Chapter Twenty-Five
Charlie
What’s worse than the seedy inside Buzzard’s Nest? The alley. I’d seen at least two drug deals go down in the ten minutes I’d waited. Why weren’t they coming? I heard feet scuffing through the trash and a curse, I peeked from my place behind the Dumpster—a guy in a suit looking very mob-like was poking through the alley. He’d be on me in seconds. I pulled out the stunner and waited. As he came even with the edge of the Dumpster I pressed the gun into the flesh of his neck.
“Fuck.” He fell to the alley unconscious.
I checked the door but no movement. I scurried over and secured his wrists. Adrenaline pumped through me. One down, two to go. The door opened and a guy in a biker vest and Viceroy walked out. I hoped this gun didn’t need to recharge as I turned and pressed it into Viceroy’s arm. He went down.
“You fuckin’ bitch.” The biker hauled his fist back.
“Don’t hit a woman.” JoJo clobbered the guy from the back, sending him to the dirty alley floor. Two more hits to the jaw and Coyote was out.
I secured Viceroy. JoJo hauled him over his shoulder in a fireman carry.
We’d done it. Kicked ass and taken names. It was the best part of detective work—without the bureaucracy or searching through countless dead ends. Joe had nailed him in less than two days. Amazing. He was damn good at his job.
Still flying high, I followed Joe. What would we do with Franco’s guy? Question him? Torture him for answers? Surely not.
Joe secured Viceroy in the back of the SUV, put up the glass panel and locked the doors. “I need to deal with Franco’s guy. Go take off his security cuffs.”
“What?”
He rolled his eyes. “I’m gonna get Skunk to set up our mob friend with the Alphas, tie up all our problems at once.” He handed me a knife and left me standing there before I could ask the dozens of questions in my mind.
His story had more holes than Swiss cheese, but I booked it back to the mob guy. This wouldn’t fall apart because I hadn’t done my job. I’d just gotten the cuffs off when the back door boomed open and a huge Mexican biker stalked out.
“You say this man took down our Coyote.” The beady-eyed guy looked from me to JoJo. “You hear this?” He glanced back at the scrawny bartender.
“Yeah, he was here last night. I told Coyote and he went out the back.” Skunk backed up JoJo’s story. But Coyote could undermine the whole thing as soon as he woke up.
“Take him. We’ll show him who’s boss here.” The biker nodded to another of his club members.
“Take care.” JoJo grabbed my hand and we hurried from the alley.
“That story won’t hold... Coyote knows—”
“If he has a brain cell, he’ll say he forgot or agree to whatever story they tell him.” JoJo gave me a predatory smile. “Otherwise he admits he was helping his brother, who he isn’t supposed to be with, and that he started trouble with another club protecting him.”
“Not a good choice?” I didn’t quite follow.
“Nope, you don’t disobey an order from your prez, so Coyote will keep his yap shut and Franco’s man will end up in the hospital while we turn in our bounty. Franco’s losing face left and right.” He sounded so satisfied.
“You sure we didn’t make it worse?”
“It can’t get worse, we just have to keep pushing his nose in it.”
It took us almost two hours to process the bounty with the Dallas PD, even with the paperwork, his work beat mine in gratification. Quick, brutal and satisfying. It shouldn’t appeal to me, but it did. The grind of police work wore on me, more since Jensen had died. I saw all the parts I didn’t like, and if I were honest, I didn’t like most of my job. But the sweet taste of putting criminals away, it was worth it.
He took down real bad guys without the complications of the force. I shook my head to stop the flow of traitorous thoughts. I was a cop, born and bred, and I wouldn’t be corrupted by a few days with him. Not that he’d tried to convince me—he hadn’t said a word about my choices—but his world tempted me. And that stopped now. I stared at the dark biker who was so different from the man I’d almost married. Jensen spent a lot of our time together warning me of possible dangers, advising me on the best path, and generally worrying about my reputation with other cops. He’d made me self-conscious and even more uptight with his concern. Joe’s total acceptance was so freeing, just like riding the motorcycle. I was becoming addicted to both.
“I say we get a good dinner and celebrate with some dancing.” He winked at me. “We never did get to dance.”
Dancing. Dinner. A real date. That was dangerous, but I was already nodding. “Sounds good.”
Joe’s phone rang. He glanced down. “Damn.”
He walked away from me, and I couldn’t hear what he said. No doubt someone from the club. They owned him, after all.
He frowned, fists clenched. Bad news? Had he heard more about Franco? My pulse picked up and I glanced side to side. We were exposed on the street. True, we were in front of a police station, but I wasn’t sure that would stop Franco’s men. They were brash.
“Are we safe?” I assessed the area for threats.
“Yeah.” He blew out a breath. “Going out has to wait. I got club business tonight.”
Owned. The club came first and I wished I was his top priority. That was ridiculous. As soon as this situation was over, we’d go our separate ways. This was a fling, an affair, definitely not a permanent arrangement.
“And that means...”
“To my place, and then I’ve got a few prospects lined up to protect you. I’ll be back as quick as I can.” He scuffed his boot on the sidewalk. “Sorry we can’t go out tonight.”
“No problem, I could use the downtime.” More like time away from Joe to sort myself out. I was too involved for my own good. If I didn’t pull back, I might fall in love with him. And that’d be a mistake. One I wouldn’t be making, no matter how much I craved him.
The bike ride back north passed quickly with me lecturing myself on not falling for my biker. It boiled down to three simple reasons we couldn’t be permanent: being with him would dead end my career, I couldn’t deal with the shadowed grays he lived in every day, and I never wanted to be his or anyone’s property—that was barbaric.
As we pulled onto a side street in Ardmore, one more truth hit me—I needed to make this affair count, let my wild side go, because I’d never indulge again. Joe pulled into a duplex in the middle of the street and parked his bike. I jumped off the bike before him, eager to take off the stifling helmet.
“I need to change and shower, then some guys should be here.” He clasped my hand and pulled me along beside him. “Delta and I live here, but he’s already in Barden.”
“Why aren’t you taking me with you?” I glanced around his place—bachelor central with mismatched furniture and a big-ass TV with three game systems.
He kicked his shoes off at the door, not meeting my gaze. “You don’t want to be anywhere near the clubhouse tonight.”
“Why?” What was he hiding?
He rubbed the top of his head. “It’s a full-blown party to celebrate Dare and Lila’s good news. Everyone needs to put in an appearance, and Lila asked for me specifically.”
What? A party, that wasn’t biker business. “So why don’t I want to go?”
“Goddammit, you don’t like the lifestyle and our parties are wild—a no-holds-barred kind of deal.” He sat on a leather couch and pulled me down on his lap. “I don’t want to stress you out more.”
“So you decided to keep me away? Is this how our relationship would work? I don’t like it, so you keep me in the dark.” How could I trust him? Why did I care? Hadn’t I already decided this was temporary? Make up your mind, Pine.
“You can go, if you want.” JoJo stared at me, reading me. “It’s a lot to take in, even for those who like the club.”
“And I don’t like the club?”
“Do you?” he threw back.
“It’s different, better than I thought it’d be.” That wasn’t a real answer but it was the best I had. “How do I know if I don’t see it all?”
“I can’t fucking win here.” He stomped away from me. “Go if you want to, but those rules you hated so damn much?” He threw my words back at me. “They’re in play. Girls there on their own are fair game for anyone—you go, you’re mine for the night. Can you tell one of my brothers ‘I’m JoJo’s property.’”
I gulped. “Jericho said—”
“Okay, can you say ‘I’m Jericho’s property’? Our girls—hell, our wives—who aren’t down with those rules, they stay home.” He stared back at me. “And no one thinks less of them.”
“So then you guys just have an orgy without—”
His glare stopped my reckless words. He prowled toward me and I couldn’t move. I’d never seen his full anger directed at me. But it was now.
I stood my ground even as panic urged me to flee. His lips crushed mine and he held me close, too tight to be comfortable, yet a twisted part of me loved his possessiveness. He consumed me until I couldn’t think, only hold on as he showed me how he owned my body. I couldn’t resist, and didn’t want to try. I just wanted him.
He broke the kiss, breath coming hard. “Don’t fucking ever question my loyalty.” His dark eyes had turned black and flashed with fury. “We’re together, and this—” he cupped his dick “—is all yours, only yours. You get me?”
Shit. I knew he was loyal, he’d never be a cheater. Guilt and regret mixed in my stomach. I’d make this right.
I cupped his erection. “Yeah, this is all mine, only mine.” My fingers fumbled to unsnap his jeans.
My heart pounded, body thrummed. I needed him. I tugged his jeans down over his hardness and his dick bounced free. I dropped to my knees, needing to show him I understood—even more needing to give him the mind-blowing experience he’d given me. I wanted to own him as he did me every time we made love.
He stumbled back, jeans around his knees. “Fuck, darling.” He fisted hands in my hair. He rocked into me, faster and faster. I pulled back, this was good, but I wanted great. Great took time.
I pushed him backward. “Sit.”
He collapsed onto the recliner. His eyes now only held a greedy need, the anger had vanished. I pulled off one boot then the other before tugging off his Levi’s.
He grinned and leaned back. “You’re giving the orders.”
“I want to make you lose your mind. Do you think I can do that?” I massaged his sac.
“Yeah, darling, no one fucks me as good as you.” He met my gaze. “Fuck me with that sassy mouth.”
Excitement sent electric tingles across my skin. My breasts ached and I was already wet for him. “Yes, sir.” I slid my lips over his tip and continued down, taking as much of him as I could.
“Yeah, that’s it.” His hips pressed up and his hands held my head in place.
I should have felt trapped, but power rushed through me. He needed me, wanted me. I did this to him.
“Charlie.” He panted my name over and over as he bucked under me. I clasped his cock around the base and sucked hard, needing him to lose control.
He bellowed his release and I swallowed it all down, something else that was new to me. Once his body relaxed, he sat in the chair, eyes closed and hands stroking my hair.
“Come ’ere.” He squinted down with one eye.
I started to sit but he shook his head. “Lose...the pants.”
Complying, I climbed onto his lap bare and ready for him. I leaned forward, kissing him. Lips and tongues tangling, the sensations drove my already needy body into overdrive. Lost to him, each touch increased my hunger. He lifted my shirt and flicked the front clasp of my bra.
“Beautiful tits.” He suckled one and then the other.
I rocked into him. The friction was good, but God, I needed so much more.
His cock hardened underneath me, only a few minutes after I’d swallowed all he had to offer.
“Fuck me,” I moaned, needing him deep inside me.
He didn’t move from my breasts and I remembered I was in charge. This was my show. I grasped his cock and slid it home, finding just what I was looking for. I pushed down and took more of him inside me, thrusting hard, racing to the orgasm I’d denied myself too long already.
“Fuck.” He panted. “Darling, you’re sending me over.” His fingers dug into my hips. “Can’t hold on much longer.” His thumb grazed my clit.
“Joe!” I yelled and came hard. He fell with me.
I lay collapsed on his chest, unwilling to move.
“Gotta do angry sex more often.” JoJo nibbled my ear. “We good?”
Were we? What did I want? Should I stay here or go with him? I should stay here but I wouldn’t. I was going because I had to know. Surely it couldn’t be as bad as what I’d imagine here alone.
“Good, and I’m going.” I sat back to see how he took the news.
“Okay.” He sighed, resigned I guess. “So three things to know: parties include drunken sex, lots of naked woman parading around, and sex games.”
“What are sex games?”
“Blow job contests, naked shots—you think it, it’s there.”
“I...can’t... Why do they do that?” I really didn’t understand why women would demean themselves that way.
“It’s fun.” JoJo shrugged. “And everyone consents.”
“Fun for the men.”
“And the women.” He frowned at me. “A lot of women get off on the freedom of the club and the parties.”
“Okay, I get it.” Although I didn’t. Porn and sex club people had different life standards, but most women would never find that appealing. But I wasn’t arguing.
He stood with me still wrapped around his waist. “Let’s shower.”
* * *
Of course the shower led to more sex and it was after nine by the time we got to the clubhouse. Joe parked the bike and held me before we went inside. “Remember the safe words.”
I wrinkled up my nose. “I’m JoJo’s property.” The words tasted slimy, like bad sushi, in my mouth.
“Right.” He gave me a hesitant look. “I wouldn’t drink tonight. We need to stay on top of our game until this Franco thing is resolved.”
I hadn’t planned to drink. “Got it.”
We walked inside. The place was different. All the tables were crowded into the back to make a dance floor in front of the stage. A Southern rock band played on the stage. “At least we can dance.”
He pulled me onto the floor amid twenty or thirty other people, including three totally naked women. I tried not to stare and focused on Joe.
He moved with a smooth rhythm that was damn sexy. I matched my moves to him the best I could—he was definitely the better dancer. He grabbed my ass and drew me close until we were hip to hip, grinding together. I laced my hands around his neck and held on, loving the way he made me feel. Intense chocolate eyes held mine and I forgot everything but him. Each slide of our hips, caress of his fingers on my ass, made me a little crazier. Soon I lived for the friction of my body against his and wished he’d pinch my nipples or touch that spot that sent me flying. But he didn’t. We just existed in that special place where feelings were amplified and emotion won out over reason. I existed there at Joe’s mercy, loving every second of it.
He stopped moving and I wanted to cry. “No,” I moaned, unwilling to stop.
“The band’s taking a break.” His breath tickled my ear. “Wanna find a bedroom?”
That brought me back to myself quicker than a bucket of cold water dumped over my head. “No, I lost myself...” I met his gaze. “In you. But I’m okay now.”
He caressed my cheek. “Dancing with you was better than I imagined.” He led me from the dance floor, back toward the bar. Lila sat there with a few people surrounding her.
“Congratulations.” JoJo gave her a huge hug. “You’ll be great at the whole mother thing.”
“Thanks.” Her eyes were red and puffy. “Oh, I’m glad you brought Charlie.” Lila grinned wide. “I owe you both a big apology. I was fucked up in the head with the whole pregnancy. I shouldn’t have come on so strong.” She gave me a hesitant smile.
“I understand, that’s a lot to figure out.” It seemed a big deal in the club but I still didn’t understand why. If this club was as tame as Joe said, a baby should be a welcome addition.
“Don’t even give it another thought.” He squeezed my hand.
“Hey, JoJo, I got news for you.” Rebel came up behind us with Elle beside him. “Elle, will you stay with Charlie?”
If he had news, I should hear it too. He gave me an apologetic look because he knew what I was thinking. “Stay with Elle until I come back.”
I nodded even though I didn’t want to. “You guys picked up Viceroy quick.” Elle gave me a nod like the bikers did. “Good work.”
“Thanks. It’s a bit like police work.”
“More action and less crap.” She laughed and I had to agree.
In a couple minutes she and Lila were in a baby conversation. I listened, knowing nothing about babies, and even though we made nice for the guys, I still didn’t trust Lila. She’d taken an attitude with me from the beginning and I didn’t know why, but it made me cautious. It wasn’t like I didn’t know I didn’t fit in here. Hello, cop here. The opposite of these guys in most of the ways that counted.
A handsome dark-headed man with shoulder-length hair stepped up to the bar, right next to where I sat. “You new, baby?” He eyed me from head to toe, spending most of his time assessing my chest. “I could show you around.”
“I’m Charlie Pine.” I hoped this worked. If not, I’d say the words Joe told me to say, but I didn’t want to, especially not in Lila’s earshot.
“Right, we’re giving you protection while JoJo deals with Franco.” He held out a hand. “I’m Viper.”
That went well.
“That’s a cool name.” What did you say to bikers?
He threw his head back and laughed. “Why did JoJo leave you alone?”
“Rebel called him back there.” I pointed to the room off the hallway where I’d seen Joe disappear.
“Ah, council chambers, that’s no woman’s land.” He laughed at his own joke.
I could get to like him. He was easy to talk to and not nearly as scary as most of the bikers I’d met.
“You get a new girl?” An African-American man too handsome for words stood in front of me. “You should send her my way.”
I frowned at him. What was he talking about?
“Too good for me, honey?” He crossed his arms.
Unease crawled down my spine, settling in the pit of my stomach. I glanced behind me but Elle was talking to some other guy and Lila.
“Bear—”
Was this nice guy some kind of pimp? Had JoJo lied to me?
“She won’t get far with that attitude.” He stepped into my space.
“What? I’m Charlie Pine.”
“Not a great name. You need a hooker name.” The intimidating biker lifted an eyebrow. “Viper, you’re slipping.”
Fear chased the unease. I stood up but couldn’t escape the two. “Are you two pimps?” I backed into Viper.
Viper laughed, but this time it didn’t seem harmless.
Viper pushed Bear away. “This is JoJo’s girl.”
“Ah, the judgmental bitch.” Bear glared down at me. “Watch who you call a pimp.”
A shorter, older man stepped up. “Bear, apologize.”
No way would this guy apologize to anyone. I backed away from the group.
The dangerous-looking man smirked at me. “Sorry I pointed out you’re a judgmental bitch.” He stared back at the older man.
I fled the scene, not sure what was going on and not wanting to stay and figure it out. He didn’t know me but he’d judged me. His words stung. I didn’t stop running until I entered the kitchen. It was quiet here. My heartbeat pounded in my ears.
Squeals and laughter drifted on the night air. I glanced back to the main room—not going back there. My curiosity drove me forward—a peek outside wouldn’t hurt.
I walked out the side door onto the grass and moved toward the bonfire. Tiki torches provided light throughout the area. To one side I heard grunts, and I glanced over—Thorn. He had hands around a girl’s throat, choking her and having sex. I backed away—he’d seemed so nice, but in the shadowed firelight he looked brutal.
I stumbled away, bikers were all over the place along the edges of the party in twos and threes having sex. I moved toward the lights, not wanting to be a voyeur. In the center a woman in all leather wielded a whip—I backed away. Loud grunts came from the left. A woman lay handcuffed and blindfolded on a table, men lined up to take her, one after another. What the hell? Were those sounds of pleasure or distress?
This wasn’t wild. It was beyond. I squinted to see Delta, JoJo’s best friend, in the crowd by the girl handcuffed to the table. I turned and ran toward the parking lot, not stopping even when I heard someone yell behind me. These men I’d trusted were monsters, nice by day and predators at night. What perverse habits was JoJo hiding?
Escape. I had to get away from here. This was so much more than Joe had said that understatement didn’t even begin to cover it. Maybe he was in that room now doing his own bizarre sex acts. Surely most of this was illegal in Oklahoma. Had they drugged the women? I shuddered and wished I had my gun, but without it I didn’t stand a chance against these men.
In the parking lot, motorcycles were parked everywhere. I raced to the back where the loaner bikes were located—no fucking keys. I had to escape, but it was too far to town. I needed wheels. I hoped Joe had left the keys with his bike—if not, surely someone had. I ran to where Joe parked and checked.
Thank God, keys.
Good thing JoJo had taught me to drive a motorcycle or I’d be screwed now. I wiped away the stray tears clouding my vision. I’d been such a fool. I slammed the helmet on my head and let the other helmet drop to the ground.
Stealing his bike was probably a cardinal sin, but it didn’t matter—what I’d seen had ended any chance of a relationship. I never wanted to see him or any of these bikers ever again.
I didn’t even glance over my shoulder as I rode out into the night, determined to get back to the city. The FBI could keep me safe from Franco and the Brotherhood.