Chapter Thirteen
Amelia
My face is hot, and my heart’s pounding, and I don’t think I could move if the roof caved in.
Gage Reynolds, member of the Viking Bastards, just told me he’s serious about me.
He’s wrong for me on so many levels that I can’t even. But he’s all I want. If only there wasn’t bad blood and history between our families, this’d be the most perfect moment of my life, but I can’t keep my head in the sand for much longer.
I can’t tell him right this second, though. Not in public. Not here.
“I don’t share too well, either.”
The harsh frown on his face fades into a grin. “Is that right?”
This can work. It’s a fierce promise, and I shove the creeping doubt to the back of my mind. I’ll work out the best way to break the news to him, to tell him who I really am. It shouldn’t be too hard, once I’ve gotten him in the right mood…
“Don’t think you can take a succession of girls out into the side alley anymore.”
He scoffs. “How many chicks have you seen me take out there during the last two weeks?”
I’m about to scoff back at him when it hits me—I haven’t. And the one time I thought I had, he’d been helping the girl with her date.
“Huh.” That’s kind of knocked me sideways. “Okay, then.”
“You’re gonna pay for that later.”
I probably will, and I’m definitely not complaining. But I’m not letting him get away with it completely. “All right, so you don’t shit in your own backyard.” Except with me. I try and keep a straight face. “That doesn’t mean you haven’t been getting it somewhere else.”
“I should’ve. But guess what—I was waiting for you to come to your senses.”
He’s laughing at me, and even though I smile back, inside I’m reeling. He seriously went without sex for two weeks because he wanted me?
Sure, he could be lying, but there’s no reason why he would. I’m here with him, and I’m not going anywhere, and he knows that.
I tug his head forward until our breath mingles. “Good thing I was worth waiting for.”
“You have no idea.” His kiss is hot and tender, which shouldn’t even be possible. But nothing with Gage should be possible. My eyes drift shut, and I trail my palm over his jaw, his stubble chafing my hand, and his fingers are warm and firm against my waist.
I shift on his lap, and his erection brands me with rigid heat. I grin at the image, and he pulls back just enough to break our kiss.
“Something funny?’ His voice is raw and sexy, and I wriggle again, just to torture him a little more.
“I was just thinking that your cock is like a rod of iron.”
The expression on his face is priceless, and I can’t help a little snort of laughter. Obviously, no one’s ever told him that before, but since I’ve never said anything like that in the past, I guess we’re even.
“Is that the kind of stuff you put in your books?”
“Ha ha. That would be a no.”
He hauls me even closer, his hand on my thigh, just skimming the hem of my skirt. “Are you using me for research?”
“Would you mind if I did?”
“Hell, no.” His smile is lethal and makes me wet and needy. How long before we can leave? “You got a website or something?”
I blink, disorientated. Weren’t we just talking about sexy times? “A website?”
“Yeah. For your books. I looked you up and couldn’t find anything.”
He looked me up? My stomach flips, and I press my thighs together in the vain hope that’ll help my thinking process. All it does is make me need him more than ever.
And then, through the thud of desire, I understand what he means.
Nerves spike through my chest. Just tell him. Not that I want to have the big conversation right now, but at least it’ll plant a seed in his mind…won’t it?
“I, uh, write under another name.” That’s pathetic.
His fingers are stroking my thigh, but surprisingly he’s not sliding higher to grab my ass, and it’s not because we’d be thrown out if he did. There are a few couples who’re making out so heavily they need to get a room.
“What name? Amy?”
My courage fails, and I sit up and rescue my purse. “Yes. Do you want a card?” I whip one out before he can answer, and thrust it at him without looking at his face. My heart’s hammering so hard it’s hurting my ribs.
“Amy Crane?” There’s no hint that Crane means anything to him.
“Davis is my mom’s name.”
“What, so you picked Crane out of your ass?” He shoves the card into his pocket and then resumes playing with my thigh.
How easy if I could just say yes.
“Um, no. It was my dad’s name.” I hold my breath. I don’t want him to jump to conclusions yet. I just want to give him a little clue, that’s all.
Comprehension dawns, but not the kind that brings back memories of ten years ago. Shock stabs through me, and for the first time I wonder…does Gage even know the name of my dad? Or is he just another anonymous victim of his father’s violent past?
“Right.” He pulls me close and rubs his jaw against my head, and my tense muscles relax. Even though he doesn’t say anything else, he doesn’t need to. The way he’s holding me and stroking my waist means more than any awkward words.
I lean against his broad chest. He’s rock-hard all over, and I feel safe cocooned in his strong arms. He hands me my beer, and I take a long swallow before idly glancing around the club.
From its name, I’d imagined a Viking inspired place dedicated to Thor, but it’s dark and gothic, although it doesn’t continue the vampire theme from the black iron mirror with the Dracula image that’s upstairs. The small raised stage with the exotic dancers is bathed in a pale glow, and vintage metal and glass lanterns are dotted around this end of the club.
It’s cool.
During the following hour, a few guys stop by and pass the time with Gage, who introduces me as his girl, Amelia. I nod and smile and keep my mouth shut. I know what he’s doing—showing off his property and marking his territory. And while a part of me is spitting bricks at the macho shit going on, another part understands. The part that grew up in this lifestyle, and knows the thing that counts is what happens behind closed doors.
It’s like a rite of passage. No one he knows will try anything with me now. My status in their eyes is elevated from casual lay to a total hands-off zone.
It’s everything I’ve avoided. It’s why I’ve only dated guys who wore suits and drove cars. But the truth is, I can’t escape my roots. This life is in my blood, no matter how much I wish it wasn’t, except when it comes to Gage everything I never wanted is turned on its head.
A couple of bikers pause by the dancers. I guess they’re Bastards, although I don’t recognize them. Then one turns his back, and disbelief slams through me.
No way.
Even though the lighting isn’t great, there’s no mistaking the colors. Every detail of that patch is scored into my heart. Even now, when I close my eyes I can see the magnificent tattoo that covered my dad’s back.
He’s a fucking Silver Wolf.
I grip my bottle of beer with suddenly sweaty fingers. What the hell are Wolves doing in a Bastards’ club? I don’t know who he is, so the chances he’d know me are zero. And even if he was hanging around the Wolves more than ten years ago, it’s not likely he’d remember me, a skinny kid with braids and braces.
“You okay?” Gage’s voice penetrates the panic swirling through my head, and I take a deep breath. I need to get us out of here without raising his suspicion. And I need to clear the air between us.
Tonight. Well, tomorrow morning. It’ll be easier when we’re both glowing from a night of sex.
“Yes, sure.” I snuggle into him so he’s less likely to catch sight of the Wolves. Obviously, they’re welcome here, but I sure as hell don’t want Gage introducing me to them.
Before I realize his intention, he lifts me off his lap as he stands, and threads his fingers through mine. “Let’s dance.”
There’s nothing I’d love more than to dance with him, but it means we have to walk right by the Wolves. Then again, we’d have to walk the same way if we were leaving the club. My stomach pitches, but there’s not a lot I can do about it.
They turn around as we approach, and Gage’s fingers tighten around mine. It’s obvious, to me at least, that he’s not happy they’re here, but he gives them the nod as we pass by. Without an introduction. Thank God.
On the dance floor, he pulls me close, and I wind my arms around his neck. “Has everyone seen me now?”
He grunts in apparent approval of how I know exactly what he’s up to. “Not everyone. But enough. Don’t even think about trying to escape.”
“I was thinking more about your rep. Are you sure you’re ready to let everyone know you’re my man?”
He laughs, a low sexy sound for my ears only. “One day you’re going to tell me how you know so much about my rep.”
I stroke his powerful shoulders through the warm leather of his cut. “I don’t know much about you at all. I guess you might not have slept with so many girls you can’t even remember their names. If so, my bad.”
“I remember yours. That’s all that matters.” His hand glides down my back and grasps my ass. “You know what I’m doing tonight, don’t you?” It’s not a question. It’s a statement of fact, and I shiver with a combination of anticipation and nerves.
I slide my fingers into the back pockets of his jeans. Even through our clothes the heat of his body wraps around me, and the scent of leather and bikes makes me dizzy.
“Why don’t you remind me?” Whoa, is that really my voice? I sound all kinds of sultry.
He obviously thinks so, too, if the way his cock jerks against my stomach is any indication. I wriggle my hips for some friction, and his strangled groan is the best sound ever.
“Keep doing that and we won’t even make it back home.”
“Oooh,” I breathe against his mouth. “Promises. Closet exhibitionist, are you?”
“I’m not fucking you in public.”
“Well, there’s a relief.”
“Don’t laugh. I’m serious.”
I know he is, and I can’t help my evil grin. “I’ve never done it in front of an audience before.”
He bares his teeth like a feral Neanderthal, and I love it. “You’re not going to, either. I’m not having any other guy see you naked.”
“We don’t have to get totally naked.”
“Baby, you’re going to be totally naked on your hands and knees before I’ve finished with you tonight. And I’m the only one who’s going to see you.”
“I guess I can live with that.”
“You better. I’m not giving you any options.”
I don’t bother hiding my mocking smile. “So, no more quickies in the side alley, then?”
He rubs my ass in a blatantly proprietorial gesture, and my lady parts are horny as hell. “If we’re the only ones using it.”
“So, is there a side alley here?” I don’t know why I’m winding him up so much. I’d much rather go back to his apartment where it’s warm and dry and I can stay all night, but his possessive streak is just too adorable.
“There’s Ty’s office.”
I go onto my toes and whisper in Gage’s ear. “I’ve never done it in an office before, either.”
His laugh sounds more like a groan. “I’m not screwing your tight little ass for the first time in Ty’s office.”
I’d almost forgotten about that. Almost. I give a theatrical shiver. “That’s probably a good thing. I might not be able to sit on your Harley afterward.”
His grin is downright lethal, and I have the urge to sink onto my hands and knees already. “You’re not going to be able to do anything afterward. That’s a promise.”
I believe him, and my flirty banter dries up. Not that it matters, since he wheels us about, his arm slung around my shoulders, and leads me toward the stairs.
Another Bastard appears by our side, and Gage halts, cursing under his breath. “Hawk, man. Didn’t think you were coming.”
“Got held up.” Hawk gives me a smile, the kind you’d give a sister…or your brother’s girl. “Can we talk?”
“Sure.” Gage glances at me. It’s obvious whatever they need to talk about can’t be done in front of me, and I’m ridiculously touched that he didn’t just tell me to go.
“I’ll go up and collect my jacket.” I pull away from him, and his hand slides down my arm before briefly manacling my wrist, as though he’s reluctant to break contact.
“This won’t take long.”
He watches me climb the stairs, and I put a little extra wiggle on for his benefit. I’m still smiling as I reach the lobby and retrieve my jacket.
I fluff up my hair in front of the mirror and am just about to wrap the scarf around my neck when a tall figure in a long, black coat moves out of the shadows behind me, his creepy bloodshot eyes fixed on me. Jesus, what the fuck? If I wasn’t staring at his reflection, I’d think it was a real live vampire.
Vampires aren’t alive. Whatever. I swing around, heart pounding, and Rex looms over me, a manic smile on his face. A shudder crawls along my spine at his black and broken teeth. He looks even worse than the last time I saw him, and I take an involuntary step back until I’m flat against the mirror.
“Are you ignoring me, Amy?”
“Stop texting me,” I hiss, glancing around to make sure Gage isn’t coming up the stairs. “I told you, I’m not going through with it. I don’t even believe they’re doing anything illegal.”
“You’re doing great,” he says, which doesn’t make sense given what I just told him. His leg’s jiggling like he can’t keep still, and it’s freaking me out.
“Just go.” I don’t push him toward the door, though. I don’t want to touch him at all. “It’s over. Don’t contact me again.”
His crazy smile vanishes, and he grabs my arm, his fingers digging into me as though he wants to gouge the flesh from my bones.
“It’s not over until I say it is, Amy Crane.” He grinds the words between his teeth, and nerves spike through me—not at what Rex might do to me, but what’ll happen if he’s still here when Gage comes back.
That’ll be a nightmare to explain. Why did Rex have to turn up tonight? One more day and it wouldn’t have mattered.
“All right.” I keep my voice low, as we’re attracting attention and the last thing I need is for someone to go find Gage. “Look, we’ll talk about it tomorrow, okay? I’ll call you.” The hell I will, but I’ll say anything to make him leave. And tomorrow Gage will know everything, so there’ll be no more secrets to hide.
Rex jerks me toward him, and he’s hurting my arm. If not for the fact I don’t want to cause a scene here, I’d stamp my heel right through his damn foot.
And then the world goes to shit. Gage rips Rex from me and slams him against the wall, choking him with one hand.
“Gage.” I sound like I’m the one who’s choking. Not that he takes any notice of me.
“Keep your fucking hands off my girl.” Gage narrows his eyes. “I’ve seen you before. Hanging around where she works.”
I never saw Rex while I was at work. What’s Gage talking about? A chill slithers along my spine. Has Rex been stalking me?
“Pretty little Amy,” Rex slurs, like he’s completely out of it. “Such a great lay.”
I stare at Rex, as my stomach churns with a mix of horror and revulsion. What’s he doing?
“Shut up, you fucking crackhead.” Gage looks murderous. No one tries to stop him. “I know who you are. Rex Abbott. You got a death wish or what?”
I’d forgotten Gage probably knew who Rex was, but it’s still a jolt when he says his name. I’ve no idea what other shit Rex might be planning, but I sure as hell don’t want to hang around to find out.
“Gage.” I clutch his arm and try to pull him away before he crushes Rex’s windpipe. It’s like trying to shift a mountain.
“You stay there.” He doesn’t take his gaze from Rex as he speaks. “No one talks about you like that.”
When it was just the two of us messing around, his machismo was cute. Out here in the real world, it’s anything but. From the corner of my eye I see not only a couple of brothers from Gage’s club, but also the two from the Wolves. None of them will interfere. It’s a matter of pride for Gage to put Rex in his place, to defend the honor of his woman and show any casual onlooker what you get if you mess with a Bastard.
My face is blazing, even though no one’s looking at me. So much for my plan to tell Gage the truth when we were both basking in the morning-after-the-night-before sexual glow. I just hope he waits until we’re alone before he asks how I know Rex, because I sure don’t want to tell him in front of an audience.
“She’s good, isn’t she?” Rex wraps his hands around Gage’s forearm but it doesn’t get him anywhere. “Sleeping with the enemy on command. Got to admire that kind of commitment—”
Gage swings him around, and Rex sprawls on the floor, which at least shuts him up. The music thumps through my head, but I don’t know if it’s loud enough to muffle the garbage coming out of his mouth. God, I hope so. I just want to sink through the floor and disappear.
Gage crouches down, his face only inches from Rex.
“If I see you sniffing around her again, you’re a dead man.” The way he says it, in that cold, flat tone, is the scariest thing I’ve ever heard. Then he straightens, takes my hand, and everyone backs off as he strolls out of the club as though he owns it.