“Um, there’s one for the bar over there, but its usually pretty disgusting. You can go back to my room.”
“Marginally less disgusting,” she retorted, but there was a lightness in her voice. “I’ll go to your room.”
“You can find it okay?”
“Yeah, I think so.” She hesitated glancing up at me. “No one will,” she couldn’t finish the sentence but I figured out what she meant.
“No, I’d kill anyone who touched you and they know it.” Her eyes rounded and I eased up slightly. “Not that any of these guys would. They’re good guys. Just crude,” I finished, bouncing Kara lightly when she fussed. Sloan’s eyes strayed to her and she gave me a smile.
“You look good holding her.”
“So I’ve heard,” I mumbled, my face growing hot. “I’m not ready for babies yet.”
“Good to know,” she teased, her eyes dropping when she realized her words could come off as flirty. “Not that it matters to me,” she tacked on, stumbling backwards and almost hitting a wooden post.
“Careful, Jailbait. I might think you like me.” Her translucent skin couldn’t hide a telltale blush and she darted away without replying.
“Don’t you go teasing that girl, Creed. You’ll give her ideas,” Mary swatted my side and I sidled out of her reach. “She’s too young.”
“I know that. Why you think I call her Jailbait?”
“Just so long as you remember to use the right head.”
I bussed her cheek. “And which head would that be?”
“Oh, you,” she started after me and I used Kara as a shield to avoid her swinging as I headed for the kitchen.
“Hank, get your wife away from me. She’s after my hot bod,” I called, barreling into the kitchen, holding Kara like a football. She was laughing so I swung her up in the air.
“Your hot bod?” Hank repeated, lifting his shirt and exposing a hairy beer belly. “Why would she do something like that when she’s got this?”
“Hank,” Mary cried out, mortified as she slapped her hand on his belly. “Pull your shirt down. There are children present.”
“You’re right, man. I can’t beat that,” I smirked, lifting my shirt to show off my own flat stomach. “All I’ve got is this measly six pack.”
“No match for the keg,” Marcus shouted, raising his fork in the air.
“KEG! KEG! KEG!” They started chanting and Hank lifted his arms. He shrugged out of his kutte and peeled off the t-shirt he wore. He swaggered around the kitchen, arms lifted as each guy thumped his belly.
I didn’t even have to look down to know she’d come back. “Do I want to know?” She asked quietly, watching as Hank made the rounds.
“Just having a little contest to see who has the better body,” I answered, watching as Marcus tossed a sausage at Weasel.
“And he won?”
I laughed at the incredulity in her voice, glancing down at her head as she watched Hank parade around. “He did.”
“On what grounds?”
I shrugged, “Keg beats six pack every time.”
I felt more than saw her gaze as it swept over me. “I guess it depends on your audience,” she mumbled under her breath. I heard her though and grinned.
I leaned down to give Kara back to her and whispered, “Glad to know what you prefer.”
I headed to the table before she could reply, slapping my hand on Hank’s belly and he roared, picking me up and swinging me around.
“Whoa, Hank,” I shouted and he set me down with a thump. “You win,” I called out and there was a roar of agreement. “King of the KEG!” I laughed, grabbing a fork and scraping what was left from the pan onto a plate. I dug in, watching Sloan chat with Mary as the guys around me shouted back and forth. I couldn’t help but notice how comfortable she seemed and while I was glad, I wondered when it was going to hit her. Her life had changed in some huge and unexpected ways in a short amount of time. At some point it was going to catch up to her and all I could hope was it didn’t swallow her whole.
Most of the guys disbursed as I finished eating and Johnny caught my eye as he jerked his head for me to come over. I held in a sigh as I crossed over to him.
“I’ll give you today,” he said, rolling his tongue over his teeth. “But tomorrow, its business as usual and she better be occupied, got me?”
“Loud and clear,” I retorted, barely hiding a grimace. I loved him like a dad but, Jesus, he could hold a grudge. “She’ll be taken care of, no worries.”
“I hope so,” he answered, leaning down. “And she better not bring trouble to this club, you hear?”
“She won’t,” I promised, meeting his eyes as I lied through my teeth. “She was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
He nodded, his jaw locking as he studied me. “You better be right about that. We don’t need that kind of trouble.”
I nodded tightly, understanding his desire to stay under the radar. We had the goodwill of local law enforcement because we kept drugs and crime out of our town, but we didn’t need outsiders poking around. I glanced over at her, and once again, the bruises on her face hit me like a punch to the gut. They looked even worse today and I could tell by the way she was holding herself that she was hurting.
“You find out who did that to her and I’ll authorize the order,” Johnny added, following my gaze. I gave him a startled glance, but nodded my appreciation.
“Thanks,” I said briefly and he jerked his head slightly, already walking away.
I headed toward Sloan, ignoring my eagerness to be in her company again. “You ready to go shopping,” I asked, coming up next to the chatting women.
“I didn’t believe her when she said you’d offered to take her,” Mary commented, her shrewd gaze raking over me. I shrugged, shifting my weight uncomfortably as I looked to Hank for assistance. He shook his head, leaving me to squirm under Mary’s stare.
“I figure it’s the least I can do,” I answered uneasily. “I’m the only one she knows.”
Sloane watched me, her eyes shining, as Mary gave a noncommittal sound.
“Somehow, I doubt that’s the only reason,” she finally said, letting me off the hook. I let out a relieved sigh even as I shot Sloan a look of betrayal. She silently shook her head at me, not willing to take the blame.
“Take her by the salon. She needs a trim and maybe some highlights,” Mary commanded, jerking my attention back to her as I nodded automatically. It was impossible to say no to Mary and I didn’t even try anymore. It was easier to just go along.
“I don’t think that’s necessary,” Sloan’s voice faded under Mary’s stare and I bit back my grin, knowing Mary would yank a knot in my ass if she saw it. “Sure,” Sloane finished gracelessly, not glancing at me as she caved under the weight of Mary’s stare. “Sounds great.”
“Good,” Mary answered, her voice leaving no doubt she’d known we’d see it her way. “And, Creed,” she paused and I looked at her. “Those clothes better be church appropriate.” Hank choked as I nodded respectfully.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“I will see you later, dear,” Mary cooed at Sloan, stopping just short of pinching her cheek from the look of it. Sloan attempted a smile, but it was pained. Mary noticed and stopped. “It will be alright, maybe not today or even next week, but one day, you’ll see, everything will be alright.” She leaned forward, drawing Sloan into a hug, and after a tense second, Sloan relaxed enough to hug her back. “You need me, I’m just a phone call away, you hear?” She gave me a sharp glance and I nodded quickly.
“I’ll make sure she has your number,” I responded, moving to stand next to Sloan as Hank nudged Mary.
“Let’s get the little one home and down for a nap,” he said, giving her a suggestive wink. She blushed, shushing him as she glanced pointedly at us. “Oh, trust me, the boy’s heard it all, probably done it too,” Hank rumbled and it was Sloan’s turn to blush as she eyed me.
“Thanks,” I told him, moving Sloan forwa
rd, and he gave me an innocent stare. “Come on, let me get my keys,” I said to her, my hand hovering near her hip, close enough to feel her heat but not touch. I had a feeling touching her would be my downfall.
The door to my room was ajar and I approached it warily. I’d already figured out Sloane wasn’t the type to forget to shut a door, so someone was either in there or had come by and left me something. Neither thought was comforting.
“Maybe you should wait out here,” I suggested and she lifted her eyebrows, but nodded. I eased the door open with my foot and muttered a low, “Jesus,” at the sight in front of me.
“CREED!”
I closed my eyes at the shout, the familiar whiny tone already grating against my eardrums.
“Oh, wow,” I heard from behind me as Sloane peeked around me. “Are those real?”
I could only assume she was talking about the bouncing boobs on full display as Candy sat up on my bed, completely naked. “No,” I replied shortly before raising my voice. “What are you doing in here?”
“Is that anyway to say hello?” She pouted, her lower lip sticking out and I growled in exasperation.
“You shouldn’t be in here, Candy. We broke up,” I explained once again, slowing my words so maybe they’d sink in this time. Sloane made a surprised noise, drawing Candy’s attention to her.
“You got a new girl?” She accused, her expression jealous and I knew I needed to nip it in the bud immediately.
“No,” I said forcefully. “She’s under club protection. I’m showing her around.”
Candy’s eyes narrowed and she crossed her arms, shoving her boobs up and I winced, not even remotely turned on by the sight. “Uh huh,” she said, raking her eyes over Sloane, who stood next to me, watching in fascination. “I’m open to a threesome, if that’s what you want,” she said with a shrug as she tossed her hair over her shoulder.
Sloane took a step back and my hand went automatically to stop her from leaving. “No, Candy. No threesomes, no sex, no showing up in my room, clothed or naked. We’re done. Now, get out.” I shifted so I wasn’t blocking the door, my body partially shielding Sloan from view. Candy didn’t move for a minute, trying to figure out if I was serious and when she realized I was, she gave a huff and stormed out, still naked. I heard a whistle as I shut the door behind her. I leaned against it, turning my head to meet Sloane’s eyes.
She stared at me dryly as she said, “They know better than to come into your room, huh?”
Chapter Four
Sloan
He looked embarrassed and I almost regretted teasing him, but I hadn’t forgotten her enormously perky breasts or the ease in which she’d assumed a threesome would be acceptable. I wasn’t a prude but I also didn’t share.
He’s not yours to share, a little voice reminded me and it was my turn to drop my gaze. A niggle of jealously had taken hold the second I’d seen her lying on his bed, confident she’d be welcome. I still wasn’t sure if he’d said that for my sake or hers.
“We broke up weeks ago,” he answered, his voice short as he walked over to the bed. “She hasn’t gotten the hint.” He picked up the blanket and after a quick sniff, yanked it off the bed. He rolled it up and threw it in the corner with the rest of the pile, as I watched. “She thought she’d become my old lady and I’m not ready for that,” he continued, his voice laced with warning. I forced my gaze to remain steady, as if what he said didn’t matter, even as my heart jumped.
“We going to the store?” I asked, ignoring his comments. He arched a single dark eyebrow, but let me change the subject.
“We are.”
“I have some money,” I replied, going to my backpack.
“Save it,” he answered, his hand covering mine as I fumbled in the pockets. I stilled, startled by his swift movements. “This one is on me.” He removed his hand and I curled my fingers into my palm, my nails biting into the flesh. “We’ll find you something to do around here. Pay you. You can save it up so you don’t feel,” he paused and I said, “Trapped?” He nodded, easing back another step and I turned to face him, but he was closer than I thought and I had to tilt my head up to meet his eyes. It felt too close and I saw when he realized it because he took a hasty step back as his eyes dropped to my mouth. He grabbed a set of keys off the top of the dresser, his movements jerky as he gestured for me to go ahead.
“Come on,” he said gruffly and I scurried through the door. He pulled it shut and after a moment’s hesitation, locked it. I didn’t comment and he didn’t offer an explanation, instead steering me to the back door of the bar. I headed left when we went outside, seeing the line of bikes backed in, but he snagged my arm and led us to an old pickup truck. “More space,” he mentioned, holding the passenger door open for me. I nodded and pulled myself inside, the cracked vinyl rough under my hands as I pushed aside crumpled fast food bags. I settled my feet carefully on the floorboard, avoiding the tools scattered on it.
Creed shoved the discarded bags onto the floorboard with a disgusted sigh. “My younger brother usually drives the truck to school. He’s a slob.”
I lifted my eyebrow, but didn’t bother to mention the pile of dirty clothes in Creed’s room. He must have seen something on my face because he added defensively, “Laundry is a pain.” I shook my head, keeping my mouth shut and he put the truck in gear. “There’s a Wally World out on the highway. That work?”
I started to nod but his focus was on the road as he pulled out of the parking lot. I had to clear my throat but managed to mutter, “Yeah,” as I studied the area. It had been dark when we’d arrived and even if it hadn’t been, I’d been so exhausted he could have brought me to an underground bunker and I wouldn’t have noticed.
Looking out the window, it was like seeing a town the world forgot. We were in a downtown area and there were businesses but all of them looked like mom and pop types. There were no fast food chains or coffee drive thrus to be seen.
“That’s Ronnie’s place,” Creed said, interrupting my thoughts as I turned to see where he indicated. The place had an actual barbershop pole in front of it but otherwise looked updated. “Ronnie took it over after old man Miller passed. She wanted to take the pole down, but Johnny told her no.” He slid me a smile. “Made it part of the loan he gave her.” I nodded, but his mention of Johnny made me realize just how much influence the club welded over this town. “She does a good business,” he continued, pride in his voice. “A lot of the women were happy when she opened the salon.”
“What’s it called?” I asked, craning my neck to see if I saw a sign.
He shot me a puzzled glance. “The salon?” He answered, the hesitation in his voice telling me he was guessing. I felt a flicker of amusement at his ignorance, knowing the place had to have a name. I sat back against the seat, the vinyl warm on my back as my hand went to my side. It was still tender, but I didn’t think anything was broken. I was just going to be sore for a few days. Creed must have caught the motion from the corner of his eye because he let out a grumble that sounded suspiciously like a curse.
“I meant to take a look at your ribs before we left. We might need to tape them up,” he mumbled, darting quick glances at me as he got on the main highway.
I shifted a little, dropping my hand, as heat shot through me at the thought of him touching me. “It’s fine,” I dismissed. “Just sore.”
“Still, I want to check it out,” he said, his brusque tone leaving no doubt it was an order and not a request. I nodded, turning my head from his tight expression as he drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. A tense silence fell between us, before he finally burst out, “If you’re comfortable with me looking at your ribs. Touching you.” The last part trailed off awkwardly as he directed his attention to the road, his knuckles almost white on the steering wheel.
“I trust you,” I murmured quietly, watching from the corner of my eye as his grip on the steering wheel eased. The words felt strange coming out of my mouth, but they were honest. He hadn’t hurt me o
r forced me to do anything I didn’t want to do. In fact, he’d gone out of his way to help me. I twisted in the seat so I faced him, ignoring the sharp twinge as my ribs protested the move. “Why are you doing this?” I asked and he shot me a questioning glance. “Helping me,” I elaborated, suddenly desperate to know his reasons.
He shrugged, slowing the truck slightly as he tried to formulate an answer.
“You didn’t have to,” I continued. “You could have left me there. You could have left me at the gas station or sent me home with Mary. But you didn’t.”
“No, I didn’t,” he echoed, his voice thick.
“Why?” I burst out. “I get my mom. She was protecting me. It was like her job, but you…. you were just a guy driving by.”
“Sometimes,” he said before starting over, “You ever wonder if you’re meant to do something, help someone that normally you might never have met?”
“Like fate?” I questioned. “Or God?”
“Yeah,” he nodded, his thumb tapping the steering wheel.
“I don’t know,” I finally answered.
“Well, maybe that’s why,” he concluded, giving me a swift glance before focusing back on the road and I realized that was all he was going to give me.
“Well, just so you know I suck at blow jobs,” I muttered, crossing my arms over my chest as I stared back out the passenger window.
He made a choked sound before saying, “I think that’s what they call an oxymoron.” My head turned but before I could comment he said, “We’re here.”
We bumped into the parking lot of the discount store and I let it go, not sure I wanted to pursue the conversation anyway.
“I don’t need much,” I told him as we walked in and he grabbed a buggy.
“Who says I don’t need a few things?” He answered, smiling, and I almost tripped at the sight. He was playful and lighthearted, and completely different than the tough guy at the clubhouse. “I need a new toothbrush,” he stated and I stared at him in disbelief.
Jailbait (Southern Rebels MC Book 1) Page 4