I had never seen so many guns in my life. Gianni Castellino had just arrived with eight goons dressed in suits and the cache of weapons they had purchased from the Bulls. It had taken them almost four hours to turn around and get back to Dallas after Cain made his call.

 

“Here are the six weapons I kept from your last shipment,” Cain explained to some guy while Gianni looked on impassively. “As you can see, some of the serial numbers of the internals match. Not all, which makes me think they have a mixture of parts they are building them from, but, in any case, that raises some red flags.”

 

“You found that in the Aws as well?” the man asked.

 

“Yes. Let me show you something else.” Cain picked up a piece. “I hit that with a hammer,” he said as he handed the piece to the man, who inspected it closely.

 

Earlier I had seen Cain smash the piece with a hammer. I didn’t understand what he was doing until he explained to me that the part shouldn’t break. Bend, yes, but not fracture like that. I saw the man’s lips thin. He obviously understood what he was looking at.

 

“Yeah. You better check them all, but I bet you will find they are all made from the same shitty metal.”

 

The men started pulling the guns out of bags and breaking them down. It took almost an hour for Cain and two others from New Jersey to do the entire cache, but they found out that there were five sets of serial numbers on the internal parts for the M4A1s, and three sets on the Aws, but no duplicates on the frames. I wasn’t sure what that meant, but it appeared to piss off the guys from New Jersey no end.

 

“Do you have the samples?” Cain asked.

 

Two guns, one of each type, were handed over. Those were likewise broken down. None of the serial numbers matched any of the others.

 

“May I?” Cain asked.

 

The guy that I had determined was New Jersey’s weapons guy gave a nod. Cain set the piece on a hunk of steel he had obtained and gave it a solid whack with the hammer. He picked it up and handed it to the man. I could see it was bent, but not broken.

 

Gianni made a face that would have scared the shit out of me if he had directed it toward me. “Thank you, Cain. You have saved us from a potentially embarrassing situation. I should have trusted you.”

 

“You’re welcome, Mr. Castellino. This whole deal smelled from the beginning.”

 

“Rest assured, we will deal with the Blacktop Bulls.”

 

“Gianni,” Thad said stepping forward. “Let us take care of them, if you don’t mind. We know the lay of the land down here better than you do. And we owe them something for killing three of our guys. It’s time we pay that debt.”

 

“They tried to fuck us, Thad. We can’t let that stand.”

 

“No one has to know. But we will make sure to send your…salutations.”

 

I watched as Gianni thought it over. I hoped that he would decline Thad’s offer but I knew he wouldn’t. “Thank you, Thad. If there is ever anything I can do for you, you need but ask. No hard feelings?”

 

“None,” Thad said, offering his hand. “It was just business.”

 

“I’m glad we understand each other,” Gianni said, taking his hand.

 

“If we find a stash of cash, we will return it to you.”

 

“Keep it,” Gianni said as he released Thad’s hand. “Consider it a down payment for our next shipment. When can you supply us?”

 

Thad looked to Cain, and Cain scratched at his face as he thought. “We didn’t tell our supplier to ship when you went with the Bulls. So ten days on the water, call it two weeks at the earliest, more likely three by the time we get the arms cleaned up and assembled. It depends on how fast our supplier can line up a container. Unless you want us to air freight them, but that is going to cost you a ton.”

 

I could tell Gianni wasn’t happy with the news. “No, don’t air freight them. We’re taking it in the ass on this deal already. I’ll figure something out. Maybe I’ll dip into our reserves. You want this shit?” he asked as he waved his hand at the mass of disassembled weapons.

 

Once again, Thad looked to Cain. “We’ll keep it, but we will sell it for what it is. A bunch of cheap Chinese shit. Somebody may want it,” Cain said while bobbing his head.

 

I thought it was interesting that Thad deferred to Cain, but then I realized that he nearly always did when it came to handling the weapons and the customers. Cain was obviously a well-respected and trusted member of the club.

 

“Anything we make off the sale, we’ll put fifty percent on your account,” Thad added.

 

Gianni smiled. “More than fair.” He waved a hand. “Let’s go. It’s a long way to Newark.” The men started toward the door, but then Gianni stopped and turned back to Thad. “Let me know when it’s done.”

 

“You got it,” Thad replied.

 

***

 

“How the shit did you figure that shit out?” Garrett asked loudly two hours later, his voice slightly slurred, as he draped an arm over Cain’s shoulder and leaned on him heavily.

 

I was behind the bar and the Hellhounds were celebrating. The booze had been flowing freely from the moment New Jersey had left the clubhouse and Cain was the man of the hour. Everyone wanted to hear how he had managed to, as one member had put it, “pull their dicks out of the wringer.”

 

“I had just about given up,” Cain explained for the third time, “but Alex wouldn’t let me. I was showing her how to strip and reassemble an M4 and explaining what each part did. She was having a little problem with the Charging Handle and I was helping her. That’s when I noticed the serial numbers were the same on two, then three, of the pieces.”

 

“So she saved our ass! I knew you weren’t smart enough to do it on your own!”

 

“Fuck you! You’re drunk,” Cain snarled, but I could tell from his smile he was basking in the glow of his club.

 

“Yeah, but you’re ugly!”

 

Cain gave him a push that almost sent to the floor and Garrett roared out his laughter. “To Alex and Cain!” he shouted as he hoisted his glass. “Here’s to a love that’s a thousand miles long but comes in six inch installments.”

 

Everyone laughed, including Cain. “More like twelve inch,” Cain replied loud enough for everyone to hear.

 

“Mmmm…more like eight, I think,” I said, just loud enough for those near me to hear, making them snicker.

 

“Why don’t you let someone else tend for a while? Have a drink and celebrate. After all, you helped solve the problem,” Cherie said when she finished giggling at my remark.

 

“Hardly,” I replied, a little flushed. “Thank you, but that’s okay, Cherie. I don’t mind.”

 

“It’s no problem,” she said as she stepped behind the bar with me. “What can I get you? If it’s fancy, you will have to tell me how to make it.”

 

“Cherie…I can’t.” I lowered my voice. “I’m pregnant.”

 

That stopped her cold. “You’re pregnant?” she whispered. “Cain’s?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Does he know?”

 

I gave her a look. “Of course he knows.”

 

“What did he say?”

 

“He’s excited about it.”

 

“You?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

She stared at me a moment then a slow grin spread over her face. “Hey everybody!” she called loud enough to be heard over the merry making. “There’s a new Hellhounds on the way! Alex is pregnant!”

 

My heart nearly stopped and I burned in embarrassment as the room fell silent. It took a moment before the news sunk in, but then the room erupted into cheers and congratulations. Every member of the club first pounded Cain on the back, if it was a guy, or gave him a hug, if it was a girl, then hugged me and offered their support and congratulations. I was overwhelmed with the outpouring of goodwill and began to cry and laugh at the same time.

 

Thad was the last to offer me a hug. “Cain’s?” he asked softly.

 

I nodded but said nothing.

 

“He’s a good man. He’ll take care of you. If there is anything any of the Hounds can do, don’t be afraid to ask.”

 

“Okay,” I murmured as he released me and I stepped back. “Thank you.”

 

“I’ll talk to Carol and find out who she recommends for you.”

 

“Carol?” I didn’t recognize the name.

 

“Carol Arnold, our doctor. She’s an orthopedic surgeon, but she will know somebody.”

 

I knew her only as Dr. Arnold, so getting her last name made it click. “Thank you,” I said, not having the heart to tell him that I wouldn’t be staying after the Bulls were taken care of.

 

“We take care of our own,” he said with a smile.

 

***

 

Cain and I were snuggling on the couch as the party began to wind down. After the news that I was pregnant, the Hounds wouldn’t let me tend the bar anymore and had insisted that get off my feet and rest.

 

“Are you ready to go?” he asked.

 

“Yes.” I whispered just loud enough for him to hear. “I want you to take me home and I want you to make love to me when we get there. Can you?”

 

He grinned. “I can certainly try.”

 

“I don’t want to hurt you.” From the arm and hip pumps he had done earlier, I was pretty sure he was up to the challenge, but I didn’t want to pressure him again.

 

“Don’t worry. I’m feeling much better.”

 

“Good,” I sighed and snuggled in a little closer.

 

We sat for another few minutes before Cain pushed me up and got to his feet. “Thad, Alex and I are going home.”

 

“Okay. Thanks for everything today. I’m not kidding when I said you saved us.” Thad offered his hand and Cain took it, before they pulled each other into a backslapping hug.

 

“Thanks, brother. It’s all for the club.”

 

“I know,” Thad replied before he looked at me. “Take care of him.”

 

“Oh… I intended to,” I purred then smiled as I watched Thad flush.

 

“No! What I meant was…never mind,” Thad said with a chuckle as he shook his head and turned away.

 

***

 

I kicked the door to Cain’s apartment closed and pulled him to a stop by the hand. “Shall we try this again?” I whispered as I began to unbutton his shirt.

 

He didn’t answer, but stood still until I finished my task, pushing the fabric off his shoulders and allowing it to fall to the floor. The moment his arms were free, he pulled me in tight, holding me as he stared into my eyes.

 

“What?” I breathed.

 

“I have been wanting to do this,” he murmured as he took my lips for his own, kissing me thoroughly as his tongue caressed my lips and tongue. I broke from the kiss with a gasp, my color up and my womanhood flooding. Oh yes, I wanted this, too.

 

He came back in for another kiss, but I put my hand over his lips. “Save it…” I cooed as I stepped around him, took his hand, and led him to the bedroom. As I coasted to a stop at the bed, I began to turn to him, but he put his arms around me and pulled my back to him, his hands softly cradling my breasts as he slowly kissed my neck, his breath so warm and erotic I wasn’t sure I could stand it.

 

I curled a hand behind his head, holding his lips to my skin. “Yes…” I sighed as he teased with me lips and hands. His hands slid under my blouse and softly caressed my bulge. I wished I had worn a button down shirt so that he could open me up and not have to stop this delectable kissing.

 

He stepped away from me and eased my top off. The moment my arms were clear, I reached behind me and released the catches of my bra, but left it hanging on my shoulders, wanting him to reveal my breasts in his own time. He stepped back in close, his chest hot to my back as his lips returned to my neck and his hands to my torso.

 

My heat was a roaring inferno. His touches, the realization that his club was no threat to me and would protect us, the way the Hounds looked to him with respect, how they had rallied to my support when they found out I was pregnant, but most especially the covetous looks of some of the club girls still gave him made me want him like no man before him. He was mine, and I wanted him.

 

He slid his hands under the cups of my bra as he teased the straps from my shoulders with his lips and tongue. I let it fall and then muscled my way out of his embrace. I turned and melted into him, kissing him with everything I had, his hands going around me and holding me tight, raising my heat even further. I broke the kiss and stepped back, all but panting in desire. We stared into each other’s eyes as I began to unbuckle his belt. Pants open, I slid them down his legs as I knelt before him. I took him into my mouth, forcing myself down his length, taking every inch and holding it there until I could suppress my gag no longer. I backed off just before I lost control, caught my breath, and dove down him again. I had eased off the last time we started making love, but tonight he was going to come before I stopped. I knew he was capable of going again if he did, and I wanted to drive him as wild as I had our first night together.

 

He groaned deep in his chest and I tipped my eyes up, reveling in the expression on his face. His hand went to my head, holding me in place a moment before he released his hold. I moved back, caught my breath, and went as deep as I could and still close my lips around him. I began to suck on him, my cheeks collapsing in as I gripped him tight with my lips and slowly pulled his shaft from my mouth.

 

“Shit… fuck,” he hissed I continued up his shaft. “Fuck, Alex. I can’t take much of that.”

 

I released him and took all of him again in way of answer, holding him a second, then backing off and wrapping my lips around him as I bobbed my head. I began to fondle his sack, scratching him lightly with my fingernails.

 

He began to puff and blow, hiss and growl, as I worked him over. “Stop or you’re going to make me come. Alex… stop. Stop…I’m going to come!”

 

But I didn’t stop. I doubled-down, tickling his balls as I increased the ferocity, moaning as if he tasted of the finest chocolate, trying to ratchet up the pressure on him.

 

“Alex!” he grunted “You’re going to make me come! I can’t hold it!”

 

I didn’t reduce my efforts and I felt him stiffen. I pulled him from my mouth and stroked him hard and fast until he came, his essence striking me in the chest as I cooed and purred. I rose up higher on my knees and wrapped my breasts around him, using his own ejaculate as a lubricant as I worked him through the valley.

 

I smiled and kissed his manhood as he twitched, gasping and hissing, while I stroked him until he finally lunged away with a gasp. “I can’t stand it anymore. Fuck!”

 

“Poor baby,” I purred as I rose to my feet. I stepped in close and kissed him ferociously, pressing myself to him and smearing his semen between us. As we kissed I reached between us and took his cock into my hand and stroked him softly to keep him hard.

 

I pulled my lips from his and eased his head lower. “I want you,” I whispered into his ear. I stepped back and began to skin out of my pants as he sat on the bed and removed his boots and pants. I was quicker and finished before he did. As he was pulling his last leg free I pushed him back onto the bed then tugged his jeans free and cast them away. He kicked back onto the bed and I followed, mounting him as soon as he stopped moving.

 

I lowered myself, feeling him slide into me, the feel of him without a condom still intoxicating, and I began to move, enjoying the skin on skin contact. I closed my eyes, luxuriating in the sensations.

 

He had softened slightly and I was going slowly to give him time to return to full hardness, taking my time and enjoying the feel of him. When the pregnancy was over, we were going to have to find a way to have sex without using a condom, the feel of him unsheathed too exquisite to deny.

 

As we moved I could feel him returning to full hardness and I began to pick up the pace of my thrusts. I opened my eyes and looked at him, his face intense yet…loving? No man had ever looked at me that way.

 

“What are you thinking?” I whispered as I continued to move.

 

“How glad I am that I am with you.”

 

I smiled. “Me, too. Are you going to come again?”

 

“Maybe. Are you?”

 

“Oh yes,” I sighed.

 

He began to flex in rhythm with me, driving himself deeper into me as we moved, two becoming one. I gasped as a searing stab of pleasure rushed through me, burning along my nerves and setting me alight. He moved his hands from my side to my breasts, caressing them gently. I shivered as another wave of pleasure passed through me, my head tipping down as I breathed out in a long sigh.

 

“I’m going to come,” I whispered, moving faster, drawing the orgasm to me. I needed more, so I tipped forward, bracing on my hands, his arms going around me and holding me loosely in deference to my condition. “I’m going to come,” I gasped again as he began to thrust, driving into me harder and faster than I was able to, my orgasm swelling and surrounding me. I began to pant, my climax shortening my breath as it pressed in on me.

 

My release took me and I exhaled explosively as it burned through my body like a wildfire. I couldn’t move, I couldn’t breathe; I could only endure until, with a gasp, it washed out of me. I sagged into him, my lips finding his by instinct as I waited for my orgasm to fully release me from its grip. We kissed sloppily, his hands tangled in my hair as mine were his. We devoured each other until I had my fill of his kiss, our bodies still but my heart racing.

 

I pulled back and looked into his eyes; our gazes locked until he smiled at me softly and began to move. It was going to be a long night…and I looked forward every minute of it.