Chapter Eight
Mary was tired. She was attending the gym in the city, and it was the first time since her leg being broken that she’d been able to do anything. Turning over a new leaf was damned hard to do. She hated looking at all the skinny women who were talking about all the weight they were going to lose. None of them needed to lose weight. They were skin and bones. What she hated more was the way they talked about how much they weighed. She’d done everything in her power to ignore them. It was hard to do.
Were they the kind of women Pike preferred?
Comparing herself to those women, Mary couldn’t help but to come up short. All of her life she’d been bigger. It was a miracle that she’d become friends with Holly as Mary was a little bigger even than Holly. She was sticking to her healthy eating and her lifestyle choice. However, she was starting to doubt the gym.
Pushing those thoughts away, she entered Pike’s house, crying out as she was shoved against the wall.
“Where have you been?” He held onto her neck. She’d dropped the keys onto the floor and gasped out.
“What the hell?”
“Where have you been?”
He wasn’t hurting her. His breath fanned across her face. She closed her eyes, trying to stop the flood of arousal working its way around her body. In her mind she envisioned the women at the gym. Their tanned firm flesh without an ounce of fat on them.
“I was out.”
“Were you with another man?”
“What? No.”
“Tell me.”
“I just did!” She yelled out the answer. He quickly turned her, lifting her hands above her head. She wore a pair of running pants and a baggy sweatshirt.
“What is this?”
“It’s my workout gear.”
“For what?”
“You know for what. I joined a gym. I went there tonight after work. Have you done with the whole jealous boyfriend routine? It’s a bit much for what we’ve got going on, Pike.”
“You don’t need to be working out.”
“This isn’t about you. It’s about me. If I want to lose weight I will.”
Pike released her hands, sliding his hands down her arms to cup her breasts. “You’ve been like this for as long as I’ve known you. You don’t need to lose weight for me. You’ve got my attention.”
“I’m tired, and I smell.” She pushed him away and made her way toward the spare room.
“This isn’t over, Mary.”
She didn’t look back. Closing the door in the spare bedroom, she let out a breath. Across the room she saw her reflection staring back at her. She looked tired, and her cheeks were flushed. “Forget about it.”
Her body wanted him.
She went to the bathroom, removing the workout clothes from her body. Tugging off the sports bra, she rubbed her breasts. They were aching from being confined in the bra. “God, I hate this.”
Turning on the shower she climbed inside, groaning the instant the water washed over her. She was in heaven at washing off the day’s sweat and grime from her body. Things were different now with Mac. He knew she was screwing with Pike even if she refused to let her heart get involved. Their friendship was strained. She didn’t know if she could trust him.
What made it harder for her was knowing Pike’s involvement in her life.
He’d paid for her to work at the diner. When she thought he didn’t pay attention to her, he’d been in the background taking care of her.
“I told you, your ass is back in my room.”
Mary screamed. He picked her up over his shoulder. She grabbed hold of his leather jacket as he turned off the water, carrying her away.
“Are you completely insane?” she asked.
He didn’t stop, just carried her through to his bedroom. “We’ve got a deal.”
“I want a shower.”
“You were in the spare bedroom.” He placed her in the shower in his room, turning the water on. She squealed as the water was freezing hitting her skin.
“You’re such an asshole.” Turning her head to the side, she finally saw his black eye. “What happened?” she asked, reaching out to touch his face.
Pike didn’t say anything, removing his leather jacket.
“I want to shower alone.”
“I care about my environment, and showering together saves energy.”
She rolled her eyes. Facing the shower, she closed her eyes enjoying the warmth of the water.
“I want you to stop going to the gym.”
“I paid for a year’s subscription. This is about me, Pike. I promised myself I’d do this.”
“I’ll pay you back.”
Letting out a sigh, she glanced over at him. He was butt ass naked. She averted her gaze, looking at the tiled wall instead. “I don’t want or need your money.”
He stepped into the shower stall, his large body making the space incredibly small. His hands went on either side of the wall, trapping her in.
“I want you to quit.”
Releasing a growl, she turned to face him. “Not everything is about you, okay? This is something I’ve wanted for a long time. Do you know what it’s like to be called such horrible shit?” She slapped her hand against his chest. “I’ve been called fat all my life, by parents who should have cared about me, customers, peers, you name it, they’ve said it. I’m tired of it. This is a change I want to make.”
He pressed her against the wall. “You think you need to change?”
“Why are you with me, Pike? You’re not a one woman man. There has to be variety for the good old Pike.” She slapped his shoulder again, wishing he’d back up.
“I’ve changed.”
She laughed. “Please, I bet you’re fucking as much as you used to. God, I can’t believe I even slept with you without a condom.”
“I’m clean. You’re the first woman I’ve ever fucked without a condom. You’re the only woman I fucking want.” She snorted. There was no way she could believe him. “I’ve wanted you a long time, Mary. I couldn’t have you. You weren’t ready for me. You think Duke’s a problem, you’ve seen nothing yet.” He gripped her chin forcing her to look at him. “I want to kill Mac for being near you. I want to torch that fucking diner so you don’t have a choice but to ride on the back of my bike. You want truth? I’ll give you bastard truth. I’ve not fucked another woman since you. I took that bitch to the diner, but I’ve not touched anyone. The only woman I think about is you. The only woman I get hard for, is you.”
He bent down, staring into her eyes.
“I’m used to fucking everything. The moment I was inside you, taking what was mine all along, I got scared.”
“Pike doesn’t get scared.”
“I do. You’ve always been there. After what your parents put you through it’s a miracle you were still sane. They were horrible bastards, and all you’ve got to do is say the word and they’re dead.”
She shook her head. “Stop, Pike.”
He was confusing her.
“I fucked up. You don’t trust me, and I get that. I’ve got to earn back the trust I lost. What I’m asking from you is give me a chance.”
“I can’t.”
He signed. “You think you’re fat?”
“I’m not exactly skinny.”
Pike released her face to stroke down her cheek going to the pulse at the side of her neck. “I don’t see a fat woman. I see my woman. Your body is full, ripe.” He stroked over her pulse before he moved his hand down to cup her breast. “These tits, they’re in my dreams all the time. I think about them bouncing in front of me as I ride you hard. Your nipples are so large, and they’re always ready for my lips.” He moved his hand to her waist. “You can take everything that I give you, fucking you hard without fear of breaking you.”
He landed on her pussy, sliding his fingers through her slit. She gripped his arms to keep her steady. His arms were covered in ink. The club insignia decorated his chest, and she couldn’t help but look at it.
“You know what I want from you.”
“No, I don’t.”
“I want you as my old lady.”
She shook her head. “Goddamn it. Why are you doing this to me?”
“I’m being open with you.”
“This isn’t you.”
“You’ve got no idea who I really am. You only know what I’ve been before. That’s not who I really am.”
He took his fingers from her pussy, sucking them inside his mouth.
Heat flooded her body at the look of rapture on his face. “You taste so damn good, um, I need more.”
She glanced down looking at his cock. He was long and thick. Sinking to her knees, Mary couldn’t look at Pike. He was opening up in ways she’d always dreamed about.
No, I won’t let him get to me like this. It’s unfair.
“Mary?”
“Pleasure, right?”
“I’m opening up to you.”
“I don’t want to hear it.” Wrapping her fingers around his cock, she cupped his balls. The tip was leaking his pre-cum, and she swiped her tongue over it, licking it up. She swallowed his taste down, listening to him groan. Sucking the mushroomed head into her mouth, she flicked her tongue repeatedly over the little slit, tasting more and more of his pre-cum. He was salty and musky.
“If you’re going to suck my cock then you’re going to do it properly.”
She pulled away from his shaft to stare up at him. Her pussy grew slick as he wrapped her hair around his fist. Mary gasped as he tugged on her and she didn’t have a choice but to follow him. His other hand went to his cock, running two fingers up and down the shaft.
“You want this?”
Nodding her head, she licked her lips. Over the past couple of weeks she’d noticed he couldn’t stand to see her licking her lips. It drove him crazy with arousal.
“Say it. I want to hear it.”
“I want to suck your cock, Pike.”
He placed the tip to her lips, running it along her bottom then her top lip before pressing into her mouth. She sucked him inside. Pike gripped her hair stopping her from taking more of him inside.
“I’m the one controlling this show, baby.”
She stared up his body as he began to thrust his hips into her waiting mouth.
“Fuck, beautiful. You don’t have a clue how damn amazing you look with my cock in your mouth.”
Mary couldn’t look away. He cupped her cheek, caressing over his shaft while she sucked him inside.
The hold in her hair tightened, and he started to feed her more and more of his cock.
“Yeah, that’s it, take it all, swallow it.”
Moaning, she closed her eyes, loving the feel of his cock in her mouth, the taste of him on her tongue. Each new sensation heightened her own arousal to the point of no return. Slipping her hand between her thighs, she started to touch her clit.
“You’re fingering your little pussy, aren’t you?” She hummed her response. “Play with your clit.” He pumped his dick into her mouth, and Mary sucked every inch of him. Pike withdrew when he hit the back of her throat. She didn’t choke, and Pike seemed to know exactly what to do to heighten her own arousal. “When I get you in bed I’m going to fuck you. I’m going to slam every inch of my dick in that pretty pussy, and then I’m going to claim your ass.” He groaned. The thrusting of his cock increased into her mouth, and she accepted him, loving the pleasure, the power she held over him.
Pinching her clit like Pike did to her, Mary splintered apart, taking more of his cock into her mouth. Her body ached from the exercise she’d done, yet Pike brought a need so desperate she couldn’t deny him.
“I’m going to come,” he said.
She was ready for him. Mary was shocked as at the final moment, he pulled out and started spraying his seed onto her chest. He turned the shower off so it didn’t wash away either.
Once it was over, she let out a breath.
“Now that is a sight I’m never going to forget.” He went down to his knees, going in front of her. “This, it’s just the beginning with us, Mary. You can shut me out and pretend we’re nothing, and that’s fine. It’s not going to stop how I feel about you. I’m going to be your man, and you’re going to be my old lady.”
“My old man?” she asked, smirking.
He tilted her head back. “Yours in everything.”
****
Pike woke up the following morning. Turning over he saw the bed was indeed empty. He rarely got the chance to see her asleep in his bed. Letting out a curse, he climbed out of bed, walking toward the kitchen.
He heard music playing in the kitchen and caught the scent of fresh baking.
Completely naked, he entered the kitchen and came to a stop when he saw Duke with six of the guys from the club. Mary wore a pair of jeans and a red shirt that hung off her body.
“Fuck, Pike, clear that shit up,” Daisy said, pointing at his junk hanging out.
All of the men turned toward him, chuckling at his naked state. He could do one of two things, either turn and run, or take it all in his stride and show the men he wasn’t afraid.
Stepping into the room, he moved toward Mary. Someone slapped him on the ass, and he turned to glare. The men were all in fits of laughter.
“I’ll find out who that was and get payback.”
Mary was stirring some batter in a bowl as he wrapped his arm around her waist.
“I missed you,” he said.
“Someone had to answer the door when they were up. I don’t like sleeping late.” He’d spent a great deal of last night fucking her, and this was what he got for it, the cold shoulder.
He touched her cheek, turning her to face him. Pressing his lips to hers, he pushed his advantage by slipping his tongue into her mouth. With the men in the room, he slid his hand up to cup her breast.
“Shit, Pike, surely you could have taken the time to put on some pants. My eyeballs are grossed out,” Holly said, coming back into the room.
Duke lost all of his happiness. “Put your fucking pants on, man.”
“For fuck’s sake. You’re the ones who’ve invaded my home and you’re telling me to put on pants.”
Mary pulled out of his arms, seeing her little slip up in allowing him to kiss her.
Don’t worry, baby. I’m not backing down.
“What’s going on?” he asked, taking a seat beside Mary.
“Ew, you better clean that chair,” Mary said, beating madly at the mixture in her bowl. Glancing at her chest, Pike smirked. Her nipples were rock hard. His little cook wasn’t as unaffected by him as she’d like him to believe.
“Bonfire tonight, brother,” Daisy said, speaking up.
“Club meeting, it’s important.”
“You’re doing house calls now?” Pike took a sip of Mary’s coffee. Holly was working around his kitchen with his woman. Both of them looked at home in the space.
“I was bringing Holly,” Duke said.
“It’s Saturday, and we’ve been planning on a big bake off for some time. With her leg all better, we’re getting back into the swing of things.” Holly bumped her hip against Mary’s.
“I couldn’t miss the chance to see you all settled down,” Daisy said.
“He’s not,” Mary said, staring at him. “We’re not a thing.” She gestured between the two of them.
The men went eerily silent. Clenching his teeth together, he watched Mary turn her back on the room. Staring at his friends, his brothers, he shook his head.
“It’s church tonight,” Duke said. “We’ve got some things to discuss.”
“I’ll be there.”
Duke rounded the counter going to Holly and drawing her close. “Be careful and call me when you need a ride.”
The couple kissed. “Where’s Raoul?” Pike asked.
“Who knows? He’s been away a couple of days,” Pie said.
“Remember, party tonight. I expect you there,” Duke said.
He watched them leave. The Trojan insignia was on all of their leather jackets. His own was hung up in his bedroom.
“Hols, leave me alone with Mary for a moment.” He spun around to face the two women.
Holly slapped a hand across her eyes. “Too much, Pike. Seriously, would a pair of pants have killed you?”
“I didn’t know anyone was coming.” Holly walked out of the kitchen, leaving him alone with Mary. “You’re coming to the bonfire tonight.”
“I’m not.”
“You’re coming, and don’t even think to argue with me.” He closed the distance between them, trapping her against the wall to stop her from talking. “I suggest you keep that pretty little mouth closed. You’re coming to the bonfire, and when the men are here, you’re mine. You’re my woman.”
“This is just sex.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.” He kissed her neck, breathing in her lovely scent. Groaning, he gripped her hip tightly. “When are you going to give me a chance?”
She stayed silent, still in his arms.
“I fucked up, but you’re here in my life.”
“I can’t do this, Pike.”
“We’re going to do it soon.”
“You hurt me. You just expect me to sit down and be this submissive little woman you can do whatever the hell you want to?”
“I’m not going to hurt you.”
She spun around to face him. “You already have. I’m having sex with you. What more do you want?”
Pressing his hand over her heart, Pike stared into her eyes. “I want this.”
“No, you can’t have that. It’s not fair for you to press this on me.” He watched her swallow, and her eyes glistened with unshed tears. “I’ve got stuff to do.”
“Come to the bonfire with me. I’ll prove to you I’m different.”
She bit her lip, a very tempting bottom lip.
“Okay, I’ll come.”
“Holly will be there with you.”
“Fine. I said I’ll be there. I’m making cakes for the event anyway.”
He pressed a kiss to her lips.
“I’ll go and get dressed.”
Leaving the room, he ran fingers through his hair as he made his way toward the room. He passed Holly who kept her gaze on his face.
When he passed her, Pike stopped. “Will she ever forgive me?”
Glancing over his shoulder he saw Holly had stopped.
“Do you love her?” she asked.
“With all of my heart.” His answer was honest.
“Does she know that?”
“No.”
“You hurt her real bad. She doesn’t trust you. You’ve got to fight past her walls. They’re up. I’ve seen the way she is with you. She’s scared to let go and love you again.”
“Again?”
“Come on, Pike, you know Mary has always been in love with you. You’re her knight in shining armor.” Holly’s arms were crossed over her chest. “Do you really think it was sheer bad luck that she was a virgin that night?”
He fisted his hands, watching her.
“Mary, she always envisioned something romantic, a time to remember when she gave herself to you. She’s never been loved by a man. Her parents hated her, and you’re the only man who ever showed he cared.” Holly shrugged her shoulders, tears leaking from her eyes. “I know it’s fucked up, but she wants everything with you.”
“I want to give her everything. She’s holding back on me.”
“She’s screwing you.”
“But I’m not getting anything else from her.”
Holly sighed. “Then don’t give up. Mary’s used to people walking away. I love her. I’ve never walked away, but I’m not you.” She touched his arm. “You’ll win her back if you really want to.” With that Holly walked away from him.
Going to his room, he went to the closet grabbing out his clothes. He changed quickly, sliding on his jacket. Going into the bathroom, he stared at his reflection.
“Mary, I’ve fucked up the whole of my life. I’ve made bad decisions, and I’ve lived with them. There’s nothing I can do to change the shit I’ve done.” He let out a sigh, pulling the small box from his jacket. “I hurt you, and for that no words will ever begin to tell you how sorry I am.” He faced himself lifting the box toward the mirror. “I can’t live without you. I love you more than anything. I’ve loved you for a long time, longer than I fucking should have. I’m going to spend the rest of my life making up for the fact I made us wait. I’ll show you love, laughter, and pleasure you didn’t think was possible. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?”
He smiled at his reflection, and for the first time in over twenty years, Pike started to cry. Her answer was the most important in all of his life. The only time he’d ever wanted to get a yes. Wiping away the tears, he pocketed the ring. She wasn’t ready for a marriage proposal. With the way she treated him, which he deserved, he doubted she’d ever be ready.
****
“What the fuck is all of this about?” Diaz asked, handing over the four pieces of information.
Raoul stared at the details seeing the men were lowlifes with records.
“I’ve got business to handle.”
“This club business with these four assholes?” Diaz asked, pointing at the papers.
“No, this is personal.”
“You know that costs money. I don’t do shit for free.”
Raoul pulled the two grand fee that Diaz would charge. It was a lot of money, but he’d not been spending any of his share for the last few years. He had more than enough to pay for this information.
“Fuck, man, what did these bastards do?” Diaz pocketed the money.
“They thought it was okay for them to force a woman.” Zoe’s frightened face entered his mind.
“You know this costs information and a clean-up.”
“I don’t need you to do the killing. I can handle these four dickless wonders. Take me to the locations. I’ll take them out and then you and your crew can clean it up.”
“This is personal biz. No bad shit will come between me and the Trojans.”
“Good, because if it does, I’ll kill you, Diaz. This is personal. Not to do with the club.”
“It explains the lack of marks.”
Raoul wasn’t wearing his leather cut. “Take me to the first one. I’ve got a bonfire to be at tonight.” It was probably going to be the last day that he was a Trojan member. He’d make the most of it by taking these four scumbags off the street.