to the next town. Where else in America do you have to go so far to find a fast food restaurant?
“You’re gonna ask him about your grandmother at the bar and grill, huh?”
“What’s the alternative? Go to his house and question him? Xav pointed out the flaw in that plan.”
Motherfucking Xav. I gritted my teeth. “Do you really think he’s going to tell you the truth?”
“Maybe not, but I wanna look him in the eye.” She tugged on her coat.
“Are you leaving?”
“Yes, I’m done with my shift.”
“Come on then, I’ll give you a lift home.” Suddenly, this night was looking up.
She scrunched up her button nose. “I don’t know…”
I sighed. “I’m only going to give you a ride.”
“Promise?”
“I swear it.” I’d be a perfect gentleman until I decided what I wanted from her.
“Okay then, let’s go.”
Unfortunately, the ride went by in the blink of an eye.
I loved having Chloe wrapped around me like a second skin. Somehow, it felt natural, like that’s where she belonged.
When we got back to her place, she hopped off. I expected her to run inside, but instead, she lingered. This was progress. She couldn’t get rid of me fast enough the other day.
I was about to ask her if she’d invite me in when I saw a shadow on her front porch steps. She still hadn’t changed the lightbulb and I made a mental note to do it for her. Regardless of our relationship status, I wanted Chloe safe.
“What’s that?” I asked, pointing over her shoulder.
“What?” Frowning, she turned to stare. “Okay, that’s weird.”
We both walked over to investigate. When we reached the bottom of the stairs, I smelled something metallic, musky.
A pattern was painted into the wood. It reminded me of the veves Nettie drew on the walls of Carrefore, only this was a rusty brown color, not black. It looked as if it had been done in blood.
“Is that…?” Chloe trailed off, and then clamped a hand over her mouth.
“Dried blood?” I nodded. “I think so.”
Chloe gasped. “I don't understand. Who would do this?”
“No clue.” But I’m gonna find out. “Don't worry. I'll have a prospect clean it up.” I pulled out my phone and texted Zero. He replied in an instant, promising to be at Chloe’s place in less than ten minutes with the necessary supplies.
Yeah, the legion knows how to clean up blood.
“What about the police? Shouldn’t we call them?”
Someone had killed Camille and now they were terrorizing Chloe. But this wasn’t a job for the sheriff. The police had their chance to make this situation right, but they’d blown it.
The Demons might not be good men, but they protected Bayou Noir. Scorch would have to get involved now, the club members would demand it.
“Because they did so well solvin’ your granny’s case?”
“Point taken.” Chloe just stared at the blood. Her face had gone white as chalk.
“Come on, let’s get you inside.” I pulled the gun out of my ankle holster. “I’m gonna check every room and you’ll stay with me. Understand?”
“You think he’s in my house?” She gulped. “Waiting for me?”
“I don’t know,” I said gently. “But I want to make sure you’re safe. Okay?”
Chloe nodded.
“And I’m gonna send a picture of this to Nettie.” I pulled out my phone, snapped a photo, and sent it, along with a text, explaining what had happened.
After I’d checked the house and found nothing, I flipped through my messages.
Nettie had sent me a series of texts, peppered with French phrases, I’d have to Google. I made a mental note to speak with Nettie in the morning.
“And I'm staying here tonight.” I waited for Chloe to argue with me, but she didn’t protest. Instead, she stood there, shivering.
It was a bad sign.
***
“How are you holdin’ up?” I asked.
An hour later, we were upstairs in her bedroom. She was on the bed, while I’d taken a seat on the cedar chest along the wall.
Zero was downstairs scrubbing the porch. Meanwhile, Nettie was consulting with her priestess friends. And Chloe was quieter than usual, sitting cross-legged. She’d changed into yoga pants and a t-shirt, but she looked miles away from comfortable. I could practically hear the gears whirring in her head.
She shook her head. “The corn husk doll was a warning.”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“And whoever killed Mamie, and sent the doll to me, also stained the front porch.”
“I’d say so.” The killer must have thought Chloe was closing in on him. Or her.
“Don’t worry. The club’s gonna get to the bottom of this.”
“Really?” Chloe wrapped her arms around herself. She looked so small, lost. I had the urge to hug her.
“I promise.” I’d bring it up at the next meeting.
I couldn’t imagine Scorch would refuse. At the very least, this homicidal maniac would draw law enforcement attention to the town, which is something we didn’t want.
Chloe ran a hand down her face. “And I still can’t believe Mamie was having an affair. Sure, she wasn’t an old lady, but she was a granny.”
I shrugged. “She was hot.” In a MILF way. Make that a GILF.
Chloe snickered, and it was a relief to hear her laugh. “Eww. Never say that again.”
“Sorry, but I call ‘em, like I see ‘em.”
I knew why Jeb would be interested in Camille. Viola, his wife, was in her late fifties, but she looked much older. Chloe had evidently inherited her grandmother’s genetics. She’d be beautiful, at any age.
“Mamie always told me to be a good girl. I didn't even touch a guy until college, and I freaked out afterward.”
“Why?”
“I wanted to be the first woman in my family to get a degree. I thought if I fooled around with a guy, I’d never reach my goals.”
“What was his name?” Irrationally, I was jealous of the lucky bastard.
“No one you know.”
“Come on, just tell me.”
“So, you can cyberstalk him? No.”
I grunted in response.
She cleared her throat. “Well, I’m tired of talking about me and my drama. I need a distraction.”
Oh, I’d be more than happy to supply one. After all, we were alone together, and I could have her naked in under six seconds.
Remember your promise, asshole.
“Like what?” I asked gruffly.
“You know about me and my family drama. What about you?”
I nearly choked. Poking my old wounds with a stick wasn’t a great idea.
“Ain’t much to tell.”
“Come on, Saint.” Chloe gave me puppy dog eyes. “Please?”
Dammit. How could I say no to her?
“Okay, since you asked so nicely, I’ll give you the quick and dirty version.” I sighed, bracing myself. “I don't think you know this, because you were gone, but my mom ran out on our family. In the process, she broke my dad’s heart.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Yeah, I am, too. Anyway, it made my dad really bitter. He always said never trust a woman.”
And that’s when a revelation hit me. Why the hell didn’t I connect the dots before now?
“Hmph. It could be why I’m so…”
“Easy?” she offered.
I laughed. “Yeah, we'll go with that.” What if my father’s attitudes had rubbed off on me?
“It’s hard to trust people after you’ve been hurt.” She scooted to the edge of the bed and placed her hand over mine.
I couldn’t look her in the eye. “Maybe I’ve always thought a woman would leave me, so I never allowed myself to get attached.”
And I’m guessing Maya had learned the same lesson. She kept people at arm’s length, even me. It didn’t help that my father kept calling my mother a “whore” in front of Maya. I wonder if his hatred of women affected her somehow, too.
“Haven't you ever wanted more?”
I shrugged. “I hang around bad girls. Ones I wouldn't consider loving.” Not before I met you. “This isn't a proposal, but you're definitely the marryin’ kind.”
Chloe ducked her head. “Thank you.”
“But Nettie’s right. I’d break your heart.”
“Probably, and yet I’m drawn to you anyway.” She locked eyes with me and neither one of us could look away.
“Why?” I asked softly.
“I don’t know. What if I’m a fool?” She licked her lips and I stifled a groan. “But right now, I need you.”
Instantly, my cock was hard.
It was pushing against the fly of my jeans, trying to thrust through them and get to her. I wanted to shove her back on the bed, spread her legs, have my way with Chloe.
“What are you sayin’?” Because my dick was making decisions for me right now.
“I’m saying that I want to sleep with you.” She raised a hand. “Don’t worry. It’s just for tonight, and this isn’t a commitment. You don’t have to warn me.”
“Why did you change your mind?” I could hardly believe my good fortune.
“I’ve thought about you for years, wondered what it would be like to sleep with you. I don’t wanna miss my chance.” Her teeth tugged on her lower lip. “And right now, I’m lonely, scared. Sad.”
Did she want to use me to feel better? For some reason, it hurt.
And yet, I wasn’t about to turn her down. I wanted Chloe. She was willing, and I knew I wouldn’t get this opportunity again, so I had to seize it.
I’d worry about everything else later.
Before I knew what was happening, I had Chloe underneath me.
“Oh, Little Bit, I’m gonna be so sweet to you.”
I took my time, savoring Chloe, the softness of her creamy skin. I cupped her face, kissed her mouth, ran my hands through her hair, until she was squirming beneath me.
When she was ready, I lifted the shirt over her head, revealing her breasts. Her nipples were already erect, two pert little peaks. She had large areola and I kissed and licked my way around the twin pink rings. I forced myself to go slow—teasing her, licking the underside of her big tits.
Tasting every inch of her.
Finally, I took her nipples into my mouth, sucking until Chloe clutched my arms. I looked into her eyes as I suckled, savoring her reaction. Chloe was so sensitive. I bet she could cum from this. I made a mental note to try it soon. I gently bit them, grazed the turgid nipples with my teeth.
Chloe moaned, head falling back.
So, I licked my way down her stomach, lapping her navel, biting her hipbones. And then I eased her pants down her legs, along with her innocent white cotton underwear.
Chloe was practically a virgin and the thought of being the one who taught her, brought her pleasure was driving me up the fucking wall.
When Chloe was bare before me, I ran my hands up her legs and she clamped her thighs shut.
“A man’s never eaten you, has he?” I could tell, by how nervous she was. Chloe practically welded her legs together.
“No.”
“I’m going to be the first.”
“But—”
“Trust me, you’ll like it.” I’d make damn sure she did. I didn’t do this for just anyone either.
“Easy does it.” Her pussy lips were pressed tight together, and I wanted to lick them open, explore her. All her ripe pinkness belonged to me now.
I spread her open and took a real good look at Chloe.
She had a trimmed pussy, with a fine, light layer of hair. Inside, she was glossy and rosy. Flawless. I bent to taste her, and her little cunt tasted sweet like candy.
I seized her legs and pushed them apart, inch by inch. Then I crawled between her thighs, hooking her knees over my shoulders. I brought her sex to my mouth and went to town on her pretty pink little pussy.
Soon, she moaned, lifting her hips up for more.
“That’s it. Let go.”
She stretched her arms over her head, grasping at the sheets, tugging on them. I wanted to see her lose control, cum all over my face, drip down my chin. I pushed two fingers inside her as I lapped at her clit, sucking on it, taking the flesh into my mouth.
My cock should’ve been the first one in this tight little hole. Stop it.
I paused, kissing her thigh. “And you’ve never had an orgasm?” I asked, just because I couldn’t fucking believe it.
“I already told you. No.” Her eyes were squeezed shut and her hips surged against me.
“It’ll be easier for you if I’m behind you, going in deep.” I flipped her over on her stomach and spread her legs wide. Then I licked that pussy again, making sure, she was willing.
I wanted deep penetration, with her clit rubbing against the bed. Women had difficulty having an orgasm—pinning them down, fucking them from behind always made them cum.
“Are you ready, Little Bit?” I pushed her hair to one side and kissed the back of her neck.
“Yes.” Her voice was strained, the word slurred.
I hated to spoil the mood, but we had something very important to discuss.
“What about protection?” I asked.
She cleared her throat. “I’m on the pill to regulate my periods.”
“I want my bare cock in you, Chloe, but it’s up to you.” The need to fuck her bareback was overwhelming. “I’ll wear a rubber if you want me too, though.”
Even though I’d fucking hate not to have the silky sensation of her cunt against my cock. What can I say? I’m a selfish bastard. I wanted to feel her tight, slickness hugging my dick.
“Do you get tested?” Chloe asked hesitantly.
I could understand her anxiety. After all, I really got around, but I was fanatical about my health. And with my social life, my doctor insisted on an STI test every time I saw him.
“Yes, all the time, and I’m clean. So, this is entirely up to you.”
Chloe peeked at me over her shoulder. “I wanna feel you inside me, too. But the pill isn’t foolproof. Could you, um, pull out?”
Hmm. Could I cum on her gorgeous body and mark my territory at the same damn time?
“Absolutely. Now, where were we?” I rubbed the head of my cock between her ass cheeks. She gasped, pushing back against me. I’d claim her there, later.
For now, I eased my dick into her tight little pussy, stretching it open for me. I leaned over her, shoving it in deeper.
And she turned her head to kiss me. I devoured her mouth, fucking it with my tongue.
When she bumped her hips back against mine, I held her down by the waist, slamming into her hard, balancing on my arms. I loved how she glanced back at me, and the way her eyes closed in abject pleasure.
“Is it good?”
She gasped, whining. “Yes.”
I ground her clit into the bed beneath us as I rammed her.
Chloe gave a low moan and groaned, low and guttural, cumming for me. I felt her walls fluttering around me, shuddering.
And I almost lost it.
So, I stopped moving, gritted my teeth, tried to think about something else.
Like Richelieu and his smug face. You didn’t get here, did you, prick?
When she recovered, I sat back on my haunches, and held her against my chest, one arm across her breasts, sinking deep into her again. Chloe was loose in my arms, submissive, mine for the taking.
I fondled her tits, pinched her nipples. God, I just wanted to stay inside her.
I could fuck Chloe all day. Every day.
With a snarl, I slammed my cock into her, taking everything. All of Chloe.
With a hoarse shout, I came.
You’re mine, goddammit, mine.