Chapter Seventeen
Belle
“I still can’t believe Dale wants to be Santa at the fundraiser on Saturday. I was preparing for a huge argument, and he just said ‘yes.’ Just like that. ‘Yes.’ Amazing,” Lindi said as she placed the pens and papers into a briefcase.
“I’m so glad he’s doing it. Mitch didn’t even answer me when I asked. His eyes just bugged out, he wrinkled his nose, and then went back to his crossword puzzle,” Torey said.
Joseph rose from his chair. “I’m just happy I don’t have to do it. Tell Dale thanks from me.”
“And me,” Evan chimed in.
“I asked Banger to do it, and he said he would as long as he could wear his cut and jeans. I didn’t think he’d be a very approachable Santa Claus.” Belle laughed.
“There’s no way I was going to ask Rock. Can you imagine it?” Clotille said.
“Or Throttle,” Kimber added.
“Or Axe.” Baylee sniggered.
“Frankly, I can’t picture any of the Insurgents down with playing Santa, so it’s a good thing Dale volunteered.” Glancing at his watch, Joseph gathered his laptop and file. “We all done here?” Everyone nodded. “Then I’ll see you ladies on Saturday night.”
Belle went over to the back table and put several of the mini Italian sandwiches Cara had made on a plate. Banger just loved the sandwiches Cara made, and he’d instructed Belle before she left that morning to make sure she brought some home for him.
“Take the whole tray,” Cara said behind her.
“Hawk doesn’t want any?”
“I probably won’t see Hawk.”
Before Belle could ask Cara what she meant, she scurried away. Wrinkling her brow, Belle pinched the skin at her throat. Something’s wrong. She’d noticed that when she’d called Cara the night before, she’d seemed preoccupied and sad. When Belle had asked if anything was wrong, she’d said no, quickly making an excuse to get off the phone.
“Garret!” Cara’s voice boomed.
Belle turned to the front of the room and saw Cara rushing out the door. She walked over to see what was going on.
“Garret!”
Cara’s voice sounded hollow in the large hallway as it bounced off the concrete walls. Belle walked into the open hallway. “Who’s that?”
Cara spun around, shaking her head. “I know he heard me. He just rushed off.”
“Who?”
“That guy,” she replied, pointing at a retreating figure with stringy brown hair. “He came into my office about a week or so ago. He gave me the creeps, and now he’s here in the building.”
“Are you suggesting he’s following you?”
“No, not exactly. I don’t know. It’s just weird that he’s here.”
“Maybe he works here. Anyway, if you’re freaked about it, you need to tell Hawk.”
“Have a nice day, Belle and Cara,” Evan said as he walked past them.
“Evan, do you have an employee working for you named Garret?” Cara asked.
“I don’t think so. Lindi? Does someone named Garret work for us?” He smiled at the women. “I don’t know all the seasonal employees.”
Lindi and Torey came over, shaking their heads. “Not that I know of, but I can double-check with human services,” Lindi replied.
“Could you?” Cara asked.
“Sure. I’ll give them a call this afternoon. I have another meeting I have to go to.” Lindi grimaced, then smiled as she scampered away.
Cara walked over to the floor-to-ceiling window that looked out at the parking lot. “He’s driving away!”
Belle came over and saw a sun-faded turquoise blue van plastered with bumper stickers and duct tape leaving the parking lot.
“What kind of car is that?” Cara asked.
“It’s a van, but I have no idea what make it is,” Belle replied.
“Can you see the license plate number?”
“I can make out the last two digits—75. Kimber, can you please come over here?” Belle looked over her shoulder and saw Kimber walking toward them. “Can you hurry it up?”
“What’s up? What’re you two looking at?”
Cara tapped the window repeatedly. “That van. Do you know what make or year it is?”
Kimber nodded. “It’s a 1975 VW van. Very popular. They were made from 1952 until 1990. A fuckin’ great van. You thinking of getting one? Hawk could make it into a beauty for you.”
The vehicle disappeared, and Belle turned away from the window.
“No, it’s nothing like that. I just saw someone I thought I knew. Thanks.”
“I wanted to ask you guys something, but I don’t want to do it in the hallway. Voices travel around here,” Kimber said.
Belle and Cara went back into the conference room.
Kimber closed the door. “Is Evan married?”
“Yes. Why?” Belle asked.
“It may just be a coincidence, but some horny bitch named Christiansen has the hots for Throttle. She has an account with his business, and she keeps wanting him to come by to talk about the work they’re doing. Throttle told her he’s too damn busy and they could talk by phone, but she’s a persistent one. This damn bitch is the poster woman for bored suburban housewives.”
“I hadn’t heard that he and Britany were having any trouble. They seem to get along at the functions. Not like Torey and Mitch,” Belle said.
“Or Lindi and Dale. I still can’t believe he agreed to be Santa Claus. The last few years he didn’t even show up.” Clotille brought a glass of orange juice to her lips.
“It’s probably a cousin or something. I just don’t want to beat the shit out of someone he’s related to because that’s what I’m aiming to do to the Christiansen who keeps calling Throttle.”
The women laughed, but Belle was a hundred percent sure Kimber wouldn’t hesitate to do it.
“The name’s sort of common. Maybe there’s no relation at all,” said Cherri.
“Talk about wanting to beat the crap out of someone, Chas’s mean-as-hell ex is back in town,” Addie said.
Kimber shook her head. “Fuck.”
“Are you serious?” Belle said.
“That fucking sucks,” Cara added.
“I’m so sorry,” Clotille said.
“She’s up to no good. Jax said she’s an awful bitch,” Cherri commented.
“And she works here, apparently. She’s a damn receptionist. I’m here all the time helping out. I can’t believe I’m going to run into her.” Addie folded her arms on her chest.
Belle went over and patted Addie’s shoulder. “Don’t you dare let this stupid woman get to you. And don’t make Chas think you question his loyalty. According to what Banger’s told me, he went through the ringer with this woman.”
“And didn’t she abandon her son?” Clotille asked.
“She did. And before that, she was awful to Jack. He’s already told me that I’m his mother forever. It was so sweet, I cried. He doesn’t want to see her, but she’s pushing it with Chas. I know she doesn’t give a shit about Jack, she just wants to get back with my husband. The fucking bitch. She’s acting like she’s a changed woman, but a leopard can’t change its spots.”
“Chas knows that. Remember, he went through hell with her. She cheated on him and everything,” Cherri said.
The door opened and Baylee came in wiping her mouth with a tissue. Belle took in her peaked appearance. “Are you feeling all right?”
Baylee shook her head. “I’m not. I went to the doctor last week, and you all were right—I’m pregnant.”
Belle hugged her. “I’m so happy for you.”
“I just knew it,” Clotille said. “There’s no mistaking morning sickness. I had it bad with Andrew and James, but it was worth it.”
“Harley was a breeze. I was surprised because I was so much older than I was when I had Emily and Ethan. I’d sort of freaked myself out that it was going to be horrible due to my age, but it was a piece of cake.” Belle brushed Baylee’s hair from her damp forehead. “How’d Axe take the news?”
Baylee gripped the table, then flopped into a chair. “Not so good. We’d decided we didn’t want kids, and now he acts like I broke that promise.”
“You broke your promise? That sounds just like a man. They can be so goddamn selfish. What a jerk. All these bikers think they’re not responsible for shit!” Cara turned away from the group and went over to the window, standing with her back to them.
Taken aback by her outburst, Belle made a mental note to speak with Cara after the other women left. She put her hand on Baylee’s. “A lot of men freak out about being a father. It just took him by surprise.”
“And me too.” Baylee took another tissue and mopped her face.
“The important thing is to stay healthy and strong for the precious baby you’re carrying. Axe will come around, but you both need to sit down and talk about it without blaming anyone.”
“I know. I’m going to go home and rest. How long does this morning sickness last? My doctor said it can be the whole pregnancy. I’m not sure I’ll survive it if it is.”
“Mine was only the first trimester, and then I felt great after that,” Clotille said.
“Same here,” Cherri replied.
“What about you, Cara?” Belle asked.
Without turning around, she shrugged.
“If you need anything at all, let me know, okay? I’ve never been pregnant, but I can do food runs for you. I know the restaurants you love.” Kimber slipped her jacket on. “I have to get back to the shop.”
“I’ll call you. We got to get you eating some healthier food than takeout every night,” Belle said.
“Right now the thought of food makes me want to barf. Thanks, everyone. I’m headed home. I’ll see you on Saturday night. I do feel better by the time evening rolls around, at least.” Baylee slung her purse over her shoulder and walked out with Kimber.
“I have to get going as well. I want to get in some Christmas shopping before I have to pick Paisley up at school. Later.” Cherri went toward the door.
“Wait up, Cherri. I’ll walk out with you.” Clotille waved at Belle. Pointing at Cara’s back, she mouthed, “What’s wrong with her?”
Belle shrugged and watched the two women leave. Closing the door, she went up to Cara. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked softly.
“There’s nothing to talk about. I better get going. I promised my mom I’d cook dinner tonight.”
“You’re staying at your parents’? Is Hawk good with that?”
Cara whirled around, facing her. “I don’t give a damn what Hawk’s good with.” She crossed her arms. “We’re going through a rough patch.”
“Is this about the gossip Doris circulated this past Sunday? She was on the phone with me before I even took my shower. I didn’t call you because I figured you weren’t going to let her get to you.”
“Hawk didn’t come home this past Saturday night. We had a fight before he went to the club party, but he didn’t pick up any of my calls or answer my texts. The asshole didn’t even tell me he was going to crash at the club.” Cara’s voice hitched.
Belle grasped her hands, but Cara pulled them away. “Hawk not calling you was rude and inconsiderate, and I’d rake Banger over the coals if he did that to me. Banger said Hawk was really wasted. He could hardly walk. He also said that the new girl, Heather, kept trying to cozy up to him, but he pushed her away. When Hawk left to go upstairs, he was alone.”
“Doris wouldn’t make that shit up. She’s a gossip, but she doesn’t lie.”
“I’m not saying she’s lying. She probably heard some stuff going on around the club and blabbed it without finding out all the facts, or whether it was true or not. I don’t know what happened, but I know Hawk. He’s so in love with you, and he loves Isa and Braxton to death. I can’t see him throwing all that away. What has he told you about what happened?”
“We haven’t really talked about it. I was so pissed and upset. I didn’t want to have a blown-out fight in front of the kids.”
“You should’ve taken the kids to your parents’ and stayed home and talked with Hawk. I can’t believe he hasn’t stormed over and dragged you and the children back home.”
“He’s called a ton of times and texted, but I think he’s letting me cool down. Anyway, if he cheated on me, he’s out. There’s no way I can forgive him.”
“But you have to talk to him first. Cara, you can’t run to your parents when the going gets tough. Marriage is a lot of hard work, but you work through it together. You and Hawk have to figure things out on your own.”
“I appreciate what you’re saying, Belle, but I’m still very hurt and pissed off.”
Belle inhaled deeply and slowly exhaled. “That damn Doris. She’s always waiting for the married brothers to cheat on their wives like Ruben does on her, and Marlena’s just as bad because Billy’s always screwing the club girls at the parties. Misery loves company. Do you really believe Hawk cheated on you?”
“I never thought I’d even have to ask myself that question. Who knows when it comes to men? Years ago, I was engaged to a guy and found out right before our wedding he’d been cheating on me. I can’t believe this shit is going on with Hawk. Men just can’t be trusted to be monogamous. Whatever, I have to go. Thanks for being a friend.”
“Talk to Hawk. Fight for your marriage. That’s the end of my two cents. If you need anything, call me. I’ll walk out with you.”
On her way home, Belle couldn’t get Cara and Hawk out of her mind. A woman had to be more secure than the average when she loved an outlaw biker. In the beginning, Belle obsessed about the club parties Banger attended, knowing that a bevy of young women threw themselves at him. It had been so bad that she’d have panic attacks when he was gone. The night Ethan rushed into her room when she was having a meltdown, fear and heartbreak etched on his face, was when she’d realized she had to stop torturing herself. After that, she’d watch a movie with Ethan or go out with the other old ladies. And then she made sure to show Banger how lucky he was that he’d come home after one of the parties.
Investing a ton of money in lingerie, sex toys, candles, and scented oils, she’d greet him as he came home with a big kiss that promised much more. In time, he started coming home earlier until he only went to one every couple of months.
When she arrived home, she opened the refrigerator. Staring at packages of ground beef, steak, and chicken, she sighed. For the past few weeks, she felt that her home life was on autopilot: make sure Ethan is on time for school, get Harley ready for school, make breakfast, pray that Emily goes through the day sober, clean the house, do laundry, make dinner. It seemed like it was the same day over and over again.
She closed the fridge and sent Ethan a text asking if he’d like to have an overnight at Jack’s house. His enthusiastic Ur awesome, Mom made her smile. She then called Addie and asked if it was cool for Ethan to come over. Addie told her Jack would be thrilled. Emily and a friend were in Denver for a couple of days to do some Christmas shopping.
Harley. Picking up her phone, she tapped in Kylie’s number. She was thrilled to have Harley spend the night with her and Jerry.
Since Harley had been born, she and Banger hadn’t been alone together. If Harley stayed at Kylie’s, then Emily was home, or Ethan. This was the first time all the children would be out of the house at the same time. She tingled all over. This is exactly what we need. From the deep lines crossing his face, the intense staring at the flames in the fireplace, and the intermittent sighs, Belle knew whatever was brewing with the club had Banger real worried. That night, she wanted him to forget everything except their love.
Bouncing on her toes as she waited for the Buckhorn restaurant to pick up, she practically jumped out of her skin when the back door slammed.
“I’m home, Mom.” Ethan’s voice drifted into the kitchen.
“Take off your boots,” she reminded him.
“Aren’t I going over to Jack’s?”
“Yeah, but you have to pack an overnight bag, and I don’t want you traipsing snow and mud through the house.”
“May I help you?” the reservationist asked.
“I’d like to make dinner reservations for two at seven o’clock tonight. Is the table by the fireplace and window available?”
Ethan dashed past her, and she smiled when she heard his thud thud thud of running feet on the stairway. After confirming that their favorite table at the steakhouse was theirs, she waited for Ethan to come down. In less than twenty minutes, she’d dropped him off at Jack’s house, waving at Addie as she’d pulled away.
* * *
The jangle of keys and heavy footsteps had shivers running up Belle’s spine. Fluffing her dark hair with her fingers, she gave herself a once-over in the entryway mirror: hair free-flowing around her shoulders, simple makeup with a swipe of berry gloss, deep-V black dress skimming over her curves. Lacy black panties and bra along with silky thigh-highs made her feel dangerous and sexy. A low whistle made her spin around.
“You look damn good, woman.” Banger’s low baritone sent her mind reeling. “Are you going somewhere?”
“We are. I made reservations at the Buckhorn.” Her stomach fluttered when she saw the lust in his gaze as it slowly caressed her body.
“Sounds good. Is Kylie coming over to watch the kids?”
“I sent them away. Ethan’s spending the night at Chas and Addie’s, Kylie came by a couple of hours ago to pick up Harley for a sleepover, and Emily’s coming back tomorrow night. It’s just you and me.”
A big grin spread over his face as his gaze lingered on her breasts. “I fuckin’ like that, woman. Come over here and let your man feel how soft and sexy you are.”
Belle shook her head, curling her finger and gesturing for him to come to her. In one long stride, he snagged her around the waist and crushed her to him. “You got a real hold of my cock, woman,” he rasped against her mouth. Pushing his tongue through her parted lips, he plunged it in hard and deep. “And that perfume you’re wearing is driving me damn wild,” he said between kisses.
Pulling his tongue into her mouth, she gently sucked it while caressing his neck. The low growl rumbling from his chest sent a long, pulsing quiver through her. His hand slipped under her dress, stroking the skin above her thigh-highs. “You’re fuckin’ killing me. I wanna see you in only these and those fuck-me heels you’re wearing,” he said thickly.
“When we get home we’re going to make the most of being alone tonight.” Running the tip of her tongue over his lips, she squeezed his firm ass hard.
“What time do we gotta be at dinner?”
“In fifteen minutes.” She scratched the back of his neck as she rubbed her ample chest across his.
“That’s enough time for a quickie,” he rasped, his hand shoving down under her panties, pushing his fingers between her folds. A smile tugged at his lips. “So warm… so wet.” Desire flooded her.
The phone ringing pulled her out of her sexual haze, and she glanced at the entry table to see Kylie’s name flashing. Worry replaced desire in less than a heartbeat.
“It’s Kylie,” she whispered, bringing the phone to her ear.
Wrinkling his brow, Banger stiffened a bit and stepped back.
“Is everything all right with Harley?” Belle said.
“Yes. Fine. I didn’t mean to disturb or worry you. It’s just that he wants to have an ice cream cone. Jerry was going to go to Red Spot Creamery. Is it okay for Harley to have one? I know you watch his sugar and let him have some just on the weekends.”
Belle leaned over and kissed Banger’s cheek. “Everything’s fine, honey. Harley’s taking advantage of his night away and trying to get some ice cream out of it.”
Banger bellowed and took the phone away from Belle. “Give Harley a big-ass cone. I know he wants chocolate chip. How’s the little guy doing?” He pulled Belle close so they could both listen.
“Great. I’m so happy to have him over. We just finished eating and now we’re going to get some ice cream. Jerry’ll bring it back. It’s too cold to go out. What are you two going to do tonight?”
“I’m going up to change. We got reservations at the Buckhorn. I’ll give you to Belle. Talk to you later.”
Belle took the phone and chatted for a few minutes with Kylie, and then to Harley. When Banger came down in a pair of black jeans and a fitted navy blue shirt with a tiny light blue diamond pattern, she sucked in her breath. And the way he wore his hair—slicked down and pulled back—coupled with the heady mix of frosted pinecones and mellow sweet applewood had her wanting to cancel their reservations and make passionate love instead.
“Ready?” He pulled keys from his pocket. Nodding, she put on her jacket, shivering when he placed his hand on the small of her back and led her out.
Dinner was fabulous and so relaxing. For once in a long time, they didn’t talk about any of the children. The steak was so tender, it was like eating butter, and the stuffed mushroom caps topped with parmesan were to die for. Belle made a mental note to recreate them at home.
The dark woods, roaring fire, and delectable aromas of sizzling char-grilled steaks wafted through the restaurant. As they shared a slice of blueberry lemon cheesecake, Banger held her gaze, his eyes twinkling.
“It warms me real good to see the love in my woman’s eyes.” Grasping her hand, he brought it to his mouth and kissed it tenderly.
“You brought the love into my eyes and my life.” She stroked the side of his face, tugging gently on his beard.
“I love you, woman. You came into my life and filled all the lonely places in my heart.”
“You make me so happy. I can’t wait to get home and show you.” She ran the toe of her shoe up and down his leg.
Banger caught her foot and lightly moved his fingers over her calf. “Let’s get out of here.” He waved the waitress over and took out his wallet.
When they arrived home, Banger’s phone went off, and by the way the muscle in his clenched jaw twitched, she knew it was club business. “Upstairs when you’re done,” she mouthed to him.
Hurriedly taking off her shoes and clothes, she wrapped a thick bathrobe around her naked body and went into the bathroom. Bending over the large Jacuzzi tub, she turned on the faucet and sprinkled some bath bubbles under the rushing water. The bubbles from the soap blended with the ones from the jets, and white lights inside the tub made the water shimmer and glow.
Taking out a lighter, Belle lit the ivory-colored candles sitting on the shelves next to the tub, and the rich, warm scent of vanilla curled around the room. Folding two large pale yellow towels over the warming rack, she looked around and smiled. Perfect. She slipped off her robe and climbed into the tub. The water flowed around her as she reached for a bottle of red wine she’d put on the shelf earlier that day and poured it into two glasses. Reclining against the smooth tub, she sipped the wine, gazing at the twirling snowflakes outside.
A low grunt came from the doorway, and she turned her attention away from the falling snow. “I didn’t hear you come up. Everything okay?” She put her glass down.
“It is now.” His smoldering eyes held hers as he kicked off his boots, then stripped off his clothing.
She licked her lips at his erection, tingles dancing on her skin. He eased into the tub and yanked her to him, the water lapping around them. Smooth and full, his lips molded over hers, nibbling and licking as her body strained closer.
“I love how your skin feels next to mine, babe.”
“And I love kissing you. I’ll be kissing you when I’m taking my last breath.” She looped her arm around his neck and swirled her tongue over his lips and around his mouth. “Hmmm… you taste good.” She pulled away, picked up another glass, and poured red wine into it. She slid back over to him and the water rushed around, making her buoy up. “Oh!” The wine spilled on her.
Banger caught her around the waist, then moved closer and dipped his head, his warm tongue lapping up the trails of wine on her wet skin. Throwing her head back, she pushed her breasts out and moaned deeply when his tongue swept over her hardening buds, delicately licking her hard nipples while he roughly squeezed her tits.
She gently pressed two fingers against his temples as she slowly glided her other fingers down his cheek, making tiny circles as she inched down his face. She drew a line along his strong jaw with her index finger, then traced around his mouth, dipping it inside through his parted lips. Raising his head, he captured her gaze with his and drew her finger deeper into his mouth, sucking it as he pinched her nipples.
Jolts of lust and desire shot from her aching buds straight to her pussy. “That feels real good,” she said softly as she undid the tie in his hair, threading her hands through the golden strands.
“I could stay here all night playing with your sweet tits. Your body’s so damn hot.”
As he pulled her nipples, her arousal surged through her senses. Moving closer, she traced circles around his Adam’s apple, loving the way his low, hungry moan echoed in the room. When she brushed her lips around the hollow of his throat and massaged the area softly with her tongue, Banger tangled his fist in her hair and yanked her head up, then seized her lips with a ferocity that took her breath away.
“The things you do to me, woman.” His hand slipped under the water and cupped her aching pussy.
With both hands on his shoulders, she gently pushed his back against the tub. “I want to ride you. I want to feel your cock inside me, filling me up until I can’t take any more.”
“Fuck,” he grunted, his gaze fixed on her as she kneeled, his legs between hers, and gripped his cock. “Fuck.”
“You like that?” She moved her hand up and down and around, then guided him into her sex. “Damn, that feels good, honey.”
He grabbed her breasts and stuffed one of them into his mouth, sucking vigorously. Water flowed around them as she rocked her hips back and forth. His fingers found their way between her folds, his thumb stroking her sweet berry as she rode him hard.
Faster and faster she went, water sloshing and splashing on the tiled floor as Banger stroked her nub with just the right amount of pressure. Up and down, back and forth. Faster. Harder. Their pants filled the room.
“Shit!” The coil inside her broke and a rush of pleasure took her away. She was floating on a carpet of rose petals, vanilla-scented candles lit all around her. She arched her back and his wonderfully strong hands cupped her tits. He’s so fantastic. He’s everything to me.
“I love you,” she rasped as she gazed at him: eyes closed, face scrunched, low grunts as he pumped the last of his seed inside her.
“Fuck, Belle. That was… fuck.” With a strong hand on her neck, he brought her down to him and kissed her passionately.
Her knees gave out and she collapsed on top of him, his arms wrapping tightly around her.
They stayed like that for a long time, and she’d thought he’d fallen asleep as goose bumps covered her and she shivered; the water had grown very cool.
“You cold?” His baritone voice washed over her.
“Yes. I can put some more warm water in.” She reached for the faucet, but he pulled her hand back.
“Let’s get out and have a few drinks.”
He dried her off tenderly and she did the same to him; then they kissed passionately, clinging to one another, and finally went into the bedroom. He built a fire, then came over with the two glasses and the half-drunk bottle of wine.
Handing her a full glass, he clinked it against his.
“To us, baby. Forever.” He smiled, the lines around his eyes fanning out.
“Forever plus one,” she said softly.
They drank slowly, laughed heartily, and talked about whatever came into their heads. The hours spread before them. We have all night.
She knew he would make love to her and then in the morning before they picked up Harley and Ethan, he’d fuck her hard and rough.
The next day, she’d go back to doing the laundry, picking Harley up at school, helping Ethan with his homework, fixing dinner, and a slew of other things that made up her daily routine. Banger would go back to worrying about whatever the problems were with the club.
But that night was all theirs.
And she had every intention of making the most of it with her husband.