CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
——
ERIKA
WHAT THE HELL did I do last night? Every muscle burns with each movement I make. Turning toward Dominic’s heavy breathing, I grumble. It’s his fault. All his fault. Fabric ties, cuffs, vibrator, sex toys; they’re haphazardly strewn across the floor. Damn him and his erotically enticing ways.
“I hate you,” I jest.
“No, you don’t,” he half grumbles, half laughs at me. You love me and all the shit we did last night.”
“My body hates you,” I reply playfully as I lay across his chest.
His muscled arm drapes over me, holding me against him. “With the way you were begging me to fuck you harder, I think your body loves what I do to it.”
“Damn you, it does. I’m addicted to your love.”
Arm tucked behind his head, he places his other hand on my neck and brings me to his lips.
“I like it that way.”
Grumbling, I nuzzle into his chest. “My head,” I whine.
“You need a beer and breakfast.”
“Ugh, don’t even mention alcohol.”
Laughter rumbles from his chest.
“Let’s get a shower, then I’ll help you make breakfast.”
“Will you carry me to the shower?”
“Only if you let me fuck you in the shower,” he quips.
Dragging my body off him, I make a face at him. “You’re insatiable.”
With swift grace, he scoops me up in his arms. “I’m joking, baby. I’ll give your pussy a break…for a few hours,” he winks.
Setting me down just outside the shower, he turns the knobs to the desired temperature. As the water sets, he runs both hands over my hair, making a ponytail in his hand before tugging it back, lifting my gaze to his.
“Thank you for helping me forget last night.”
“I’ll help you forget every night for as long as you need me to.”
Testing the water temp, he seems satisfied. With a hand, he helps me step into the shower. As I rinse under the warm water, he gathers shampoo in his hands.
I go to reach for the shampoo and he stops me. Putting his hands in my hair, he lathers the soap in. Eyes closed, I enjoy the soothing massage of his fingers.
Tears of appreciation gather in my eyes. “I don’t know what I’d do without you right now. I’d be lost, broken.”
Running my locks through his fist, he wrings out the soap and water.
“You would’ve found a way to get through it.”
The reality of Amberlee’ s death stabs at me, and my chest constricts, fighting back tears.
“How do you know that?”
He quietly laughs to himself. “You’re like me.”
The touch of the warm washcloth on my body keeps the tears at bay. I focus on his intense green eyes as he reaches lower, the washcloth caressing my skin. Between my legs, he lingers, moving the cloth forward and back in a delicate motion. Hand to my jaw, his thumb grazes my cheek, wiping away a stray tear before his masculine lips cover mine.
Withdrawing his hand, he puts his arms around me as I lay against his chest, letting the warm water soothe away the soreness in my muscles.
“I love you.”
His chin rests on my head, his hands moving over my back, rubbing me.
***
Placing ham on the second plate, I smile at him as he takes the plates and carries them into the dining room. The toast pops, and I slather them with butter before joining him. As usual, he’s put an empty chair close to his. I love that he does that. He always wants me within arm’s reach, I adore that about him. As masculine as he is around other men, he’s far more affectionate than I ever expected him to be.
“Last night…you were amazing the way you fought against them. I wish Alee could’ve seen them suffer.”
Taking a bite, I notice his brows pinch inward.
“For a while, I want you with me. You can join me while I take care of some business, then we’ll go to the range.”
“You’re worried about them retaliating?”
“Not worried.” Lifting his glass, he takes a drink. “Prepared. I know how men like them think.” His thoughts have darkened. I can see it in his detached expression and icy stare.
“What business?”
“I need to stop by some properties, collect rent, check on some things.”
In an effort to pull him from his thoughts, I pick up his empty plate and kiss him on the cheek.
“That was good. Thank you.”
After dropping the dishes in the sink to be cleaned later, we both get our jackets and boots.
On the back of his Harley, I enjoy the feel of the wind whipping over my face and his warm strong body in front of me. The ride is peaceful, a needed distraction. I worry how long it’ll take until I don’t need distractions. In an effort to not think about Amberlee, she becomes the very focus of my mind. The image of her pretty red hair, golden hazel eyes, and tilted, cocky smirk has tears welling in my eyes, my throat dry, my chest tightening. The most painful part is the fear I’ll lose the detailed memory of her beautiful face. It’s difficult to accept I’ll never get to hear her playful laugh or have her stroke my hair. She should be here. I’d give anything to see her one more time.
She was so young, so full of life, and now she’s gone while the men who hurt her are free to do what they want. I imagine the fight will cause conflict in the Serpents. Dominic’s grudge will never be laid to rest. How can Christian expect him to let it go, to have us ride alongside them?
When the bike slows, I look at the gray two-story house where we’ve stopped. Dominic parks the bike and steps off. Attention on me, his head tilts, expression empathetic.
“You thinkin’ about Alee?”
“Yeah, I couldn’t help it,” I wipe a couple stray tears. “I miss her.”
“Ah, baby,” Taking my hand, he helps me off the bike, taking me in his arms. “I know you do. I’ll get through these stops as quick as I can, then get you home.”
Letting go, he kisses me.
“Stay with the bike.”
Sexy in his jeans and jacket, I watch him take the three steps onto the porch and knock on the door. A man answers. His gaze sweeps the horizon before he hands Dominic a wad of cash. With a nod, he says a few words, then the man closes the door. Returning to the bike, Dominic puts the cash into a secure spot in his saddle bag.
“A few more of these stops and we’ll be done.”
“What’s the cash for?”
Dominic makes a sound against his cheek. “This is the kind of thing I wanna keep you away from. Can you be ok with that?”
It’s difficult not knowing the activity he’s involved in, but a stop like this, cash like that, leaves only a few possibilities; drugs, protection, a payoff, or the guy’s buying something from the Serpents.
“Yeah, just be careful.”
“I guess I got to,” Gripping the bars, he climbs on, “now that you’ve given me a reason to.”
Looking at me, he watches me climb on behind him.
“Ready?”
Arms around him, I rub my thumb over his abs through his shirt.
“I am.”
Five more stops like the first and Dominic brings me to the clubhouse. Pulling a smaller black leather bag from the inside of his saddlebag, it hangs from his arm as he puts the other around me.
Inside the clubhouse, there are a few bikers. Some are Serpents, some aren’t. Cinderville has always been a pass-through for bikers. I wouldn’t be surprised if the ones in here today aren’t from around here. I’ve never seen their emblems, so I’d say that’s the case. Two men are putting down burgers and beers. On their black jackets are a silver skull and crown. Their patch says, Kings. Dominic’s attention is instantly drawn to them, one of the men in particular.
“Jake fucking Castle.”
An attractive man with dark hair, vivid brown eyes, and beastly arms almost as big as Dominic’s turns his head our direction. Standing from the chair, he and Dominic give one another a brotherly hug and pat each other’s back.
“Damn, Dom. It’s been a while.”
“Years, man, it’s been years. How long you in town?”
“Only tonight. We head out tomorrow.”
“What brings you back here?”
“Business, we needed specialty parts and an excuse for a ride.” He pats his friend’s shoulder. “This is my brother, Nix.”
Nix stands, taller than both Dominic and Jake, with gorgeous green eyes and black medium length hair. With a curve of his lips, he gives us a friendly smile.
“Jake was telling me earlier how y’all used to run together as boys. It’s good to meet ya, brother.”
“You too, man.” Dominic points at Jake’s jacket. “So you’re a Kings. Not surprised to see you in leathers. Knew it would happen.”
One hand in his jeans pocket, Jake shrugs. “It was a long road to the Kings, but I’m where I belong now. How about you? Like father, like son.”
“Sometimes too much.” They both chuckle at something the two of them know, clearly about Dominic’s father.
Putting an arm around me, he makes me the center of attention.
“This is my girl, Erika.”
Looking me over, they both give a gesture of approval.
“Good to meet you. I’m Dominic’s cousin,” Jake tells me.
Now the familiarity between them makes sense. I can even see a bit of a resemblance too, except for their eyes. Standing between the three of these men, I feel intimidated. Each one of them is as hot as the next. Together, they’re a woman’s fantasy.
Handing me the black bag, Dominic nods toward Christian’s office. “Baby, can you take this to him?”
“Yeah.” I take the bag from his outstretched hand and glance back at them as Dominic joins their table and gets absorbed into their conversation.
Knocking first, I enter Christian’s office to find him sending a text. He raises his head and seems surprised to see me. Immediately, his eyes go to the black bag. He pulls out a drawer at his desk.
“Drop it in here. Where’s Dom?”
“Out there. His cousin Jake is passing through town.”
Christian closes the drawer, a grin on his face. “No shit.”
“Yeah, they’re out there eating and talking.”
Christian quickly stands from his desk.
“You know him too?”
“Yeah, Jake lived here when we were kids before him and his mom moved to Georgia.”
Christian seems eager to see him. He closes the door behind us and we walk down the hall in silence. In the clubhouse, there’s boisterous laughter from their table.
“You’re a father?” Dominic asks Jake.
“Hard to believe, right?” Nix jokes. “Liz has had him wrapped around her finger since the moment he met her.”
“Shit, I know the feeling. Been that way with Erika.”
My presence catches his attention. His sexy smile widens and he pulls me onto his lap.
As soon as Jake sees Christian, he stands, and they go through their own greeting.
Hand on my hip, Dominic caresses my bare skin, relaxing me with the simplest touch.
“Where y’all stayin’ tonight?”
“We’ll find a hotel somewhere around here.”
“Nah, brother, you both can stay with me.” Dominic looks to me. “Can you cook us something good?”
Pleased he asked, a smile briefly lifts the corners of my mouth. “Of course.”
“Well, hell, I’m not gonna turn down a free bed and a hot meal. Thanks, man.”
***
All three of them are settled around the table talking about bikes, riding, and memories of when they were young. I’ve learned Jake is with Nix’s sister, Liz and they just had a baby boy which Jake is thrilled about. With the way he talks about Liz, I can tell how much he loves her and his son.
With a sideways glance, Dominic checks on me. Excusing himself, he enters the kitchen and fills the space behind me, putting his warm arms around my waist.
“Smells good. Thanks for doing this.” He places a soft kiss against my neck.
“I’m happy to. Your cousin and Nix are nice guys.”
“They really are good men. I haven’t seen Jake in years. It’s good to catch up.”
I point to the cabinet. “Can you grab some plates?”
“Yeah, baby. Anything else you need?”
“Just a fresh beer,” I jingle the empty bottle in my hand, “I’m out.”
After getting the plates out of the cupboard, he brings me a beer while I put food on the plates. He helps me carry them in, and I join the guys, ready to eat.
“It’s crazy seeing Christian as the President of the Serpents,” Jake tells Dominic.
Lowering his beer from his lips, Dominic’s expression turns serious.
“I wanna say he’s not the boy you remember, but these days something’s changed. His focus for the Serpents isn’t what it used to be. Even as outlaws, we always had a code. Now he chooses to keep members who don’t respect the patch because he needs the numbers against our rivals.”
“The Serpents still deal in heavy business?”
Dominic takes another drink of his beer. I can see he’s thinking something over.
“Serpent business is Serpent business,” he smirks at Jake.
Chuckling, Jake fills his fork with more food. “Always loyal.”
“Nothing’s changed there. How’s your mom? She still in Georgia?”
A frown pulls at Jake’s lips. “She died a few years ago. Overdose,” Jake explains.
My fork drops, and Dominic reaches for me, rubbing my arm as the pain slams into my chest. Nix and Jake’s attention whip to me, reading my expression.
“You all right?” Nix asks, concerned.
“Her sister just died, overdose,” Dominic shares.
“Shit, I’m sorry Erika. I know how hard it is,” Jake replies, his tone rich with empathy.
Biting my lip, I refuse to let the tears fall. I take a breath, and Dominic slides my chair closer, rubbing my back. For a few minutes, everyone eats in silence. I feel bad for bringing down the mood.
“I’m sorry.”
“Nothing to apologize for,” Nix assures me. “We all understand the pain of losing someone. What was your sister’s name?”
“Amberlee. She was beautiful, bold red hair and a sassy personality.”
“Nix would’ve liked her.” Jake nudges Nix. “He’s got a thing for redheads.”
Nix rolls his eyes. Their jesting makes me laugh.
“Does the pain ever go away?” I ask suddenly, feeling a little foolish that it slipped out.
“No,” Jake says with feeling. “It’ll always hurt when you think of her, but the daily pain does go away.”
With his hand around my neck and shoulder, Dominic pulls me to him, kissing my head, soothing me with his affection.
“It’s too bad y’all have to leave. I like you a hell of a lot better than some of the Serpents.”
As he chews, Dominic smiles. It’s wonderful to see him so comfortable and happy around these fellow riders.
“If you two ever want to visit Nashville, my door’s always open,” Jake tells us.
“I’d love to,” I admit, my gaze glancing from Jake to Dominic and back.
Jake tips his head at Dominic. “Now you got an excuse for a ride.”
“We’ll take a trip,” he assures me.
***
Putting back beers, their laughter echoes into the kitchen. I finish the dishes and join them in the living room. Feeling tired, I snuggle up to Dominic on the couch. Laying my head on his shoulder, he kisses it.
“Baby, you look exhausted.”
“I am.”
“Go on up. I’ll hang here a while, then join you.”
“Ok, love you.”
Kissing him, he holds me to him, giving me a passion-filled kiss in return, stirring my arousal.
“Thanks for dinner.”
“You’re welcome.”
“Yeah, that chicken was great,” Nix says, lowering his beer. “We appreciate you cookin’.”
“Nice meeting you,” Jake says with a tip of his head and his beer.
“You too.” And I mean it.
As I ascend the stairs, I can hear them still.
“That’s a nice woman you got there. Don’t fuck it up.”
“He knows what he’s talking about. He almost fucked things up with Liz a couple of times.”
“He’ll never let me live it down,” Jake quips.
Dominic expresses amusement with a short laugh. “No need to worry, brother. She’s it. She’s the one I want with me on this crazy ass ride of life.”
The usual stair creaks beneath me and my beaming smile widens as I take the last couple steps and turn down the hall to our room.
***
Rolling over, Dominic runs his hand over my hip and side as he presses his erection into my ass. Lips sucking my ear lobe into his mouth, I moan when the tips of his fingers press against my clit.
I don’t know what time it is, but it feels early. Not that I care when his cock head is against my ass, turning me on.
“I want you to ride me, baby.”
“Ass or pussy?”
The hair on my skin rises when his hot breath and sexy voice rumbles against my ear.
“Both.”
Lying on his back, he runs his hands over my body as I straddle him. One hand plays with my nipple, pinching it to a pointed peak as his other slips between my cheeks, fingering my tight hole.
Stretching my arm out to the nightstand, I gather lubricant and place some in my hand. Fisting his erection, I pump up and down, and his eyelids lower, his hips rising slightly, matching my strokes.
His fingering gets rougher, stretching and opening me for him, making me wet with need. My strokes stop, and I hold his cock in my hand as I raise up on my knees, putting his head to my ass. A pleasured sound draws from his lips as I slowly slide onto him. Laying forward on his chest, he holds my ass cheeks as he thrusts up, pounding into me.
“Shit, baby.”
“You feel good too, so good.”
His lips take mine, loving me with his mouth as his cock fucks my ass, giving me the pleasure I desired. Gripping me, he pulls out and flips us, putting me on my back. Hands under my knees, he brings them toward my chest and holds them down as he thrusts into my pussy. Taking me hard, I bite my lip, trying to be quiet.
“I don’t care if they hear.”
Releasing my legs, he sits back on his. Straddling my legs around him, I’m still on my back. Entering my pussy, he tugs me tighter against him. A loud groan escapes my lips as he pinches my clit and thrusts into me. Rising on his knees, he lifts me off my ass. Hands on my legs, he holds me up as he fucks me. I’m completely in his control at this angle and I love it. Fast and hard thrusts draw more cries of pleasure from my mouth.
“Oh God, Dom,”
“That’s it, baby. Come for me.”
I do and come hard, soaking his cock. I ride the high as he thrust several more times before he reaches his orgasm.
Letting my legs down, I know I have a sated grin on my face. He lowers on top of me, kissing me.
“I love how much I turn you on.”
“I do too. You seem to have an endless supply of positions and toys. It’ll never get boring.”
“Hell no, it’ll never get boring. Not with how much kink we both like.”
Enclosing my breast in his hand, he sucks at my nipple, and I giggle at his playful nibbling.
“Hearing you say that, sounds like you’re thinking about us in the future.”
“I heard you just before I reached the top of the stairs. You’re it for me too, Dom. My forever.”
Wet lips leave a trail of kisses from my breasts to my neck. “Forever, huh? You willing to have clipped wings?”
I laugh as his lips nip at my neck. “What do you mean?”
“You’re my Sparrow, forever mine, forever having clipped wings.”
Kissing him, I hold his face to mine, looking into his sensuous emerald eyes.
“You’re a fool if you think my wings would be clipped. With you, I’m forever free.”