Chapter 6
Saint
“Get back to work,” Scorch ordered.
Echo, Crow and I had just taken a break, after working for three straight hours.
We were packing up a shipment of guns in wooden crates which we planned on smuggling onboard a ship bound for Mexico tonight. It was backbreaking work—repetitive and boring as shit, too. Once we got the rifles tucked away, we would pad the crates with graphic t-shirts to disguise the real cargo underneath.
Echo had made a fake bill of sale and a packing list for the shipment. He was the club’s tech expert and handled everything from forgeries to sweeping our houses and businesses for bugs.
“Give us a minute.” I was in a piss-poor mood, as per usual. Scorch had been pushing my buttons for hours.
But at least I had something to look forward to.
Tonight, I had a date with Chloe. With any luck, I’d finish what we started the other night. I still couldn’t believe sweet little Chloe had grown into such a sexy woman.
And I planned on exploring every inch of her. Repeatedly. It was hard to concentrate on anything else. I hadn’t wanted a woman this much in years.
No. I’d never wanted a woman this much. Maybe because I knew Chloe, and she wasn’t looking for raunchy sex in one of the upstairs rooms. She wanted me, not just one of the legion.
“We ain’t got the time for you to sit on your ass.” Scorch clenched his jaw. “These need to be loaded up ASAP.”
“Yeah, we get it, brother.” Echo’s voice was perfectly calm, but there was an edge to it.
Scorch was a tall, broad-shouldered biker with spiked black hair and brown eyes, and a permanent stick wedged pretty far up his ass. He wore a pair of faded jeans and a muscle shirt, beneath a black leather vest. He had a President patch on the front pocket. A tribal tattoo trailed down his right arm, and he had an eyebrow ring. His most distinguishing feature was a reddish pink scar down the length of his neck, which extended beneath his shirt.
Hence, the road name.
All the bikers had an alias they used in the club. Mine came from my last name. Apparently, Scorch had lost what looked like a painful battle against the flames, trying to save his wife and child. Scorch got downright hostile when anybody brought it up, for obvious reasons.
“We should get more prospects.” I raised my arms above my head and stretched, trying to soothe the aching muscles.
All of the brothers started out as prospects to prove their worth before becoming a full-fledged member—sort of like pledging a fraternity. Only with motorcycles and guns.
Right now, we just had one, Zero. And his name said it all. I’d never seen a lazier prospect and I seriously doubted he’d earn his top rocker. Zero was tall and lithe, with long black hair pulled into a ponytail and green eyes.
“It would go a lot faster if you’d shut your fuckin’ mouth.” With that, Scorch stomped out.
Echo snorted in contempt as soon as Scorch left. We both had problems with Scorch’s leadership style, which seemed to be focused on chewing our asses out every damn day. It got old.
“Why doesn’t he help? It would go faster,” Echo said.
“Because he’s the prez.” With a groan, I tucked another rifle into the box. “And, as much as I had to admit it, he has a point.”
Since we didn’t want to attract unnecessary attention, the Demons had to work late at night, sneaking contraband onboard ships in between shifts. Consequently, our missions took a lot of finesse and planning.
“Still, he’s a dick,” Zero said.
We were full-fledged members. It was one thing for us to criticize the prez, but we wouldn’t stand for a snot-nosed newbie to tear Scorch down. Scorch might be meaner than chicken shit, but he deserved respect, even if it was grudging.
“Did you just badmouth our president?” Echo asked.
The prospect froze. “Uh, no, I just meant…”
“Save it.” Echo stroked the stubble on his chin. “What do you think we should do with ‘em?”
I smothered a chuckle. Screwing with prospects was half the fun.
“Dunno.” I pretended to mull the situation over. “It’s a pretty serious infraction.”
Zero gaped at us. “I was just jokin’ around.”
“Too bad. Tomorrow you’re gonna detail all the club members' bikes.” It was a thankless job. I’d done it many times as a prospect. Once I’d finished the task, I’d been up to my elbows in grease and bug guts.
Crow scowled at all of us. For a second, I’d forgotten he was even in the room. The man never said much, while I couldn’t keep my mouth shut.
We couldn’t be more different.
I prided myself on being charming, while Crow was surly and gloomy. He reminded me of Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh if the donkey was six and a half feet tall and intimidating.
Crow had a mane of long, black hair which came to the middle of his back. His skin was brown and smooth. Crow had an angular face with high cheekbones and a solemn expression. He didn’t work on the docks either.
Instead, Crow ran a barbershop/beauty salon, Quill. Crow had quite a reputation with the local female population. They loved letting him get his hands on their hair. I couldn’t blame him for taking the gig. How many straight male stylists are there? Crow must be knee-deep in pussy.
“Why don’t you ever say anythin’?” Echo asked. Evidently, he was annoyed, too.
“As my grandfather said, it's better to have less thunder in the mouth, more lightning in the hand.” Crow looked me in the eye, as if this was somehow meaningful.
Echo grunted. “Thanks, Dances with Dandruff. That was helpful. “
“I’m gonna get more guns from the storeroom.” Crow pointed to the prospect. “You’re comin’ with me.” Together, they headed down the hall, pushing a couple of hand trucks to pick up the heavy load.
Echo yawned once they were gone. “I thought he’d never leave.”
I laughed. “That was kinda harsh. And maybe racist?”
“I don't hate him because he's Native American. I hate Crow because he’s an asshole.”
“Fair enough.”
Just then, Maya poked her head in the door.
I smoothly slid the wooden panel fully over the container, so she couldn’t see inside. Maya didn’t know anything about club business and I wanted to keep it that way. If there was any blowback from the authorities, then it wouldn’t land on her. I’d make sure if it.
“Hey, are you gonna be home tonight?” she asked.
We shared our parents' old place. Although, we were more like roommates than family. Maya had her life and I had mine. I wanted to be closer to her, but I didn’t know how to bridge the gulf between us.
In the past few years, she’d become a different person, colder. Sadder. And nothing I did, helped matters.
I couldn’t help but feel like I’d failed her.
Maya had resisted going to college or getting on the job training. Instead, she worked at Carrefore. Being a waitress was fine and dandy, but I worried about her future.
“Yeah. Why?”
She shrugged. “No reason.” And yet mischief was written all over her face. Her eyes sparkled with it.
“What are you up to?”
“Nothin’.”
She disappeared for stretches at a time. I’ve tried following her, but so far, she’s ditched me every single fucking time. And I’m good at tracking people.
“Who’s that?” she asked, changing the subject.
“Who?” I was distracted. She shouldn’t be in here.
“The sexy Native American guy. I don’t remember seein’ him before.”
“Oh? You mean, He of Few Words,” Echo joked.
“Crow, and he’s definitely not sexy.” I groaned. “He patched in from the Dallas chapter a few weeks ago. Doesn’t say much.”
Echo smirked. “Yeah, but his silence speaks volumes.”
“Yeah, he can be…unpleasant.” Crow didn’t get in anyone’s face, but his stillness was full of contempt.
“Yes, in the way a hurricane is wet.”
I elbowed Echo.
“Oh, I'm sorry I thought we were going for understatement.”
“Really? Because he’s kinda hot.” Maya glanced down the hallway again. Was she hoping for another glimpse of him?
“Hey, don’t even think about it.” I stabbed a finger at her. “Remember! The brothers are off limits.”
“I wasn’t going to—”
“Don’t lie to me. Of course, you were.”
“What tribe?” Maya asked, trying to confuse me again.
“Don’t know.” I shrugged. “From what I heard, his dad is Native American, but his momma isn’t.” Crow didn’t talk about much of anything really. He did his job and wanted folks to leave him the fuck alone. I was happy to oblige him.
“So, what are your plans tonight?” I asked, trying again.
“Wouldn’t you like to know?” With a grin, she took off.
Echo laughed. “I can practically hear your teeth grindin’ together.”
“You know, I love her. She’s family, but sometimes I wanna skin her hide and nail it to the barn door.” My dad used to yell the threat at us when we’d been bad and now I knew how he’d felt.
“If I were you, I’d be more worried about yourself.”
“How so?”
“Big date tonight.”
“It ain’t a date. I’m takin’ Chloe for some food and then back to my place.” I considered it sex with a snack and it definitely wasn’t a big deal.
“You’re goin’ to the movies with her.”
I’d run my plan past Echo, and he’d given me the green light. Romance wasn’t exactly my strong suit.
“She ain’t a succubus. I’m gonna have to put in a little more effort.” Chloe was definitely worth the blood, sweat, and tears, from what I could see.
Why hadn’t I noticed who she really was sooner? I must’ve been blind, or maybe I hadn’t wanted to see what was in front of me. In the past, I’ve avoided women who were looking for more than sex, but I couldn’t help myself. I hoped I could convince Chloe to have a fun fling with me.
“This is all new to you. You’d better bring you’re A game tonight.”
“What are you talkin’ about? I've taken women out on dates before.”
“No. You take them upstairs and bang their brains out. Trust me, there’s a difference.”
The truth stung, so I fired back. “Yeah? And when’s the last time you went out with a woman?”
Echo’s jaw clenched. “I believe in quality over quantity.”
Aww, hell.
When Echo got back home from the war, his fiancé had broken up with him, because she didn't want to be with a blind man. He hadn't been serious about anyone ever since. No wonder Echo was gun shy. I shouldn’t be taking my temper out on him, but I couldn’t help myself. My nerves were just about shot.
“Yeah, well, don’t act like you’re holier than thou. I've seen you in a dark corner with a succubus.”
“Yeah, I got needs, but it ain't a regular thing,” Echo growled. “I’m not a walkin’, talkin’ petri-dish like you. Sex means somethin’ to me. It ain’t a way to pass the time.”
“Did someone say sex?” Trip asked as he swaggered in the room.
Trip had dark brown hair and eyes, a neatly trimmed beard, and his skin had a copper appearance. He only wore a pair of unbuttoned jeans. His hair stuck up every which way and lipstick stained the corners of his mouth. Clearly, he’d been having a good time, instead of working.
Echo sighed. “You’re late.”
“Sorry.” Trip stretched leisurely, like a cat lazing in the sun. It was an apt description. Trip was never in a hurry about anything.
“No, you’re not,” Echo muttered.
“You’re right. I ain’t.” Trip grinned. “But let me make it up to you guys. Come out with me tonight. We’ll pick up some girls.”
“No thanks,” Echo said.
Trip hmphed. “You should enjoy yourself now and then, brother, let loose.”
“Yeah, I think you’re loose enough for all of us.”
“Easy on the slut shamin’,” I said, between clenched teeth.
Echo snickered. “Call ‘em as I see ‘em.”
“What do you say?” Trip nudged my arm.
“No, thanks. I can’t tonight.”
Trip put me to shame. He was a hedonist. I loved women, at least for a night or two, but I only focused my attention on one woman at a time. Trip loved taking two, or even three, to bed at a time.
“Sorry. I got plans.”
“What…?” Trip’s caveman brow furrowed. “Are you sick?”
“No.”
“Because you enjoy goin’ out as much as I do.” He smirked. “While you don’t have as many notches on your bedpost as me, you’re always up for the challenge.”
“Another time.” I wasn’t tempted by the promise of new conquests because I had a different target in mind.
And then what? You’ll sleep with Chloe and move on to the next succubus? Somehow, the thought was a little depressing.
Then again, being a Demon was a lonely existence.
The course of my life had been predetermined when I’d joined the legion, and I didn’t have the luxury of deciding my own fate. My dad had been a Demon, too, and I’d always known I’d join the club when I came of age. I couldn’t change anything, even if I’d wanted to.
None of this mattered anyway.
Chloe wasn’t the type of woman who’d put up with me long term. She’d move on to a decent man who earned an honest living.
“Why don’t y’all shut your mouths, and get back to work?” Scorch said, as he strolled into the room. “In case you haven’t noticed, we’re here to do a job, not flap our gums.”
Scorch, as usual, was irritatingly right. I picked up another rifle and so did Trip.
“And pick up the pace while you’re at it,” Scorch ordered, and we started loading guns again.
***
It was finally time for the big date. Er, sex and a snack.
I’d spent the rest of the day getting the shipment ready and trying to keep my mind off Chloe. I’d failed miserably. Scorch had chewed my ass out several times for packing the rifles too close together, scratching the shiny surface of them. And I’d grumbled and gritted my teeth throughout the whole damn day. The only thing that kept me together was thinking about getting my hands on Chloe.
And my mouth, and… well, you get the picture.
When it was time, I swung by her place and picked Chloe up on my bike. I’d wracked my brain for a unique idea and I’d found one.
Luckily, they were showing an old movie. Bayou Noir had a quaint little town square, surrounded by a dozen local businesses and a few municipal buildings like the library. All of the buildings were red brick and looked old-timey.
Tonight, they were projecting It Happened One Night with Clark Gable onto the courthouse. It was an old black and white romantic movie, made in the 30s. The courthouse was situated at an angle, with a blank white wall, so it made the ideal movie screen.
Couples were stretched out on blankets all around us. I’d picked a spot in the back, away from everyone else. I’d brought along some hot beignet straight from the deep fryer and a thermos full of Nettie’s boozy hot chocolate made with heavy cream and Kahlua.
Like I said, sex and a snack.
The flick didn’t interest me though. I was more absorbed in watching Chloe. Her eyes danced when she laughed. Chloe was enjoying herself, enraptured by the movie and I got the chance to observe her. She was beautiful—dark brown hair, big doe-like brown eyes, pale skin, which looked like it was made of porcelain, and a little rosebud mouth just made for kissing.
This was torture. She was less than a foot away from me, but it might as well be miles.
The iconic scene flashed on the screen when the heroine flags down a car by pulling up her skirt and flashing a bit of her thigh. The audience murmured in approval.
“This is fantastic.” Chloe was wrapped in a blanket, drinking some hot chocolate. The temperature had dipped into the upper fifties today. She wore a pair of jeans and a warm sweater, along with a leather jacket. It was a lot of layers and barriers to get through.
She seemed pleased by the date and I couldn’t help but feel a little smug. I might not have a lot of experience at this, but I clearly had some skills.
In your face, Echo.
I sat beside her, but I didn’t touch the food or drink, saving my appetite for other things.
Chloe turned to look at me and I noticed a bit of chocolate smudged on the corner of her mouth.
“Here, let me get that.” I removed the warm liquid with the pad of my thumb and brought it to my own lips. “Mmm, delicious.” And I wasn’t talking about the chocolate.
Her teeth sank into her succulent lower lip. And her eyes drifted shut, drowsy with desire.
I seized the opportunity and leaned in for a long, lingering kiss. Chloe hesitated at first, and I ran the tip of my tongue over the seam of her lips, until she opened for me. I got the impression she didn’t have much experience kissing, but that was a ridiculous notion.
Chloe was an adult. Surely, those college boys had taught her a thing or two.
I went slow and easy, teasing, coaxing her into responding. Eventually, she opened her mouth for me. God, help me. Chloe tasted like cinnamon and chocolate, and I wanted to devour her.
“We shouldn’t…we’re in public,” she said breathlessly, pulling away.
Right now, I didn’t give a shit. I’d make love to her in front of the whole damn town, as long as I could keep on touching her like this. Before Chloe could protest again, I pulled her on top of me, so she was flush against my body.
The slight weight of her was a welcome burden. Her curves fit nicely against me, as though her body had been made for mine.
I grinned. “And now I have you where I want you.”
Chloe shivered. “Do you?”
My lips hovered over hers, but I didn’t kiss her again. Not yet. I wanted her too long for another one, persuade her. Chloe swayed toward me, subconsciously trying to get closer, before catching herself.
“I almost had you, Little Bit.”
“No, you didn’t.” She shook her head as if to clear it.
“Oh, yes, you were seconds away from givin’ in.” I raised a brow, daring her to contradict me. “Most girls can’t wait to climb into my bed, you know.”
Chloe closed her eyes and I could actually see the struggle on her pretty face, as she reined in her temper.
“I’m not most women. If you could let me up…?”
I ignored her request. “No, you aren’t, and it’s been buggin’ me.” Why was I so fixated on her?
“Right back at you.”
“Maybe we’re both a little obsessed.” I cupped her cheek and grazed her lower lip with a finger. “I’ve been thinkin’ about your mouth all damn day.”
She moaned in response.
“Ah, there’s the reaction I was lookin’ for.” My hips shifted closer, settling between her legs, so she could feel the hard length of me, straining through my jeans. I wanted her to know exactly what she was missing.
Chloe bit her lower lip, at a total loss for words. I could already tell she didn’t have nearly as much experience as me. Then again, who did…? Okay, Trip, but he didn’t count.
What if she’s a virgin? No, she couldn’t be.
“I can ease that ache, Chloe, if you’d let me.”
Her eyes rounded. “You can’t be serious. Here…?”
“I assure you.” My lips twitched. “I’ve never been more serious.”
“We can’t do this in public.”
“Sure, we can. All I gotta do is position the blanket just right and no one would be the wiser.” Sure enough, when I glanced around, most folks had their eyes glued to the screen. They weren’t paying us any attention.
“What I meant to say is, your comment was inappropriate, and we won’t be having sex here.” Her tone was crisp and school-marmish.
And my dick got even harder. “Don’t you trust me?”
Chloe squinted at me. “No, not by a long shot.”
I squeezed her ass. “Come home with me, then.”
She glanced away. “I don’t know…”
Dammit. I should’ve sealed the deal last night before she got the chance to think it over.
“Sure, you do.” I lightly ran my hand down the length of her thigh, lingering near her ass. She made a little wanting noise, shifting closer.
“Don’t you want to watch the movie?” she asked.
“Hell no. I’m more interested in you.” I was already hard and aching. I wanted her something fierce, like a fever. I wouldn’t, couldn’t stop until I got inside of her.
“Really?”
“Yes, really. Come on, go home with me and I’ll show you a good time.”
I could see the indecision in her eyes, and I waited in agony for her response.
Please let her say yes. I wasn’t sure who I was praying to, God, the Devil, or maybe even Papa Legba.
Chloe nodded, and I whisked her out of there before she could change her mind.
***
Once we got back to my place, I didn’t slow down.
As soon as I got Chloe in the front door, I pushed her back against the wall, kissing her breathless. I didn’t want to give her the chance to think.
My sister and I owned an old farmhouse. Like Chloe’s place, it had been in our family for generations, and it was just as shabby. I should’ve probably cleaned up, but she didn’t seem to mind.
Chloe wrapped her arms around me, holding me close.
And yet this wasn’t just physical. She wasn’t just another warm body. Chloe felt strangely familiar in my arms like she was made for me, as if I’d done this hundreds of times before.
But what the fuck does that mean? I shoved the thought away, unwilling to think about it anymore.
Our mouths moved as one, tasting, exploring.
Her breasts pressed into my chest, and I wanted to get my mouth on them, too. Not to mention my hands. I longed to weigh her tits in my palms, tweak the nipples, pinch them until they got stiff and hard for me, just like my cock.
And then I’d strip her bare, push her legs apart, lick her little cunt until she was riding my face, begging me for more. I bet she tasted sweet like a ripe watermelon, and she’d be just as pink. Open. Willing.
And then came a knock on my front door.
The interruption made us both pull back.
“Saint? Are you there?” a voice called.
I froze. It was Roxy. Her voice had a raspy quality, kind of raw and I’d recognize it anywhere.
Fuck me. I forgot about her dropping by. What do I do?
Chloe stepped back and ran a hand through her tousled hair. Her mouth was red, a little swollen, almost panting.
“Who’s that?” she whispered.
“Nobody important. I’ll get rid of her.” I opened the door, intending to send her away, but Roxy brushed right past me.
Oh shit.
I ran a hand down my face. “Chloe, I’m sorry. I didn’t—”
“Are you ready for some fun?” Roxy was dressed for sex, and her purpose for being here was unmistakable. She wore a skintight leather skirt and a mesh top with red fuck me heels. Her nipples poked through the thin fabric.
Chloe gaped at her.
I cleared my throat. “Roxy, I’m a little busy. Can we—”
“I can see that.” She laughed, full and throaty, drenched with innuendo as she looked Chloe up and down like a piece of meat. “I could’ve sworn little virgins weren’t your type. But that’s okay, I can teach her a thing or two.” She winked at me. “I don’t mind a threesome.”
“Um, no, thank you.” Chloe made a frightened noise, a low yelp, and headed toward the door.
And just like that, the entire night had been ruined. Again. Dammit. It wasn’t supposed to be like this.
I blocked her path. “Chloe, wait. Don’t go.”
“Well, I can’t stay.” Her eyes were enormous, wary. She didn’t have much experience with men and Roxy just pushed her right out of her comfort zone.
“Chloe, I didn’t know she was comin’ over,” I muttered, trying to explain myself, but she didn’t even acknowledge the words. Technically, it was a white lie. I hadn’t remembered Roxy was coming here.
“Please move,” she murmured, keeping her gaze on my chest, refusing to look at me.
“Chloe, don’t go. Let’s—”
“Please?” Her breath hitched, and I felt like somebody plunged a hand through my ribcage and seized my heart. Her disappointment was palpable. Her eyes were shiny. Was Chloe going to cry?
I stepped aside, and she ran out the door, leaving me alone with Roxy. And I felt like day-old shit.
Wait a second. Hold up. Why do I even care?
I never got upset about this sort of thing. Sometimes I struck out with a chick. One woman is as good as another, right? If Chloe wouldn’t cooperate, Roxy would take care of my needs.
The problem is… I didn’t want her.
What a cluster fuck. My erection was long gone, the woman I hungered for literally fled the scene, and I was left with an unwanted house guest instead.
I turned to see Roxy who’d been busy stripping, and now she was naked as a jaybird. And frankly, my dear? I don’t give a damn. Okay, wrong Clark Gable movie.
Her body was incredible, but mine wasn’t responding. Somehow, I no longer had the need. Hmph. Must be the thrill of the hunt. I hadn’t gotten who I really wanted, and my cock refused to settle for second best.
Yeah, that had to be it.
“Guess I scared her off.” She leered. “Too bad. More for me.” She laid a hand on my crotch and grimaced. “What the fuck?”
I pried her hand off me. “Sorry, darlin’, I’m gonna have to call it a night.”
And then I pushed Roxy out the door.